KENT, Conn.—Kent Land Trust (KLT) is accepting applications for the 2026 Kelly Alisha Tobin Summer Internship, an opportunity designed to inspire the next generation of conservation leaders while honoring the memory and legacy of Kelly Alisha Tobin.
Kelly Tobin was the daughter of KLT board member Bob Tobin and, after her early death, the land trust established a paid summer internship program in her name to provide hands-on environmental education for college students. Her father also donated 241 acres of land in 2012 for the Audrey and Robert Tobin Preserve.
The Kelly Alisha Tobin Summer Internship provides hands-on experience in land conservation, environmental stewardship, community engagement, and nonprofit operations. The selected intern will work closely with KLT staff and volunteers on projects that may include trail stewardship, habitat monitoring, outreach initiatives, event support, land management planning and educational programming.
This paid summer internship is open to motivated students or recent graduates with an interest in environmental science, conservation, natural resource management, nonprofit leadership or related fields. The program reflects Kelly’s passion for community, education, and the natural world, and seeks to foster meaningful connections between young professionals and the landscapes that define Kent.
“Through this internship, we are not only supporting a student’s professional growth, but also strengthening our conservation work here in Kent,” said Melissa Cherniske, program manager of Kent Land Trust. “Kelly’s legacy continues to inspire us, and this program ensures her spirit of curiosity, kindness and dedication to community lives on.”
Interns will gain valuable field experience, build professional skills, and contribute directly to the stewardship of Kent’s conserved lands. From maintaining trails and monitoring preserves to helping lead community programs, the intern will play an integral role in advancing KLT’s mission to preserve natural resources, protect open space, and connect people to the land.
The internship will run during the summer of 2026, with specific dates and application details available on the Kent Land Trust website. For more information about the internship, including eligibility requirements and how to apply, please click here or contact Cherniske at KLTMelissaC@gmail.comAbout Kent Land Trust
Founded in 1989, the Kent Land Trust is a nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to protecting the natural resources, scenic landscapes, and rural character of Kent.
