Land Trust Starts College Intern Program

ELKTON/CECIL COUNTY: Cecil Land Trust, a nonprofit conservation organization, works with private landowners and the public to protect the health and sustainability of agricultural lands,  open space, and water resources now and for  future generations. This year, Cecil Land Trust  initiated a college summer internship program. Juniata College junior, Emma Dedrick, born and raised in Cecil County, filled the position for summer 2022.

“This program introduces a college student interested in conservation to the important work our local land trust does to protect healthy land and clean water in our county,” explains Executive Coordinator, Alisa Webb. “Emma is a wonderful asset to Cecil Land Trust. She  works on enhancing our website and updating our easement files. She will be talking to board members as well as land owners about how Cecil Land Trust has impacted them.”
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​“It’s incredibly important that the community knows and understands the vital work Cecil Land Trust does to ensure our agricultural lands, open spaces, and water sources are protected now and for the future,” adds Land Trust Board Member, Virginia Kennedy. “As a Professional Writing and Communications Major, Emma is helping us to update our communication and outreach tools to get the word out about this important public service organization.”

Emma Dedrick, Cecil 2022 Land Trust Intern

Cecil Land Trust works with property owners across the county to support their environmental sustainability efforts and assist in protecting their forest or farmlands.  Whether the land is used for farming or as natural space like a forest or park, Cecil Land Trust works to ensure the land is used responsibly, so that these spaces are conserved now and for future generations. “It’s exciting work,”    Dedrick explains. “I am getting experience in a lot of things I’ve never done before, but it’s important to learn how to do this kind of work. Young people like me may feel too inexperienced to get involved in conservation efforts – especially those of us who aren’t scientists. Programs like this internship can help us learn where we fit in, and how to do the work we want to do.”

“We’ve never had an intern before, but we find Emma’s presence is a real plus.  iIt’s a great opportunity for the Land Trust and for young people who want to learn about conservation and get good work experience.” affirms Bill Kilby, the President of the land trust. “It’s important for young people to get involved and see the inner workings of land preservation.

For more information on Cecil Land Trust, please visit us on Facebook and at www.cecillandtrust.org. Or contact Alisa Webb at [email protected] or 410-441-3717.