We pride ourselves on offering interns a meaningful and active work experience that expands both their résumés and perspectives. And each year one outstanding intern is chosen to acknowledge the significant work they have done for the organization–the Richard M. Sargent Intern. This year, that intern is Brandon Zabriskie.
Brandon is a student at Montclair State University studying biology with an environmental focus. He became a stewardship intern at The Land Conservancy of New Jersey because he wanted to get started helping to protect the environment and the natural world.
Mission accomplished! Brandon's manager Dennis Briede says, “Brandon is a hardworking, caring stewardship intern who is always eager to learn more about the natural world.”
We certainly found that to be true in talking and working with Brandon. He eagerly shared photos of animals, plants, and fungi he discovered working with Dennis and the stewardship team at The Land Conservancy’s preserves. When the Outdoor Ambassadors came to visit South Branch Preserve, Brandon did not hesitate to put on a pair of waders and scoop macroinvertebrates out of the river for the students to examine. His enthusiasm and good humor serves him well.
Brandon says, “When many people think about protecting the environment, they focus on rainforests or coral reefs. At TLCNJ I’ve learned that the world in our backyard is just as beautiful and important as any of these other places."
The Land Conservancy established the Richard M. Sargent, Jr. Internship in 2007 as a sustainable, ongoing internship to hire students to work with our staff, which benefits both the students and The Land Conservancy. This fund provides us with a steady source of funds to attract talented college students to help accomplish our mission of preserving open space lands and protecting water resources in New Jersey.
Dick Sargent was a dedicated conservationist who served on The Land Conservancy of New Jersey’s board of trustees for more than a decade. Dick’s energetic devotion to the outdoors was embodied in his work, and he used his corporate background to support our land preservation efforts. Dick spent his entire career working for the Chubb Corporation, where his lifelong interest in education led to his position as president and CEO of the Chubb Institute.
Congratulations, Brandon, for carrying on Dick’s legacy!
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