The Land Conservancy’s Summer Internship Program is Open for Applications

The Land Conservancy of McHenry County (TLC) has opened its Conservation Leadership Internship Program (CLIP) to applicants for the summer of 2026. The application period is open now through Feb. 15. Students can learn more and apply at https://conservemc.org/clip/.

CLIP is a paid, hands-on learning experience designed to give students the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the conservation field as a professional. No experience is needed to apply for CLIP, and it is open to high school juniors, seniors and college students. Participants must be able to work in extreme weather conditions and on adverse terrain. The program takes place 40 hours per week from May-August 2026, and the pay is $15 per hour, or college credit.

Participants will gain experience areas such as: plant identification, land management, GIS/GPS training, prescribed fire training, herbicide use, rare plant monitoring, wildlife/stream surveys, sustainable farming techniques, land preservation techniques, field safety, scientific research/experimental design, art in the natural world, career development and professional networking.

These skills will give participants a strong understanding of the field of conservation and serve as a springboard for a professional career in the field.

Field trips and networking opportunities are available to those selected for the program, and may include trips to Nachusa Grasslands and Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie.

The Land Conservancy of McHenry County is a member-based private nonprofit dedicated to preserving natural, scenic and agricultural land.