A University of Vermont student studying environmental policy and law spoke during the Jan. 2 meeting to request an internship or volunteer opportunity with the Middleborough Conservation Commission. The student said she has experience running youth programs at an urban farm in Baltimore, has worked several years in local supermarkets and is eager to support community food access and conservation activities in Middleborough.

Commissioners and staff described existing community garden work at Pecony Farm, recent trail and youth reading programs on some properties, and the commission’s history of hosting unpaid and school‑supported internships (Bridgewater State University and local high school internship examples were discussed). Staff said interns from local colleges have sometimes been able to receive a stipend through their school and that volunteer or short‑term project assignments are possible during academic breaks.

Commission staff and members said the commission has a newly hired land manager who runs field programs and could be a contact for practical experience. The applicant’s contact information will be forwarded to the land manager for potential seasonal or remote tasks during the spring semester and in summer breaks.

Why it matters: Local conservation and community garden programs rely on seasonal help and student internships for outreach, trail work and education projects. Eager students often provide labor and ideas while gaining field experience.

Next steps: Staff will connect the student with the land manager and explore remote project work during the school term and on‑site opportunities during breaks.