Pathways Into Natural Environments and Science (PINES)
Triangle Land Conservancy’s (TLC)Pathways Into Natural Environments and Science program (PINES) helps Knightdale High School students explore opportunities in the conservation and natural resources fields. Students will learn about careers in conservation, build relationships with TLC staff and board members, and engage in learning experiences focused on the four benefits to the community of land conservation: safeguarding clean water, protecting natural habitats, supporting local farms, and connecting people with nature. TLC will also learn from PINES students through their perspectives on important issues affecting our communities.
PINES Program Goals
- Provide high school students with information and resources for future opportunities in natural environments and science-based careers (and beyond!).
- Introduce students to mentors in the field of conservation.
- Foster future environmental stakeholders by providing space to incorporate fresh, new voices into the outdoor narrative.
- Build community while connecting students to nature.
Benefits for Program Participants
- Cohort of peers to explore opportunities and grow with.
- For completing the Spring PINES program, students will receive $1,500 (paid throughout the semester)
- Funding available for student professional development (college applications, standardized testing costs, college tours, relevant certifications)
- Outdoor gear, provided by Great Outdoor Provision Co.
- Opportunity to gain leadership skills by mentoring the PINES cohort as a PINES Senior Fellow.
How to Apply
Qualifications
Students must be current (as of the spring semester) sophomore and juniors at Knightdale High School.
Time Commitment
PINES meets weekly for two hours on Monday afternoons and biweekly for Stewardship Wednesdays during the spring school semester. The program runs from February to May and also includes monthly weekend trips as well as additional summer opportunities.
Once accepted, students have the option to return for the following year(s) of programming until they graduate from Knightdale High School.
2025-2026 Application
The 2025-2026 PINES fellowship application will be open until December 21st, 2025. It should take approximately 30 minutes to complete. Click this link: TLC PINES Fellowship Application 2025-2026 to access the application. If you have any trouble filling out the form or have any questions, please reach out to Meera Butalia at mbutalia@triangleland.org.
Is PINES an internship?
PINES is a fellowship program, meaning there is an explicit focus on learning and participant growth. PINES seeks to equip students with knowledge and skills that can be applied to future careers, education, or projects. This program is an opportunity that students can include in college applications, but it will also count as work experience for students looking to gain hands-on skills. We can also work with participants to count PINES hours towards internship credit requirements.
Do you get paid for participating in PINES?
Yes! Students receive a stipend of $1,500 paid throughout the semester. Attending all required meetings and field trips totals to 100 hours during the spring semester.
What if I don’t feel qualified to apply to PINES?
Any student at Knightdale High School with an interest in nature, environmental science, or the outdoors is qualified to apply. The PINES program exists to introduce and help people further explore these interests. We do not expect you to have much or any previous experience. All that matters is that you are interested and excited to learn!
Can I use PINES to fulfill my KAES internship requirements?
Yes! However, to meet the minimum 120-hour requirement for KAES, you will need to attend every Stewardship Wednesday meeting along with the base PINES meetings on Mondays (PINES only requires two Wednesdays per month.)Time c
PINES meets weekly for two hours on Monday afternoons and biweekly for Stewardship Wednesdays during the spring school semester. The program runs from February to May and also includes monthly weekend trips as well as additional summer opportunities.
Once accepted, students have the option to return for the following year(s) of programming until they graduate from Knightdale High School.
We learned a lot of important things, but my personal favorite takeaway from all of PINES would be interacting with professionals and learning about their jobs.
I’ve explored new majors and careers that may allow me more time outside, which will allow me a happier life as a whole.
I will always be impacted by PINES because I will always look at nature a little more closely and hold more appreciation to what I see.
Contact
Kayla Ebert
