The Triangle Land Conservancy’s (TLC) Pathways Into Natural Environments and Science program (PINES) works to create a pathway of opportunities for Knightdale High School students in the field of conservation and natural resources. Students will learn about career opportunities in conservation, build relationships with TLC staff and board members, and learn about conservation through experiences surrounding TLC’s four benefits of land conservation: safeguarding clean water, protecting natural habitats, supporting local farms and food, and connecting people with nature. There will also be an opportunity for TLC to learn from PINES participants, by soliciting input 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 participants:
- Cohort of peers to explore opportunities and grow alongside with.
- For completion of 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.
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 [email protected].
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.
Qualifications: current (as of Spring semester) sophomore and juniors at Knightdale high school.
FAQ:
Is PINES an internship?
PINES is a TLC fellowship program. The goal is for students to learn about the natural world while also gaining important skills for the job market. PINES seeks to equip students with knowledge and skills that can be applied to future careers, education, or projects. The PINES program is an opportunity that students can include on college applications, but it will also count as work experience for students looking to gain hands on skills.
Do you get paid for participating in PINES?
Yes! As of Spring 2025 students will 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!
Quotes from previous PINES fellows:
“I want people to know that PINES is a irreplicable opportunity to discover yourself while discovering the processes of nature.”
“My most impactful experience in PINES was the star party because I got to teach the next generation of environmentalists about the way the things in the sky effect the way things work on the ground.”
“I genuinely think that PINES is amazing. It is run by some cool people and they helped me figure out what I wanted to do in school.”
Contact information:
Kayla Ebert, Senior Education and Outreach Manager
Meera Butalia, Environmental Education Associate
