Like university hospitals teach the next generation of doctors the real life of their profession, so the nurseries of the Golden Gate National Parks teach college graduates the real world of plant propagation and restoration. Here interns take the science theory learned in college and apply it to the world of plant production. Our interns learn by participating in a program that is a leader of Native plant nurseries growing for habitat restoration.

While gaining the real world experience needed to build a career, not only do interns have the opportunity to learn practical skills, decide if they actually want to spend 40 hours a weeks doing this type of work, they also provide much needed professional support to the nursery programs. While giving, usually, a year of their lives to “their” nursery, the nurseries and Conservancy, in cooperation with the Park Service and Presidio Trust, provide an intensive training program of up to 30 classes throughout the year. These classes include such topics as Restoration Theory, Planning and Permits, Genetics and Seed Collection, Seed Sowing, Vegetative Propagation, Hand Tool Maintenance, Field Soils, Nursery Soil and Analysis, Plant Nutrition, First Aid and CPR, and Interpretive Techniques.

As interns work side by side with experience professional staff at the nursery, they also have the opportunity to work on individual projects that are in their particular areas of interest.


For more information or to look for an internship oportunity with the Nurseries and in Golden Gate National Parks click here. Or send us an email at: byoung@parksconservancy.org