Bloedel Reserve Internship Program

Bloedel Reserve Internship Program

The Bloedel Reserve Horticulture Internship Program offers transformative, paid educational internships for students passionate about public horticulture. Spanning 11 weeks, this immersive program provides hands-on learning opportunities in diverse garden areas, complemented by weekly educational sessions and an enriching field trip. Interns will rotate among garden area managers, arborists, turf specialists, communications, and visitor experience staff, gaining invaluable insights into various aspects of public garden operations.

Each week focuses on a different learning module, covering essential topics like plant identification, propagation, composting, integrated pest management, social media, and visitor experience, broadening their understanding of the larger organizational dynamics. The pinnacle of the program is the intern-led landscape improvement project, showcasing acquired skills and creativity.

Gardens North Manager, Sean Peterson, leads the program incorporating staff and past intern input and feedback.

What You’ll Learn

Industry standards for plant propagation, pruning, weeding, planting, and transplanting
Native and non-native plant identification
Sustainable garden maintenance and renovation
Rotations through various departments (communications, visitor experience, public programs)
Basics of integrated pest management, composting, and green waste management
Wildlife habitat and forest stewardship
History and maintenance of diverse gardening styles
Safe work practices, including tool and machinery use

Apply for the 2026 Internship Program

Who Should Apply?  

We welcome applications from students aged 16 and above, including college, high school, and nontraditional students, as well as individuals exploring career changes. No prior experience in horticulture is required—simply a demonstrated interest in plants, the environment, or working in public green spaces. Selection will also consider school performance, work history, and community involvement. 

 The 2026 application process is not yet open.

2025 Intern Biographies

I recently graduated from the University of Washington with a major in Environmental Science and French Studies. Through my studies and experiences, I have realized that I want to continue working with plants in some capacity. I am looking forward to getting more involved in a horticultural landscape applying what I have previously learned about plants, but also learning more about design, garden and sustainable practices within the Bloedel Reserve and having the chance to work with all those who contribute to the gardens.

– Mikaela Seelke, 2025 Horticulture & Design Intern

I graduated this past spring from Stephen F. Austin State University with a bachelor’s degree that concentrated on horticulture. After living in Texas my whole life, I’m so excited to see what kinds of opportunities there are in the field of horticulture that other states have to offer and this internship truly sounds like such an amazing opportunity. What I look forward to the most is working in a more hands on environment, where I can learn about the different plant maintenance, design, and propagation techniques that other horticulturalists utilize as well as expanding my knowledge on plant identification because I love identifying plants! Not only has this internship allowed me to travel and work in such a breathtaking location, but I’ll also be able to gain so much more important knowledge and experience regarding plant life within the pacific north west.

– Holly Martinez, 2025 Horticulture & Design Intern

I am currently studying Plant Science at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, California. I am so excited to get a wide range of hands-on experience in the cultivation of a public garden. Not only is the Bloedel a beautiful place to work, but the program is impressively comprehensive. I am particularly enthused to learn about public education, to work with trees, and to learn about lots of new plants. Through the hands-on experience, I hope to learn what skills or jobs I want to delve deeper into, and which ones I may not want to.

– Kate Kalcic, 2025 Horticulture & Design Intern

Hello! My name is Eliza and I am from Baltimore, Maryland. I’m a rising junior at Reed College in Portland Oregon where I study Anthropology with a concentration in Science, Environment, and Technology Studies. I have always been interested in public gardens as I believe they are incredibly important in giving the community a beautiful and accessible place to come together. The internship program at Bloedel piqued my interest because I was inspired by Bloedel’s mission of creating a transformative, tranquil environment for everyone to enjoy. I was, too, inspired by the management style of the Horticulture and Design team as they strive to blend both aspects of traditional botanical gardens and wilderness in such an incredible way.

–Eliza Turrall, 2025 Horticulture & Design Intern

Intern Testimonials

What I experienced during my internship at the Reserve was a bright, welcoming environment where I was encouraged to learn a variety of new skills, and grow my understanding of how a nonprofit organization like Bloedel Reserve operates. Coworkers were very knowledgeable and supportive, and I felt totally comfortable to give whatever we were working on a shot, whether it was mowing a lawn for my first time or backing up a trailer. I am grateful to have had this opportunity and to be a part of the Bloedel Reserve community.

-Maia Vigneron, 2023 Horticulture & Design Intern