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 8 to 9 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 2025 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. 

 Applications Open: January 15, 2025
Deadline to Apply: March 1, 2025
Interviews: First two weeks in March 2025

2024 Intern Biographies

I was born and raised in Ogden, Utah. I am currently attending Weber State University, pursuing a degree in Botany and a minor in Geospatial Information Systems. I am looking forward to working in a new environment and learning about the plants that Bloedel Reserve has to offer. Additionally, I’m excited to be a part of a community and team that are passionate about similar areas of study. I look forward to gaining insights into the efforts that contribute to the Reserve’s success.

– Emma Diaz, 2024 Horticulture & Design Intern

What interests me most about being a horticulture Intern at Bloedel is what I will learn while I’m there. This learning will consist of what it takes to run a public garden from guest services to maintaining the grounds, providing a unique learning opportunity that will benefit me later in my career. Another key learning experience will be expanding my knowledge of plants in the Pacific Northwest. I have always had a fascination with the area coming from Houston, where the environment is significantly different.

– Joanna Garcia, 2024 Horticulture & Design Intern

I am a rising junior at the University of Vermont studying Agroecology and Landscape Design with a minor in Food Systems. What I am most looking forward to in this internship is the opportunity to continue my education through the summer. The Reserve seems like a beautiful and welcoming place to learn, and I am excited to get a well rounded and hands on experience in horticulture. It will also be fun to have a chance to apply some of the knowledge that I have gained in undergrad so far

– Mack Hamilton, 2024 Horticulture & Design Intern

My name is Elio Ilagan (they/them) and I’m a University of Michigan student with interests in ethnobotany, hiking, and the preservation of natural areas. The internship at Bloedel Reserve caught my attention because of the program’s comprehensive combination of teaching experiences and onsite training in multiple botany-related fields.

–Elio Ilagan, 2024 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