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 10-12 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 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. 

 Stay tuned for the 2027 application window.

2026 Intern Biographies

I studied Horticulture with a focus in Landscape and Urban horticulture at Oregon State University. During my time at OSU, I volunteered with the OSU Campus Arboretum and saw first-hand how interacting with the public about plants helps form genuine connections with the community. As an intern at Bloedel, I hope to continue learning about landscapes, plants, and how to best serve the community through public gardens.

– Lindsey Brooks, 2026 Horticulture & Design Intern

I recently graduated with a bachelors in Therapeutic Horticulture at Oregon State University and was drawn to Bloedel because of my love of being outdoors and connecting to the natural world as a way to find peace and healing, along with interest in landscaping and design. I aim to learn how to cultivate beautiful and therapeutic spaces through landscaping and how public gardens can serve and support the public.

– Maxine Ma, 2026 Horticulture & Design Intern

I studied Environmental Studies with a concentration in Biology at Reed College, where I discovered my passion for ecology and plant sciences after studying invasive plant management in Tanzania. While my background is in field research, I have volunteered at botanical gardens and ran science outreach programming in nature spaces. The Horticulture and Design internship is my first foray into horticulture, and I’m excited to learn how to curate spaces that inspire reflection and peace.

– Katie Riley, 2026 Horticulture & Design Intern

I studied Environmental Studies and spent several seasons working with the U.S. Forest Service and National Park Service as a wildlife surveyor and a wildland firefighter. After moving to Bainbridge Island in 2023, I began volunteering at Bloedel Reserve, where my time in the bird marsh inspired a deeper curiosity about plants. That curiosity led me to enroll in the Horticulture program at South Seattle College, where I am currently halfway through. Bloedel has become a meaningful place to grow my knowledge and contribute to this incredible landscape.

– Kari Siceloff, 2026 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