Summer Program
to Fight Hunger & Climate Change
HandS-On INTERNSHIPS For High School Students who want to care for their environment and make a difference in their community
Summer Program Flyer PDF for 2026
Spanish Summer Program Flyer PDF for 2026
"One thing I really love about the Summer Program is that we weren't only helping ourselves by learning, we were also helping the hungry…that just gives you such a rush of joy" — Hasana Sayeed, 2022 Intern
"It made me appreciate the process a lot more." — Kenneth Chang, 2022 Volunteer
“I met so many just amazing people, and I’ve…really expanded my knowledge of plants, sustainability, and gardening…[I]t’s just been a really amazing experience.” — Claire Labenne, 2022 Mentor
check out our Two locations
Port Washington, Manhasset, Roslyn, Great Neck, North Hempstead & Huntington
East Hampton, Amagansett, Montauk and Sag Harbor
About the Program
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
This program is for high school students and adult volunteers who want to take action on biodiversity, climate resilience, and food security — right here in our community.
We believe in "learning while doing." That means getting your hands dirty. Real projects, real work, real results.
The program runs at two locations:
The Cow Neck Chapter of ReWild Long Island runs the program in the Town of North Hempstead, centered around Port Washington, NY — running since summer 2020.
The South Fork Chapter runs the program centered around East Hampton, NY — running since summer 2023.
Both programs emphasize sustainable landscaping through hands-on experience. Here's what you'll do:
Organic and regenerative food production: plant, water, weed, prune, and care for fruit and vegetable gardens — with produce donated to local food pantries
Rewilding and sustainable landscaping: plant native perennials, maintain rewilded spaces, and document the biodiversity that follows
Composting and recycling: turn kitchen scraps and yard waste into rich soil for the vegetable beds
Connecting with nature: nature walks, bird banding, monarch butterfly release, oyster farming
Lectures: weekly Saturday Zoom sessions with knowledgeable environmentalists
Sustainable garden design: design and present a garden plan with your team
Training: in-person classes in rewilding and sustainable gardening
Applications
Applications open April 1 each year and are due by May 1 — submit by then and you're guaranteed an interview slot.
We welcome students of all abilities and backgrounds. We actively seek diversity across gender, race, socio-economic status, and ability, because stronger communities come from many perspectives.
You can apply as a student intern or a student volunteer. Here's what's different between the two:
Volunteer
Complete at least 30 hours of work (including training)
Certificates after successful completion
Recommended for those who cannot make the more rigorous time commitments that internships require
Internship
Complete at least 60 hours of work (including training)
Stipend of $300
Certificates after successful completion
Lend a Hand (South Fork only)
For those who are seriously overcommitted, but want to connect to nature
Bring a family member or visiting friend
Spots are limited, so we're looking for students who:
Love hands-on work — in the soil, growing food, and supporting plants, birds, bees, butterflies, and the rest of the web of life
Want to take action on hunger, climate change, and the loss of biodiversity
Can get to work sites regularly
Are self-motivated and responsible
Take outdoor safety seriously
What's in it For You
Learning: Rewilding, regenerative gardening, biodiversity — you'll dig into all of it through hands-on training and real work in the field.
Time outside: No cubicles. You'll work outdoors at sites across Long Island.
New friends: You'll meet mentors, fellow interns, and volunteers who actually care about this stuff.
Making a difference: This isn't busy work. You'll contribute to real efforts fighting hunger, climate change, and biodiversity loss — and by the end of summer, you can point to what you did.
Stipend: Interns receive a stipend at the end-of-program ceremony. Volunteers who complete 60 hours will be considered if additional slots are available.
Recommendation letters: Just ask. We write letters for motivated, responsible students — interns and volunteers alike.
Leadership: Come back next year and help run the program.
Summer Program in the News
ReWild Launches Second Summer Internship Program in East Hampton
Rewild Long Island will kick off its summer program, engaging teen volunteers with a variety of environmentally-friendly activities, and educate students on food insecurity and native species
Manda Kalimian collaborates with environmental activists to rewild the nation
ReWild Effort Continues to Grow
Students are Carrying the Message of ReWilding
From Montauk to Mattituck and many places in between, the message of ReWilding is resonating with students on the East End.
The ReWild movement — in which humans work to return land to its natural state, in the hopes that ecological balance will ensue — is taking off all over the world.
ReWild Long Island will launch the fourth summer of its South Fork internship program in 2026, offering high school students hands-on experience in sustainability, food security and environmental stewardship.
