PPFF adds two summer interns to support Pennsylvania parks and forests

The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation has brought on two summer interns, Annalise Velasquez and Natalie Nichols, to help with outreach, research and conservation work in Pennsylvania. The hires come as PPFF looks to strengthen its volunteer support and public engagement around the state’s public lands.

Why it matters: - PPFF’s summer internship program is helping the foundation build the next generation of conservation advocates. - The interns are expected to support work that connects more Pennsylvanians to state parks, forests and other public lands. - PPFF says the additional staffing will help expand outreach, volunteer support and public engagement around natural resources.

What happened: - The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation announced two new summer interns on June 25, 2026. - Annalise Velasquez and Natalie Nichols joined the Camp Hill-based nonprofit to support its conservation mission. - Marci Mowery, PPFF president, said investing in emerging conservation leaders is essential to the future of the state’s parks and forests.

The details: - Velasquez is a recent Bucknell University graduate with degrees in Environmental Studies and Economics. - Velasquez also minored in Dance and was a member of the Bucknell Dance Company. - Her internship work will include research, writing about conservation and environmental history in Pennsylvania, and conducting interviews. - Velasquez said environmentalism connects to social life, community building and social advocacy. - Nichols recently graduated from Shippensburg University’s Communications and Journalism department. - Nichols has a background in archival and organizational work, plus personal experience in wildlife advocacy and conservation. - Her internship duties include social outreach material, research projects, event assistance and office support. - Nichols has worked on efforts to teach local elementary school students about the importance of vultures. - Nichols said she wants to help people understand and value less popular species, including parasites and snakes.

Between the lines: - PPFF is using internships as both a staffing resource and a leadership pipeline. - The foundation’s focus on outreach suggests a strategy that goes beyond land stewardship and toward public behavior change. - Nichols’ emphasis on overlooked wildlife and Velasquez’s interest in the social side of environmentalism point to a broader conservation message that blends ecology with civic engagement.

What's next: - Velasquez and Nichols will support PPFF’s work over the summer while gaining experience in conservation, communications and public engagement. - PPFF said the interns will help the organization better serve Pennsylvanians and advance its mission to protect and promote public lands. - Both interns said they are looking forward to exploring Pennsylvania’s state parks and natural areas with their peers.

The bottom line: - PPFF is betting that early-career talent can widen its reach and help build long-term support for Pennsylvania’s parks and forests.