Meet SHLT's Summer Interns!
South Hero Land Trust is thrilled to be working with Ella Yates, Sidra Hoffman, and Isabel Sykora through UVM’s Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources Perennial Internship Program.
Ella and Sidra are splitting their time between Sandy Bottom Farm, where they’ll learn about sustainable agriculture and food production; and SHLT, where they’ll work on food security, trails, restoration and education projects.
Isabel, our dedicated SHLT position, is working with Nora to lead youth and adult education programs, maintaining our two gardens, and stewarding South Hero’s public access and natural areas.
Make sure you say hello next time you see Isabel, Sidra, or Ella out in the garden, on the trail, or in the fields!
Ella Yates
Hi! I’m Ella, a senior at the University of Vermont studying Sustainability, Ecology, and Policy with a minor in Agroecology. I grew up in Indiana and love to travel to new places. During my sophomore fall semester, I studied food systems in Ecuador, Malawi, & Spain. I’ve also interned at Lopez Community Land Trust on Lopez Island in Washington State. I am excited to explore South Hero and learn how land trusts help protect farmland and robust local food systems. In my free time, I like to cook, DJ for the school radio, and bike around Burlington!
Sidra Hoffman
Hello! My name is Sidra, and I am currently studying for my BS in Wildlife Biology. I have worked at the ECHO Leahy Center for Lake Champlain, fostering my love for Vermont flora and fauna. I’m also passionate about sustainable and equitable food systems and have worked with several organizations in Vermont including Food not Bombs and Vermont Foodbank. I grew up in Silver Spring, Maryland, where I frequently visited a local park - Sligo Creek Park - which taught me the value of having accessible outdoor spaces. This summer, I am excited to play a role in stewarding these outdoor spaces like Sligo for the local South Hero community. In my free time, I love to read, listen to music, play my trombone, and go on bird walks!
Isabel Sykora
Hello! I’m Isabel, a senior at UVM where I major in Sustainability, Ecology and Policy, and minor in Parks, Recreation and Tourism. I am also an active member of UVM’s Citizen’s Climate Lobby chapter. I previously interned for the Kane County Forest Preserve District back home in Illinois, where I assisted in planning and conducting public nature programs, which deepened my passion for environmental education. I am very excited to continue SHLT’s work of engaging the community with the land and learning more about land stewardship. I am especially looking forward helping children form lasting connections to the environment. Outside of work and school, I enjoy reading, crafting and traveling around the world!