We are pleased to introduce you to Liz Szafranski, the San Juan Preservation Trust’s 2024 Fred E. Ellis summer intern! Liz joins us with a variety of experiences working outdoors in many different settings, and we are excited to have already started working with her. 

“I discovered a love for conservation work when I was 18 and stumbled into a term with the Texas Conservation Corps.” Liz noted in her application. “Since then, I’ve completed conservation corps terms in California and Washington, ran an urban garden, guided outdoor trips, and interned with the Whatcom Land Trust. It has been so fun to spend the last few years learning new skills in the outdoor realm.”  

Originally from Texas, she is currently a student at Western Washington University, studying biology, environmental science, and philosophy. Liz has also received leadership training through the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS). 

Since starting in June, Liz has already shown great excitement and enthusiasm for learning more about how the Preservation Trust operates within the islands. “I am super excited to continue learning about ecology and conservation this summer!” Says Liz. 

She is based on San Juan Island for her six weeks with us, working through the end of July, and will be exposed to a variety of stewardship activities during that time.  

Liz in the field during a prior stewardship position

The Fred E. Ellis Summer Internship is named to honor one of SJPT’s longestserving board members. In addition to his work on our board, Fred and his wife, Marilyn, were responsible for the protection of more than 1,000 acres of woodlands, wetlands, farmland, and shoreline on Shaw and Lopez Islands, including the Marilyn and Fred Ellis Preserve on Shaw Island. This internship program is designed to expose the intern to a range of activities performed by a conservation land trust, while providing the Preservation Trust with needed assistance in reaching its goals.