Vermont Business Magazine Vermont Parks Forever has completed its 8th season of funding a student internship at Mt Philo State Park, the oldest state park in Vermont.
This internship program memorializes Will Hagedorn, who grew up hiking and sledding on Mt Philo. During college he worked at Mt Philo State Park as an intern, a job he loved. Will died unexpectedly in 2013, at the age of 24. In Will’s memory, his family created the William Cameron Hagedorn Mt Philo Forever Fund at Vermont Parks Forever. Supported by family, friends, and generous donors, the fund offers an opportunity every year for a young person to connect with nature, practice environmental stewardship, develop teamwork and collaboration skills, and experience working with the public.
Like Will, this year’s intern, Jonan Story, grew up hiking and sledding on the mountain before joining park staff to learn public service and land management this summer. Current park manager Nathanael Hancock shares that, “Jonan has been a huge asset. This internship is imperative to our work here at Mt. Philo State Park.”
Each year, former interns return as staff, signifying the success of this annual internship. “The unique opportunities that interns receive goes beyond fostering independence and a love for serving our community.” said Colleen Metzler, Mt. Philo’s Assistant Park Manager. “They learn leadership skills from previous interns that return each year. The internship program instills pride and hard work in our interns that translates to long term success as park attendants year after year.” Multiple interns returned in both 2021 and 2022 to work as park staff!
“Thanks to generous donors,” says Vermont Parks Forever’s Executive Director, Sarah Alberghini Winters, “we are honored to provide this internship in Will’s memory each summer and foster a lifelong commitment to the environment in local students.”
Vermont State Parks are a great place to spend Labor Day weekend! Mt. Philo State Park saw over 55,000 visitors last year with 2,000 visits occurring over the Labor Day weekend. Check out the Vermont State Park website to lock in your Labor Day plans.
Vermont Parks Forever extends a special thank you to the many local and national donors for their commitment to this important internship over the past 7 years. To make a contribution to support the fund for the program’s next intern, visit vermontparksforever.org/mt-philo-fund.
About Vermont Parks Forever: Vermont Parks Forever (VPF) is the nonprofit foundation for Vermont’s 55 state parks. VPF was founded in 2013 to enhance and protect Vermont’s state parks by inspiring stewardship of natural places, providing educational experiences, and improving access for those who would otherwise be unable to experience all the benefits state parks have to offer. Visit vermontparksforever.org to learn more.
MONTPELIER,VT — Vermont Parks Forever