Fostering the next generation of environmental stewards

At Canyonlands, we empower youth from historically underserved communities to become the next generation of environmental leaders.

Through hands-on restoration projects and immersive experiences in nature, students help restore and protect local green spaces while building confidence, leadership skills, and a sense of belonging in the environmental movement.

By centering youth in place-based learning and decision-making, our programs break down barriers to access and representation, ensuring that those most impacted by environmental inequities have a voice in shaping the future of their natural spaces.

Canyon Connections Internship (CCI)

The Canyon Connections Internship is a hands-on, paid program that powers the next generation of environmental stewards from Hoover High School. Interns work side-by-side with mentors to gain practical training on ecological restoration, project development, and teamwork building. Strengthening personal development as well as maintaining and protecting the canyon and creek ecosystems that make San Diego so special.

CCI is more than an internship— it is a pathway. By opening doors to careers in conservation and community improvement, the program strengthens both people and place, creating lasting connections between residents and the canyons in their own backyards.

  • Virtual Tour: City Heights 5-Canyon Loop Trail

    Can’t make it out to the canyons? Check out a virtual tour the CCI students put together using ArcGIS software to highlight the interconnectedness of nature and urban development in City Heights!

    Nature Field Guides

    Our CCI students researched and developed three comprehensive field guides published by The Natural History Museum highlighting the biological diversity found in City Heights Canyons!

    Trailhead Gardens

    Visit our student-designed gardens using this map.

  • Skills and Benefits

    • Hands on environmental restoration skills

    • Increased environmental literacy

    • Public speaking and mentorship

    • Project design and implementation

    • Plant identification

    • Paid internship (stipend)

    Year 1-2 Impact Report

    • 8 Trailhead gardens designed and installed

    • 3 Field guides designed and published

    • 24 Community and Mentorship events hosted

    • 310 Native plants planted in City Heights Canyons

    • 4,536 Hours of restoration and discovery

  • Application (Due: November 30th, 2025)

    Acceptance Letters Announced (December 31st, 2025)

    Orientation (TBD)

    First Day of Internship (TBD)


 

Hear what our previous interns have to say!

“I love coming here every week and seeing the progress we have made … it just stuns me because I feel like alongside these plants we’ve been able to flourish and really bond as a team.” - CCI student alumni, 2024

Interested in Getting Involved?

Whether you want to join our CCI program or learn about hosting your youth in one of our canyons— send us an email!

Thank you to our partners and donors.

The Natural History Museum | San Diego Groundwork | San Diego Coast Keeper | Ocean Discovery Center |

The Natural History Museum | San Diego Groundwork | San Diego Coast Keeper | Ocean Discovery Center |