Green Leaders: Tryon Workforce Development Program
Creating pathways for early-career youth seeking opportunities in the environmental field.
The Green Leaders Workforce Development Program is an opportunity for early-career youth to hone their environmental education, restoration, and professional skills. Each cohort has the opportunity to explore their passions and interests while contributing to Friends of Tryon Creek’s mission to encourage all communities to reclaim their relationship with the forest.
Applications for Fall 2026 are Closed
Position description: This internship is intended for early-career individuals seeking opportunities to build skills in environmental restoration and education through targeted mentorship. Strong applicants would have an interest in community connection, Indigenous traditional ecological and cultural knowledge, and empowering the next generation of forest stewards through education. Any combination of professional, academic, and/or personal experience will be considered. Must be comfortable working outside in varied terrains and weather conditions.
Compensation: Monthly stipend of $2,016
Duration: October 7th, 2026 – December 19th, 2026
Availability: Programming will take place Tuesday – Saturday between the hours of 8:00am and 4:00pm. Occasional weekend and evening availability is required. Not to exceed 24 hours per week.
Work Location: Tryon Creek State Natural Area, with occasional opportunities for professional development taking place off-site.
Past Green Leader Program Participants
The presence of our fifth cohort in the spring of 2026 was felt in many ways. From increased capacity to host groups for environmental education and land tending events, to expanded coverage of restoration areas throughout the park and daily opportunities to learn with and from each other, we are very grateful for the impact this cohort has had at Tryon Creek. Photo: Angie and Kat pause for a moment on the creek bed during a day spent beaver monitoring.
Meet Fall 2025 Green Leaders, Jasmine Devora, Jess Gustafson and Meleah Tias.
Our fourth cohort made a huge impact over their time at Tryon. Quick to become thoughtful leaders for land tending volunteers and school field trip students. Building professional skills and relationships centered around values of reciprocity, community and the land.
“The most impactful part of the program for me was honestly having the opportunity to learn from fellow Indigenous people and elders. Seeing people who look like me in leadership roles has inspired me in ways I couldn’t imagine. ”
Meet Spring 2025 Green Leaders, Tsïtsïki Erendia Griego, Edwin Brown, Mikel Sunyich and Habiba Mbugua
Our third cohort brought endless energy and fun to spring programing here at the park. Building close connections with each other and everyone they interacted with. We can wait to see where they go next! Read their reflections on the program in the Summer Trillium Times.
“Connecting with other land stewards through events and conferences was a great way to learn about opportunities that could be helpful on my journey. ”
Meet Fall 2024 Green Leaders, Lu Hernandez, Yasmin Noor, Lili Yazzie (Green Leaders Coordinator) and Sierra Penn.
Our second cohort brought a variety of skills to share and grow with while leading field trips and volunteer stewardship events at the park. We look forward to staying connected to these future environmental leaders.
“My experience with this program was unique to Tryon Creek because I haven’t worked with a non-profit that was so tight-knit and welcoming, but also held one another accountable. It was refreshing to be in a workspace that wasn’t too demanding, but still ensured that I got work done during flexible hours so I could continue tending to life outside work, such as my college education. ”
Meet Spring 2024 Green Leaders, Jakob Foley, Zoe Wright, Joy Lopes, and Seth Medley.
Our first cohort of Green Leaders set to work leading field trips and land tending days as well as supporting annual events. Their presence and positive impact at the park has been felt by staff, volunteers, and visitors. During their four months with Friends of Tryon Creek, they have shown incredible growth and enthusiasm. Read their reflections on the program in the Lake Oswego Review.
“The time I’ve spent in the forest, I’ve always been taught to leave no trace; it leaves you with a sense that you’re destructive and need to be really careful where you tread because we don’t belong out here. This is where the animals and plants live; it’s not the human world, but, through this program, I’ve been able to shed that and start to see that we really have a place out here in a role of continuous tending of the land.””
Funding for this program is made possible by the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund.