Shenandoah Valley Conservation Fellowship

Preparing the next generation of conservation leaders for the Shenandoah Valley

The Shenandoah Valley Conservation Fellowship Program is a collaborative workforce development initiative led by Sustainable Shenandoah Valley, Shenandoah Valley Conservancy, Alliance for the Shenandoah Valley, and Potomac Conservancy.

The program connects regional college students with regional conservation organizations for hands-on training, professional development, and meaningful employment in environmental and natural resource conservation through Sustainable Shenandoah Valley’s consortium of regional colleges and universities.

Sustainable Shenandoah Valley University Partners

Contact: [email protected]
Website: https://sites.google.com/view/shenandoahvalleyrce

Partner Organizations

A nationally accredited land trust dedicated to protecting farms, forests, and waterways across the Shenandoah Valley through conservation easements, land stewardship, and community partnerships.

Contact:
[email protected]
shenandoah.org

A regional conservation advocacy organization working to advance responsible land-use policy, protect working lands, and strengthen community engagement around conservation priorities.

Contact:
[email protected]
shenandoahalliance.org

A regional conservation organization working across the Potomac River watershed to restore lands and rivers, advance environmental stewardship, and strengthen conservation solutions benefiting communities and ecosystems.

Contact:
[email protected]
potomac.org

2026 Conservation Fellows

Lillian Naftel

James Madison University

Stakeholder Outreach and Engagement Fellow – Shenandoah Valley Conservancy

A senior Earth and Environmental Science student passionate about conservation and environmental education, Lillian brings a lifelong connection to the Shenandoah Valley and strong experience in community engagement.

Sofia Rocchi

James Madison University

Stewardship Fellow – Shenandoah Valley Conservancy

A biology major concentrating in ecology and environmental biology, Sofia is committed to protecting Valley landscapes through hands-on stewardship and conservation work.

Jade Shull

Virginia Commonwealth University

Community Engagement for Natural Resource Conservation Fellow – Alliance for the Shenandoah Valley

An environmental studies graduate passionate about strengthening connections between communities and the natural environment, Jade is dedicated to advancing conservation outreach across the Valley.

Emily Herrup

James Madison University

Land Conservation and Fieldwork Fellow – Potomac Conservancy

With academic interests in geography and environmental systems, Emily is focused on building a career in sustainable land use and land stewardship.

“My fellowship with the Alliance has granted me so many valuable opportunities as a recent graduate: from attending conferences, to interviewing farmers, to engaging with Valley communities through festivals and events. This has been an incredibly rewarding experience, and one that has prepared me for the future of my career.”

— Annie Kate Walsh

2025 Community Engagement for Natural Resource Conservation Fellow, Alliance for the Shenandoah Valley

“Through this fellowship, I have taken my professionalism to the next level and gained firsthand experience working for a conservation-focused nonprofit; I hope to work in an environmental communications position once I graduate, and working as the Outreach Fellow has solidified the career path I’d like to follow.”

— Grace Eiden

2025 Stakeholder Outreach and Engagement Fellow, Shenandoah Valley Conservancy

“This fellowship provided me with valuable experience in land conservation and deepened my understanding of how conservation easements are documented, monitored and protected over time.”

— Morgan Bailey

2025 Stewardship Fellow, Shenandoah Valley Conservancy

Future Fellowship Opportunities

Applications for the next Shenandoah Valley Conservation Fellowship cohort will open later this year. Interested students are encouraged to check back for application details and program announcements.

Powering the Future of Conservation

This program is made possible thanks to our generous sponsors and supporters like you. Your generous support helps the Fellowship provide paid professional development and mentorship, hands-on conservation stewardship experience, and career pathways to successful conservation leadership to four emerging professionals each year.

Give Today

Contact Us

For questions about the Shenandoah Valley Conservation Fellowship Program:

Amanda Gookin
SVCF Program Coordinator

Shenandoah Valley Conservancy / Shenandoah Valley
Conservation Fellowship Program
[email protected]