Each year the National Forest Foundation (NFF) hosts a small group of exceptional graduate students pursuing advanced studies in conservation, natural resources management, and related fields. The goal of the NFF Conservation Fellows Program is to build experience, knowledge, and skills within the next generation of collaborative conservation leaders.
This paid fellowship includes a 300-hour practicum aligned with an NFF program of work and paired with a staff mentor. The specific timeframe, location, and deliverables vary by practicum. Projects are announced annually in the fall and open to a competitive application process in December and January.
Benefits of Being a Fellow
- Applied experience with a national leader in conservation through a hands-on practicum project.
- Mentorship from skilled conservation professionals from the NFF and its partners, including the USDA Forest Service.
- Trainings in collaborative leadership, including facilitation, stakeholder engagement, managing projects, and more.
- Real-world understanding of forest and public lands management.
- An expanded personal and professional network.
Fellowships for the 2027-28 academic year will be announced on December 1, 2026. Please check back at that time or contact us using the form below with questions.
My time at NFF inspired me to pursue employment opportunities that would allow me to continue bringing together diverse groups of stakeholders to collectively address shared priorities and threats that no one individual or entity could possibly tackle in isolation.
Previous FellowThe fellowship gave me the confidence to lead my own project, build a meaningful network, and better understand the conservation landscape. I am walking away with lasting connections, new skills, and a clearer sense of direction in my career.
Previous FellowThe fellowship has been a great complement to my studies in graduate school [and] I feel better equipped to succeed professionally.
Previous Fellow
