Meet the Next Generation of Conservation Leaders

July 30, 2026

Every summer, Kaniksu Land Trust welcomes a small group of college students who are eager to learn what it really takes to care for the lands and communities we all love. They arrive with a passion for conservation, but they leave with something even more valuable: real-world experience, meaningful relationships, and a deeper understanding of how people and nature thrive together.

This year's interns, Rowan Davis, Hanna Anderssen, and Addie Guidos, are already making a difference.

Rowan grew up in Sandpoint, where a childhood spent tagging along with her father, a fisheries biologist for the U.S. Forest Service, sparked a lifelong love for wildlife and the outdoors. Now studying environmental science at Western Washington University after graduating from Sandpoint High School, Rowan hopes to help protect the natural places that make this community so special. This summer she's helping care for Pine Street Woods, supporting community events, and learning to solve problems with creativity and confidence. Her favorite part so far? The people. "Everyone at KLT has been so helpful and kind," she says. "It's inspiring."

Rowan Davis

Hanna came to North Idaho from Columbus, Ohio, bringing with her a lifelong love of hiking, skiing, and spending time outdoors with her family. She was drawn to KLT because of the many ways conservation connects people, from outdoor education and community events to protected places like Pine Street Woods. Hanna is especially interested in habitat conservation and creating strong community partnerships. Through projects like trail maintenance, invasive species removal, and community events, she's seeing firsthand how relationships are at the heart of conservation. "I've been able to see how vital these partnerships are for growth and success," she says.

Hanna Anderssen

Addie, a Sandpoint High School graduate and conservation major at the University of Redlands, always loved being outside. A forestry class in high school helped her realize she wanted to spend her life protecting natural places. This summer, she's working closely with Education Director Brianna Larson, gaining hands-on experience in outdoor education through Camp Kaniksu and other youth programs. While college has given her a strong foundation, Addie says she's excited to grow as a leader. "I've spent a lot of time learning in the classroom or observing," she says. "Now I want to develop my voice."

Addie Guidos

Together, these three interns are helping with projects that touch nearly every part of KLT's mission.

But perhaps the most important thing they're doing is preparing for the future.