Hear what our alumni and speakers
say about our programs:
“One week at IJNR has done more direct, relevant service for my work here, and for me as a journalist, than four years of journalism school...or three years as a statehouse reporter.”
“IJNR unquestionably raised the dialogue past the first line of rhetoric and facilitated an honest and constructive conversation.”
- Ken Rait, Director, U.S. Public Lands Program, Pew Charitable Trusts
"Wanted to let you know that the change in solar policies in SC, in my opinion, has its roots in IJNR's 2011 Energy Country fellowship. I learned enough on that institute to start writing about solar — and its lack of use — in South Carolina. I think the stories I wrote focused the spotlight on this issue. And we're on the verge of a solar bill today. This is a good example of how IJNR institutes can make a difference."
- Sammy Fretwell, The State, (Columbia, S.C.)
“One of the very best experiences of my life, professionally and personally. If there were a Pulitzer Prize for what you do, you guys would win it easily.”
“You get to refresh, re-focus, study. Ponder, scheme, make new friends, meet new peers and contacts and brag about it when you get back to the newsroom.”
– Dustin Bleizeffer, Casper Star-Tribune
“TRCP has direct experience with two IJNR Institutes - Sagebrush Country and Prairie Pothole. The resulting press has helped the public understand the complex conservation efforts we work on in Washington, DC. We couldn’t easily do our jobs if journalists weren’t prepared to do theirs, and stories from IJNR alumni have been instrumental in our engagement of grassroots and grass tops supporters, federal agency staff, and members of Congress.”
- Ariel Wiegard, Director, Agriculture and Private Lands, Theodore Roosevelt
Conservation Partnership
“Fellows got to taste the real emotions and concerns in addition to ‘just the facts’ which gave them a depth of understanding I rarely see in news articles. The resulting press captured the nuances and complexities and accurately reported on the issues in a way that can only be done through experience and not just phone interviews. This is an amazing program, and one of the more valuable trips I've taken in a professional capacity. Not only has it provided me with life-long trusted journalist partners, but I learned a lot about how to be a better communicator and media partner.”
- Pat Deibert, National Sage-grouse Coordinator, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
“The Great Lakes Institutes have been among the most rewarding experiences of my career…The opportunity for journalists to interact in the field with experts is invaluable. IJNR takes the most ideal model for newsgathering and makes it better, facilitating face-to-face interaction in a collegial atmosphere… the program helps journalists step back, catch their breath, see the big picture, and become reinvigorated about not only the outdoors but also the craft of journalism and where they fit in.”
– Tom Henry, The Blade (Toledo)
“Even though it’s been six years since I took part in an IJNR fellowship, not a day goes by that I don’t put into practice what I learned in my daily reporting on environmental and energy issues in the West. An IJNR fellowship allows environmental reporters the freedom and time to get out of their offices and off their phones and into the field, gaining invaluable knowledge and context from the players and others affected by policies and key issues; something that’s sadly becoming less common in this era of shrinking newsroom budgets.”
- Kirk Siegler, reporter, NPR
“Reporters will learn more in one week than months of on-the-job reporting.”
— Paul Foy, Associated Press, Salt Lake City
“I can’t imagine a better way to learn about natural resource and environment issues than to be a part of an IJNR fellowship. I can’t imagine a better way to become a better reporter and a more informed watchdog.
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“We are reminded that it is both a duty and a privilege to do good work about issues that matter to ourselves, our families, our community and the planet. Thank you for restoring my fierce determination… A first-class experience all the way. I’ll never forget my time with IJNR. Thank you for doing this work. It’s important, and you do it with grace.”
- Bennett Hall, Corvallis Gazette-Times/Albany Democrat Herald
“It’s as though I’ve stumbled upon a hidden gem of environmental journalism. Knowing nothing about the program going into it, I was bracing myself for an experience heavily weighted toward one end of the debate or the other. But at every turn I was continually impressed by the wide range of not just differing – but also nuanced and complex – voices presented. The access we gained to citizens, regulators, and energy companies was remarkable. It would have taken months or even longer for me to build up contacts and set up experiences like that on my own, and, unfortunately, carving out that kind of time is increasingly difficult in today’s media ecosystem. As someone who has worked in educational programming in the past, I have a lot of respect for all the wrangling, coaxing, and detail-obsessed planning that surely must have gone into that epic trip. ”
Still not sure? Read many, Many more testimonials here!