Forest Conservation Corps
A Summer Youth Work & Learning Adventure
We are securing funding for 2020. Please check back.
Rensselaer Youth Outdoors is announcing a FREE environmental education summer program for teenagers aged 14-16. The program will combine recreation and education experiences while teens work on valuable conservation projects protecting Rensselaer County’s parks, waters, and natural resources.
The Conservation Corps program seeks to:
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Promote conservation, education, and community service
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Educate, train, and develop the value of respect for others and the environment in young people
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Provide worthwhile work and community service experiences for young people in a nature setting
Dates and Locations:
Week 1: July 22-July 26 – Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center
Week 2: July 29-August 2 – Grafton Lakes State Park
Week 3: August 5-August 9 – Poestenkill Community Forest
Week 4: August 12-August 16 – Albert Family Community Forest
Activities run daily from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm
Download Information here: Info and Application 2019
Participants who complete a full week of the program will receive a certificate and a $100 stipend upon completion
A Typical Day?
Students will spend roughly half of their day working on conservation projects, while the other half of the day will be spent learning about the environment, job skills development and enjoying the outdoors. A typical day might include clearing trails, entering data for a citizen science monitoring project, building an outdoor bridge or new trail signs, hiking, creating a survival shelter, doing team building challenges or navigating your way with map and compass.
Sponsored by Rensselaer Youth Outdoors: RYO is a network of partners that introduces and engages the children and families of Rensselaer County in the wonder, science, and adventure of nature in an effort to create a healthier, more sustainable community in an increasingly complex world. Our current partners include Grafton Lakes State Park, Dyken Pond Environmental Education Center, Rensselaer Plateau Alliance. Additionally, representatives from Siena College, Cornell Cooperative Extension, the Children’s Museum of Science and Technology, various Rensselaer School Districts, and the USDA Forest Service – Northern Research Station assist in advising and implementing RYO programs.
