Cecilia Aleman

The SCA & Aerie Real Foundation To Host Chicago Tree Planting Event Featuring Special Guest Aly Raisman

Gold medalist Aly Raisman wearing gray jumper holding the tip of a tree.

CHICAGO – The Student Conservation Association (SCA) today announced it will host a tree-planting event in honor of Earth Month from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 28, at Proksa Park in Berwyn. The event is made possible through a partnership with the Morton Arboretum’s Chicago Region Trees Initiative, Berwyn Park District and the Berwyn

A Dose of Inspiration

Sea Turtle Hatchling Release

At the Student Conservation Association, we are continuously inspired by our program participants’ efforts to make a difference in the world around us. This Earth Month, we are highlighting our dedicated crew members, past and present. From the Gulf Coast to the Mojave Desert, SCA participants lead the way in improving green spaces and preserving

Do One Thing For Earth Day

SCA Earth Month Crew Member Greenery

In honor of Earth Day, the SCA encourages you to “Do One Thing” for the planet. As a nationally recognized leader in providing hands-on environmental conservation programs for youth and young adults, we want to inspire those in the communities we serve to do one small thing to make a difference in the world around

World Water Day

Waterfall at Umpqua National Forest

In honor of World Water Day (March 22, 2024), the Student Conservation Association is highlighting the work done by our program participants doing their part to protect this crucial resource. This important work includes managing natural resources, monitoring water quality, educating the public on water-related topics and protecting aquatic species. Read on to learn more

Which Photo Should Go on Our Postcards?

Picturesque landscape of Mt. Rainier National Park

Vote for your favorite photo from these three beloved national parks where you can find SCA crews hard at work this year. Your support fuels our mission to nurture a deep-rooted love for nature among young leaders. The last day to vote is March 15. The photo with the most votes will be featured on

Which Photo Should Go on Our Postcards?

Picturesque landscape of Mt. Rainier National Park

Vote for your favorite photo from these three beloved national parks where you can find SCA crews hard at work this year. Your support fuels our mission to nurture a deep-rooted love for nature among young leaders. The last day to vote is March 15. The photo with the most votes will be featured on

Preserving Black History

In celebrating Black History Month, we reflect on defining moments where courageous individuals stood up to injustice and advocated for equity. We also look back on notable African Americans who are seldom recognized for their contributions to society.

Protection From Invaders

SCA Crew Member removing invasive species and smiling

With National Invasive Species Awareness Week (Feb. 26 – March 3, 2024) just around the corner, we wanted to call attention to the hard work our members are doing to combat these invaders. Lining roads, populating waterways and lurking in your own backyard, non-native plants and animals have hitched a ride with humans and spread

Student Conservation Association + vFairs To Host 2024 Virtual Conservation Career Fair on Feb. 20 

Illustration of virtual convention center lobby.

ARLINGTON, Va. – The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is excited to host the upcoming 2024 Virtual Conservation Career Fair from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. EST on Feb. 20, 2024. The virtual event promises an engaging platform for the public and SCA alums to connect with potential employers, learn from industry experts, and expand their

Building the Future of Conservation in 2024

SCA Atlanta Black Women's Crew Group Photo

For decades, those who care about the health of our environment—the Student Conservation Association—have fought to protect our parks and public lands from development, deforestation, pollution and other destructive threats. Today is no different. By providing pathways for young people into conservation, the SCA is building the next generation of leaders to create more resilient

MLK Day of Service

To honor the life and dream of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the SCA partnered with the Friends of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens and Casey Trees to host a clean-up event at one of the most biodiverse natural areas in the nation’s capital, Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. Staff were happy to return to there, where SCA volunteers

Winter Restoration Wrap-Up

Indiana Dunes Restoration Crew group photo on the sand

SCA participants have completed several essential restoration projects within the last month. We also have teams actively working on critical conservation efforts this winter. Below are some highlights from crews working to restore and improve green spaces across the United States. Joshua Tree Planting and Resiliency Team SCA crew members have been working to keep

10 Memorable SCA Moments

SCA Founder Liz Putnam smiling wearing a red shirt and blue vest

What better way to kick off the new year and bid farewell to the last than to relive and review top SCA moments from 2023? We’ve rounded up 10 of the SCA’s social media posts that our audience engaged with the most. From adventures in Alaska to our beloved founder, the following photos are among

Student Conservation Association Welcomes Dr. Usha Chaudhary as Chief Operating Officer 

SCA crew members gathered at sunset

ARLINGTON, Va. – The Student Conservation Association (SCA), the largest provider of hands-on environmental conservation programs for youth and young adults, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Usha Chaudhary as Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective Dec. 13, 2023.

Honoring Native American Heritage

To celebrate Native American Heritage Month, we are sharing ways the Student Conservation Association has worked to honor Native American culture and preserve green spaces and their cultural significance for generations to come.

Take A Hike

National Take a Hike Day (Nov. 17, 2023) encourages getting outdoors and exploring some of the over 60,000 miles of trail across the nation.

Transforming Trails in Alaska

The Student Conservation Association had several crew members improving public lands across Alaska this past season.

10 Haunted Halloween Green Spaces

There are even some natural spaces that look like they were made for Halloween! We’ve shared some of our eeriest findings below…read on if you dare! 

Bats: Not So Spooky After All

Swooping in just in time for Halloween is Bat Week (Oct. 24 – 31, 2023), a week to bring awareness and recognition to these often misunderstood animals that play a vital role in the ecosystem.

Prairie Pothole Region Gets Support from Student Conservation Association, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Team

MADISON, SOUTH DAKOTA – The Student Conservation Association (SCA) today announced the South Dakota Prairie Pothole Fuels Reduction Team will conclude its work in the area this week.

Bay Area Council Foundation California Resilience Challenge Awards Student Conservation Association $171,000

San Francisco Bay Area

SAN FRANCISCO – The Student Conservation Association (SCA) today announced that the Bay Area Council Foundation awarded the organization $171,000 to launch its first Bay Area Climate Resilience Corps to help combat climate change in historically disadvantaged communities.

SixDegrees.Org and Student Conservation Association to Host Houston Hurricane Kit Giveaway Sept. 29

Young member handing bag to a person in car.

HOUSTON – The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is teaming up with actor Kevin Bacon’s SixDegrees.Org charity to host an emergency preparedness hurricane kit building distribution event for residents of Houston.

Student Conservation Association Applauds Launch of American Climate Corps

ARLINGTON, Va. – The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is excited for the launch of the American Climate Corps jobs training program announced Wednesday by the White House. Inspired by the Civilian Conservation Corps that put millions to work during the Great Depression, the program will put more than 20,000 young people on pathways for careers

Sony Pictures Television and Student Conservation Association to Host The King of Queens 25th Anniversary Day of Service on Sept. 30

SCA Urban Green program member removing invasive species.

Editor’s Note: Due to weather and safety conditions in the New York Metro Area as of Sept. 29, 1 p.m. Eastern, the SCA together with Sony Pictures Television has postponed the 25th Anniversary of The King of Queens Day of Service at Flushing Meadows Corona Park. We look forward to announcing a new date for

USDA Forest Service Announces Monumental $1 Billion Investment in Community Forests Across America

Close up of red leaves on a tree

ARLINGTON, Va. – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)’s Forest Service has unveiled a groundbreaking investment of $1 billion, spanning nearly 400 projects across all 50 states, including multiple U.S. territories and Tribal Nations to increase equitable access to trees and green spaces in disadvantaged communities. 

Summer Snapshots from Our Urban Green Program

It’s been a busy summer of conservation at cities nationwide! From Pittsburgh to the Bay Area, Student Conservation Association crew members have worked to improve local green spaces and parks and engage with surrounding communities. Here are a few highlights.

Celebrating the National Park Service

The National Park Service (NPS) turns 107 on August 25. Congress created the agency in 1916 to “conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wildlife therein and… leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.”

Women in Conservation

Women’s Equality Day is celebrated on Aug. 26 to honor the work and achievements that paved the way for women’s rights today. This celebration commemorates the ratification of the 19th Amendment in the United States, officially granting women the right to vote.

Student Conservation Association To Host Inaugural EmpowerHer Summit at West Atlanta Watershed Alliance Aug. 5

A person in a blue shirt and tan bucket hat picking up branches.

ATLANTA – The Student Conservation Association (SCA) will host its inaugural EmpowerHer Summit at the West Atlanta Watershed Alliance on Saturday, Aug. 5.

Student Conservation Association CEO Inspires AmeriCorps Trail Crews Serving Across Alaska

SCA CEO Lidia Soto-Harmon Talking to a group of people

ANCHORAGE, Alaska. – The Student Conservation Association (SCA) today announced that the organization’s President and CEO, Lidia Soto-Harmon, traveled to Alaska to meet with the SCA Alaska Corps, an AmeriCorps program focused on leadership development and the completion of trail work projects, during the week of July 24-28.

Celebrating SCA Founder Liz Putnam

In celebration of SCA Founder’s Day on June 24, look back at the history and legacy of our trailblazing founder Liz Putnam.

Buzzing about Pollinator Week

National Pollinator Week is an annual event celebrated June 19-25, 2023, to support and promote pollinator health.

Endangered Species Awareness

On Endangered Species Day, we recognize thousands of different species across the globe that are in need of our help.

The Power of Preservation

Every May, we highlight the significance of historic preservation.

Celebrate Earth Day with the SCA

To celebrate Earth Day, the Student Conservation Association (SCA) is hosting multiple events across the country throughout April.

Student Conservation Association to Host Tree Talk – A Community Conversation On March 25

Several sets of hands wearing yellow gloves pressing dirt around the base of a tree trunk.

WHITING, Ind. – The Student Conservation Association (SCA), bp America and the City of Whiting is hosting Tree Talk, a local community event to educate the public about the importance of tree planting in the area, on March 25.

Working for Water

As one of Earth’s most abundant and precious natural resources, water is vital for a healthy and sustainable planet. Water is critical for nature’s many different ecosystems and its quality impacts all living things. With rising challenges posed by climate change and other environmental factors, every action counts to ensure access to clean water.

Women in Conservation

Women have always led the way at the Student Conservation Association (SCA). Starting with a movement launched by the SCA’s inspirational founder, Liz Putnam, young women have continued to break down barriers within conservation and service work, demonstrating outstanding leadership and dedication to protecting public lands.

Find Your Adventure This Winter

Even though summer reigns supreme for travel, winter brings its own unique experiences for every level of outdoor enthusiast. Check out these destinations for your favorite cold-weather activities:

GulfCorps Restoration Initiative Continues

Now in its 6th Season, the GulfCorps Conservation Crew is hard at work in Alabama and Texas.

Fueled by Fire

The SCA will be expanding its wildland fire management work in 2023. Last year, we piloted our first women’s firefighting teams with the National Park Service in Alaska.

MLK Day of Service

To honor the life and dream of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the Student Conservation Association partnered with the Friends of Anacostia Park and the National Park Service to host the MLK Day of Service litter cleanup event on Jan. 16 along the Anacostia River at Anacostia Park in Washington, D.C.

Green Up – Evergreen Trees for Your Yard

During the cold and dreariest times of the year, evergreen trees provide much-needed color among the otherwise monochrome landscapes of winter

Bison vs. Buffalo: Knowing the Difference

Most have heard the song “Home on the Range,” painting a scene of buffalo roaming while the deer and antelope are playing. But are these creatures that we mention truly buffalo … or are they bison? 

TEST Green Up – Evergreen Trees for Your Yard

During the cold and dreariest times of the year, evergreen trees provide much-needed color among the otherwise monochrome landscapes of winter. Like deciduous trees and their leaves provide refuge from the sun during the summer, evergreens are a critical food source and provide shelter for critters during winter. With such a vital winter role, planting