Trees transform urban spaces into vibrant, healthier, safer and more resilient communities.
Creates Jobs
Increases Urban Biodiversity
Filters Air Pollution
Mitigates Extreme Heat
Improves Mental Health
Increases Property Value
Cities thrive when trees are part of their story. Trees transform urban spaces into vibrant, healthier, safer and more resilient communities. They cool our neighborhoods, clean the air, nurture biodiversity, and create spaces where people and wildlife can flourish together. A future with more trees uplifts everyone because every community deserves the shade, beauty and the benefits they bring.
Each year, the Student Conservation Association fields more than 100 young people to plant and maintain trees, making communities healthier and more beautiful while increasing access to green space and careers. We actively recruit, train, and pay high school and young adult crew members to serve their communities through urban forestry activities. These workforce development opportunities build self-reliance, teamwork and practical urban forestry skills, including tree maintenance, chainsaw use, tree climbing, invasive species removal and education.
The SCA empowers and trains young adult and school-aged crews to plant and maintain trees, engage communities through volunteer events and community outreach, provide vital environmental education and more. These crews work closely with the SCA’s local partners to meet community needs, rebuilding tree canopies where they are wanted and needed most. Along the way our young adult and schoolyear leaders and member receive training and certifications to accelerate their conservation career.
We have paid opportunities for young adults (age 18-21) and school-aged (age 15-18) crew members. Work alongside local nonprofits and government agencies on transformative projects, including tree planting and maintenance, community engagement and environmental education. Along the way, deepen your connection to nature through field trips, discussions, and environmental education, all while earning a competitive hourly wage. Your efforts will leave a lasting impact on communities—and on your future. See our open Urban Green positions.
Apply NowThrough hands-on activities, program participants cultivate a love for nature and discover their power to shape their local environment. Educate local students about the environment and empower young leaders to champion a greener world.
Join the crew and participate in a variety of volunteer opportunities, including tree plantings and public space cleanup events.
From New York to the San Francisco Bay Area, our Urban Green Forestry crews are busy, planting hope, one tree at a time. In addition to our five Forest Service-funded cities, many of our other Urban Green teams are also rebuilding urban forests while growing careers.
CONTACT
Matt Gray
Senior VP of Programs
Join our community of supporters who care deeply about preserving parks, public lands and urban green spaces.
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