Conservation Corps
Our Conservation Corps programs are among the most important work we do. We recruit high school students, young adults and adults, often from low-income neighborhoods or underserved neighborhoods, to learn about conservation while gaining vital leadership and teamwork skills that can be used in future careers. All corps members are paid for their work restoring woods and prairies, creating meaningful jobs in under-served communities. Friends’ corps members remove the invasive species that are the cancer of our ecosystems as well as plant seeds and prepare the earth for rejuvenation. They also gain essential skills like job readiness and financial literacy. And, maybe most importantly, they become the next generation of front line advocates for the forest preserves and nature.
Friends conducts all of its Conservation Corps work in partnership, both programmatically and financially, with the Forest Preserves of Cook County.
Working With Us
As a Conservation Corps member, you’ll roll up your sleeves, get outside, and create lasting conservation for your community. You’ll not only learn about ecological restoration, you’ll also gain leadership and teamwork skills that will no doubt lead to more amazing opportunities. Our Conservation Corps programs are an incredible experience for teenagers and adults alike. We specifically reach out to low-income neighborhoods, fostering the next generation of stewards for our forest preserves in Cook County. We hire on a rolling basis throughout the year. Please see a list of current opportunities on our Jobs and Opportunities page.
Adult Conservation Corps
Individuals ready to explore a professional career in restoration can apply to our Barrington Greenway Initiative, Calumet, North Branch, or Palos Crew. As a Conservation Corps crew member, you will work year-round to remove invasive species and restore native plants throughout the forest preserves in Cook County. There is also a focus on professional development and crew members are encouraged to pursue careers and education in conservation. Please visit the Jobs and Opportunities page for current openings.
Forest Preserve Experience
The Forest Preserve Experience is a five week summer employment and educational opportunity for high school students. The FPE program provides a way to help your community’s environment through invasive plant removal, litter pick-up, and river and lake clean-up activities in your local forest preserves. You will learn about nature in the Chicago region and explore green jobs and career opportunities while having fun and earning money.
The Forest Preserve Experience is a partnership program coordinated by Friends of the Forest Preserves and the Forest Preserves of Cook County, with generous support from the Housing Authority of Cook County, Forest Preserve Foundation, and Cook County Bureau of Economic Development.
Thank you
Christy Webber Landscapes proudly supports Friends’ Conservation Corps by hosting their equipment and vehicles. Thank you CWL for all your help!
