Conservation Corps
Our Conservation Corps programs are among the most important work we do. We recruit high school students, young adults, and adults, to learn about conservation while gaining vital leadership and teamwork skills that can be used in future careers. Our award-winning Conservation Corps workforce development programs break down barriers to accessing techinical training and certifications, and connect people to employment in the environmenatl jobs sector. We have nearly 2,500 alumni of our programs, the majority of whom are people of color and/or women.
All corps members are paid for their work restoring woods and prairies, creating meaningful jobs. 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 its Conservation Corps work in partnership, both programmatically and financially, with the Forest Preserves of Cook County.
Working With Us
As a Conservation or Engagement Corps member, you’ll roll up your sleeves, get outside, and make lasting change 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 Corps programs are an incredible experience for teenagers and adults alike. We are fostering the next generation of stewards for our forest preserves in Cook County. We hire on a rolling basis throughout the year for our adult programs and open application early each year for our summer programs. Watch the jobs page for more information.
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.
High School Conservation Corps Programs
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.
Engagement Corps
Adults who are ready to explore a professional career in community-based conservation can apply to join our Engagement Corps program. As an Engagement Corps crew member, you will work year-round to engage people with the forest preserves. You will learn the art and science of community organizing and leading welcoming and memorable outdoor experiences. You will build skills and connections that will increase your chances of building a career in fields such as environmental education, outdoor recreation, volunteer coordination, and more. This is a paid, two-year training program in which you can earn certifications, build your resume, and make meaningful connections with like minded colleagues.
