Youth Forest Stewards (YFS)

About the Program

The Youth Forest Stewards (YFS) is a program that engages high school aged students (age 14-18) in natural resources and conservation based work outdoors. YFS students will participate in up to 6 forest stewardship volunteer projects between the summer months of May through September. Each project will differ and may include: new trail construction, tree thinning, fish surveys, wildlife habitat restoration, and much more! The culmination of the summer program will result in the students planning, promoting, and leading a volunteer project of their own in September. By joining the YFS crew, you will help build a community of like-minded students focused on bettering the White River National Forest.

Student Benefits

Build friendships
Earn community service hours for school
Opportunity to apply for FDRD’s $2,500 college scholarship
Develop meaningful skills and connections in the natural resources field
Leadership development and resume building workshops
Make a difference on the public lands of Summit County

Student Expectations

Must be 14-18 years old
Provide your own transportation to all project locations (within Summit County)
Dress appropriately for each project and bring an adequate amount of water and food for the day
A positive attitude and engagement in each project – this is a program for students who already have an interest in forest stewardship
Attend at least 5 of the project dates (listed below) in order to graduate the program – if a day is missed, the participant can work with instructors to make up that date. *SEPTEMBER PROJECT IS REQUIRED*

2023 Project Dates

June 3, 2023: National Trails Day with USFS Recreation (bridge building or trail maintenance)
June 29: Restoration Project (i.e. campsite rehabilitation)
July 13: Fish Shocking with USFS Fish Biologist and Technicians
July 20: Forest Regeneration Surveys with USFS Foresters
August 9: Invasive Plant Management with USFS Botanist
September 30: National Public Lands Day with USFS Recreation (bridge building or trail maintenance)

Applications Now Open

Youth Forest Stewards 2023 Application

“I’ve learned quite a bit about how they put the trails together. How they build the fences, how they put the turnpikes together, and also how to use a couple tools that I’ve never used before. I think it’s been very valuable. I’ve learned a lot of different things, I’ve got to meet a lot of different people, and I got to be outside which is really fun.”

Brayden, 2021 YFS

FDRD Scholarship

Every year FDRD offers either one or two $1,500 scholarship(s) to a graduating senior attending Summit High School. Preference is given to those seeking higher education in an environmental field, and to those who have been a member of our Youth Forest Stewards crew. Applications are typically due in the beginning of February, and winners are announced at the Summit High School Scholarship Night, typically in the beginning of April. Learn about past FDRD Scholarship recipients.