Our Career Connections Summer Camp Spotlight Series continues as we highlight exciting programs that inspire students to future career pathways through hands-on learning.

Today's Spotlight: Conservation Corps

How can planting one tree make a difference? Students in the Career Connections Conservation Corps summer camp are discovering the answer while exploring careers in environmental conservation, urban forestry, and natural resource management.

Led by instructors Emily Weaver, Erik Untiedt, Caleb Bolha, and Gary Leader, campers spent four days learning from local experts while exploring real-world environmental challenges throughout the Auburn community.

Each day offered a unique hands-on experience:

Day 1 – Heat Islands and Tree Identification
Campers learned how trees help reduce the urban heat island effect while identifying tree species and discovering the important role urban forests play in creating healthier communities.

Day 2 – Stream Monitoring at Fillmore Glen State Park
Campers traveled to Fillmore Glen State Park to monitor stream health, observe aquatic ecosystems, and gain a better understanding of how healthy waterways support wildlife and protect natural resources.

Day 3 – Tree Planting and Community Garden
Campers worked together to learn proper tree planting techniques while exploring the importance of community gardens, green spaces, and environmental stewardship.

Day 4 – Invasive Species Removal at Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge
Campers visited Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge to learn how invasive species impact native ecosystems and participated in hands-on conservation efforts to help protect local habitats.

View our Conservation Corps photo gallery to see our campers in action as they explore environmental careers through hands-on learning while making a difference in our community!

Career Connections is more than just a summer camp—it's an opportunity for students to explore future careers while making meaningful connections between classroom learning and the natural world. Through experiences like these, students develop teamwork, problem-solving, environmental awareness, and an appreciation for the important role conservation professionals play in protecting our communities and natural resources.

The Conservation Corps camp was made possible through funding from the USDA Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program in partnership with the Trust for Public Land and the City of Auburn. Campers and their families are also encouraged to participate in a community-wide tree planting event this November, continuing their commitment to improving the local environment.

Join us next week as we continue our Career Connections Summer Camp Spotlight Series, featuring another exciting program and the hands-on experiences inspiring students to explore future careers.

Funding Acknowledgment

Funding for the Conservation Corps Camps is provided by the USDA Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program in partnership with the Trust for Public Land and the City of Auburn. The U.S. Forest Service is an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.