YOUNG NATURALISTS

WHO ARE YOUNG NATURALISTS? WORK, LEARN, AND EXPLORE IN THE PARKS

Young Naturalists are high school students who want to learn more about nature and love spending time outdoors. They accept the challenge to work hard in conditions that are at times harsh and physically demanding to improve the health of the park. Young Naturalists are also interested in pursuing a degree or career related to environmental science, ecology, education, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) or sustainability.

The Young Naturalists program is a fun, paid opportunity for students to get outdoors and learn about the environment, gain unique work and leadership experience, and meet other teenagers who are interested in the environment. Students spend their summer outdoors learning about environmental STEM content alongside expert naturalists, scientists, and nature enthusiasts while working to improve the health of our parks by controlling erosion, managing and monitoring invasive species, repairing trails, and caring for trees.

Content and topics vary from year to year but have included:

Mycology (study of fungi including mushrooms and lichens)
Entomology (study of insects)
Botany (study of plants) and forest ecology
Ornithology (study of birds)
Aquatic ecology, watershed health, and human impacts
Land management and conservation
Invasive species and habitat quality assessment
Climate science and activism

Guest scientists, speakers, and program partners are from the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, Powdermill Avian Research Center, Allegheny County Conservation District, The Watersmith Guild, and many others.

Started in 2014, Young Naturalists was designed to create in-depth and hands-on environmental science experiences for students from Pittsburgh area high schools. An important part of the Young Naturalists program is to create opportunities and connections in environmental science and STEM fields for students from historically underrepresented groups in STEM.

The Young Naturalists Program is generously supported by:

WHO SHOULD APPLY?

Students who have completed their 9th grade year of high school through graduating seniors
Students who want to learn more about nature and enjoy spending time outdoors
Students who demonstrate commitment, drive, reliability, and interest in the environment
Students who are willing to do physically demanding work outdoors in varying weather
Students who are interested in pursuing a degree, career, or hobby related to environmental science, ecology, outdoor recreation, conservation, or sustainability

Apply Today!

PROGRAM TIMELINE

MARCH 11 | Applications open

MAY 7 | Virtual Information Session

MAY 13 - MAY 24 | Interviews with students and a parent/guardian

MAY 13 | Applications close

JUNE 20 | Program orientation (4:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.)

JUNE 28 | First Day in Frick Park

JULY 1 - JULY 3 | Overnight team-building retreat in Laurel Highlands

JULY 8 – AUGUST 2 | Research & restoration in Frick Park (Tuesday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Time subject to change)

INTERESTED IN APPLYING?

VIRTUAL INFORMATION SESSION

Intrigued by the program and want to learn more? We are hosting a Virtual Information Session for interested students on Tuesday, May 7 from 4:00-5:30 P.M. At this session, we’ll share information about the Young Naturalists program and create space to ask program instructors and alumni questions about the internship. Click here to register!

INTERESTED IN APPLYING?

APPLYING TO THE PROGRAM

Applications for the 2024 Young Naturalists program will open on March 11th.

In the application, we ask you to write four short essays to help us get to know you. The questions are outlined below:

In 300 words or less, why are you interested in participating in Young Naturalists?
Young Naturalists focuses on many aspects of environmental science. This year's themes include studying birds, insects, fungi, forests, water, and climate. In 300 words or less, which of our themes are you the most interested in? Are there other aspects of nature that you want to learn more about?
In 150 words or less, what are your future education and/or career goals?

PAY, GEAR, AND IMPORTANT DATES

Participants are paid a $1,000 stipend over the five-week program. During this period, they attend a three-day, two-night retreat in the Laurel Highlands while working four days a week for the duration of their program. Students also receive a raincoat, t-shirts, water bottle, work boots, bus passes, and tuition. Additional paid and volunteer opportunities with our education team are available for students who complete the program.

The Young Naturalists Summer Interns will meet 4 days a week, Tuesday through Friday, June 28-August 2nd. This year, to avoid the July 4th holiday, our overnight retreat in the Laurel Highlands will be Monday, July 1st-Wednesday July 3rd. There will be no Young Naturalists on July 4th and 5th. Students accepted into the program must be available for all dates.

APPLY TODAY!

Apply Today!

YOUNG NATURALISTS ARE MAKING A BIG DIFFERENCE

These young learners bring energy, excitement, and determination in working to better Pittsburgh's park system each and every year through annual stewardship projects!