Friends Of Princeton Open Space Launches Summer Land Steward Youth Program

PRINCETON, NJ – If you're looking for an interesting program during summer vacation, this could be the one for you. Friends of Princeton Open Space (FOPOS) has launched a free Land Steward Youth Leadership Summer Program for ages 15–25.

This hands-on opportunity is designed to build ecological knowledge, develop leadership skills, and gain hands-on experience in ecosystem restoration. Building on the success of FOPOS’s drop-in volunteer program, this new initiative offers a more in-depth, skill-building experience for emerging environmental leaders.

Participants will commit to a minimum of 20 hours of volunteer stewardship and environmental education at the Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve. The students will work in the 25-acre riparian restoration project area, engaging in native plantings and invasive species removal and implementing plant protection strategies - all while learning how to lead others in conservation work.

At least 10 hours will be dedicated to ecological restoration work, and the remaining hours can be fulfilled by participating in any of FOPOS's summer environmental education activities, such as guided nature walks, summer BioBlitz, nature journaling, tree walks, scavenger hunts, moth night and more.

“This program is about building a deep-rooted sense of environmental responsibility, empowering young leaders, and creating a space where education, action, and community intersect.” said Anna Corichi, FOPOS Director of Natural Resources and Stewardship.

“We want young people to walk away from this program not just with new knowledge and skills, but with a connection to the land.”

The volunteer work will focus on riparian zones around Mountain Lakes and adjacent to streams in the Preserve.

Upon completion, participants will be eligible to help lead volunteer events and contribute independently to restoration projects at the Preserve. They will be recognized at FOPOS’s Fall Fest event and receive a certificate of completion.

The program runs now through Sept. 21, with flexible scheduling available.

Students ages 15–25 interested in ecology, restoration, and leadership are encouraged to sign up by July 15.

There will be a volunteer sessions held as well. Visit www.fopos.org/getinvolved for more information.

To learn more and sign up for the FOPOS Summer 2025 Land Steward Youth Leadership Program, visit www.fopos.org/leadership-program or contact Jackie Halaw, the program coordinator, at jhalaw@fopos.org.