This program offers current high school students (or recent graduates) to participate in hands-on conservation service in the Forest Preserves through paid summer employment. Activities include youth work as a team on a variety of projects such as trail building, mulching trees and invasive plant removal. Youth are supervised by highly trained adult crew leaders who have experience working with youth in an outdoor setting. Environmental education and nature-based recreational activities are an important component of the experience. The goal is for the youth to have one of the best summers of their lives and they do—this program boasts a 95 to 100% retention rate.