Friends of Princeton Open Space invites high school and college-aged students to join the 2025 Land Steward Youth Leadership Summer Program—a free, hands-on opportunity designed to build ecological knowledge, develop leadership skills, and gain hands-on experience in ecosystem restoration.
About this program: This new initiative offers an in-depth, skill-building experience for emerging environmental leaders ages 15–25. Throughout the summer, participants will commit to a minimum of 20 hours of volunteer stewardship and environmental education at the Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve. Working in the 25-acre riparian restoration project site, students will take part in active restoration efforts, engaging in native planting, invasive species removal, plant protection strategies, and more—all while learning how to lead others in vital conservation work.
Why this is important: The work will focus on riparian zones around Mountain Lakes. These areas, where the water meets the land, are vital for filtering pollutants, protecting water quality, and supporting biodiversity. Educating youth about the value of these ecosystems builds a foundation for lifelong stewardship. Ecological restoration is a powerful tool for environmental education, civic engagement, and building community. Restoration work is a long-term effort, and volunteers, especially trained youth leaders, play a crucial role in helping restore degraded ecosystems in their community.
Commitment: Participants will commit to a minimum of 20 hours of volunteer service and environmental education throughout the summer at the Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve.
At least 10 hours must be dedicated to land stewardship volunteering. Volunteer sessions are typically two hours long. Please visit our Volunteer Page for upcoming dates for our public land stewardship sessions.
The remaining hours can be fulfilled through attending any of our environmental education activities, such as guided nature walks, summer BioBlitz events, book club meetings, nature journaling, and more. Check our Events Calendar for a full list of upcoming educational opportunities.
Benefits & Recognition: Participation in this program offers a range of personal, educational, and leadership benefits for young environmental leaders. Upon successful completion of the required service hours, participants will:
Be Recognized as Youth Stewardship Leaders and honored at the Friends of Princeton Open Space Fall Fest celebration, where they will receive a formal Certificate of Completion recognizing their commitment to environmental stewardship and conservation leadership.
Gain Leadership Opportunities: Participants who complete the program will become eligible to assist in leading future volunteer events at the Billy Johnson Mountain Lakes Nature Preserve.
Build Marketable Skills: Throughout the summer, participants will develop hands-on experience in land stewardship practices, including native plant identification, invasive species management, ecological monitoring, and conservation planning. These real-world skills are valuable for future academic work, internships, and green careers.
Enhance College and Job Applications: Program completion demonstrates a commitment to environmental issues, leadership, and civic engagement—qualities highly regarded by colleges, scholarship committees, and employers. Certificates and references from FOPOS can be included in resumes or applications.
Join a Community of Like-Minded Peers: Participants will be part of a growing network of young people passionate about nature and sustainability. Through volunteer days and educational events, they’ll build meaningful connections with peers, educators, and environmental professionals.
This program is more than just a summer experience—it’s a first step toward becoming a lifelong steward of the environment.
The program runs from June 21 through September 21 2025. Emerging young environmental leaders ages 15–25 are encouraged to sign up by July 15th.
