Parks and environment volunteering
Grassroots Ecology Youth Stewards
Grassroots Ecology Youth Stewards is a volunteer program run by Grassroots Ecology in Palo Alto, CA.
- Who can join
- Not posted
- Status
- Opens seasonally
- Season
- Varies
- Cost
- Free
About the program
A free summer and winter/spring stewardship program for high school students on the Peninsula.
Stewards remove invasive plants, care for wildlife habitat, and practice observation skills alongside staff.
Key facts
- Run by
- Grassroots Ecology
- Where
- Palo Alto, CAStulsaft Park, Pearson-Arastradero Preserve, McClellan Ranch Preserve, Redwood Grove, Byrne Preserve, Foothills Nature Preserve
- Who can join
- Not postedRising, current, or recently graduated high school students
- Commitment
- Summer 2026: Wednesdays 9 am-12 pm, June 10 to July 29; attendance at every session not required
- Applications
- Summer 2026 enrollment closed; check back spring 2027 (spring session info in winter) (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
- Cost
- Free
- To apply
- Interest form
- Good fit for
- Biology and Environmental Science
Making the most of it on a college application
- Stay long enough to take on more responsibility, such as a second year or training new volunteers.
- Keep a log of hours and a few specific moments. They become the activities list entry and, often, an essay.
- Pair it with something that shows the same interest from another side, such as a class, a competition, or a summer program.
Email me the Youth Stewards details
A link to this page, with the age rule and application window, plus similar programs.
More in the Bay Area
- Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy I-YEL: Inspiring Young Emerging Leaders
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- When to apply
- Applications for the 2026-2027 cohort were due Friday, October 2 (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
- Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy LINC Summer High School Programs
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- Not posted
- When to apply
- Summer 2026 applications were due Sunday, March 15, 11:59 pm (past window; confirm next cycle)
- Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy Urban Trailblazers
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- Ages 15 to 18
- When to apply
- School-year applications typically available in July; summer applications typically in March (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
| Opportunity | Where | Who can join | Commitment | When to apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy I-YEL: Inspiring Young Emerging LeadersClub or organization · Parks and environment | San Francisco, CA | Not posted | School year, October to May | Applications for the 2026-2027 cohort were due Friday, October 2 (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability) |
| Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy LINC Summer High School ProgramsSummer program · Parks and environment | San Francisco, CA | Not posted | SEJI: 3 weeks; SOL: 6 weeks; must attend all program dates | Summer 2026 applications were due Sunday, March 15, 11:59 pm (past window; confirm next cycle) |
| Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy Urban TrailblazersSummer program · Parks and environment | San Francisco, CA | Not posted | Six weeks, June 16 to July 31, 2026, Tuesday-Friday 9:30 am-3 pm, with camping trips | Applications for Summer 2026 open; interviews April 11 (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability) |
| Hidden Villa Weekend AmbassadorVolunteering · Parks and environment | Los Altos Hills, CA | 16 and up | 1-2 shifts monthly | Year-round |
| California Academy of Sciences Careers in Science (CiS) Intern ProgramInternship · Museum or science center | San Francisco, CA | Grades 9 to 12 | 2 or 3 years through high school graduation; after school and Saturdays during the school year, weekdays in summer | Applications closed; check back in February 2027 (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability) |
| Exploratorium High School Explainer ProgramInternship · Museum or science center | San Francisco, CA | Ages 15 to 18 | Entire school-year or summer session; more than 60 hours of training | School-year applications typically available in July; summer applications typically in March (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability) |
All parks and environment programs in the Bay AreaBiology and Environmental Science opportunitiesEvery opportunity
Frequently asked questions
How old do you have to be to join Grassroots Ecology Youth Stewards?
Grassroots Ecology does not post an age rule on the page we read. Rising, current, or recently graduated high school students
How many hours does Grassroots Ecology Youth Stewards require?
Summer 2026: Wednesdays 9 am-12 pm, June 10 to July 29; attendance at every session not required
When does Grassroots Ecology Youth Stewards take applications?
Summer 2026 enrollment closed; check back spring 2027 (spring session info in winter) (as posted when checked 2026-10-13; confirm availability)
What do you need to apply?
Interest form.
Sources and method
Suggested attribution: Dewey Smart. “Grassroots Ecology Youth Stewards”. https://www.deweysmart.com/opportunities/grassroots-ecology-youth-stewards.
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