Students aged 15 to 18 may apply now through Friday, March 6 to the Youth Conservation Corps team that will work at the USDA Forest Service - Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie this summer.

The team will plant native Illinois prairie plant species, clear brush, maintain trails and more June 8 to July 31.

One day each week will be dedicated to an off-site explorer experience at a variety of conservation sites where they can network and expand their exposure to natural resources.

Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Students will be paid based on federal/state wage standards. Transportation to and from Midewin is not provided.

Each student must provide a teacher letter of recommendation along with his or her application.

Apply no later than March 6 by mail or email to USDA Forest Service – Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, 30239 S. State Rt. 53, Wilmington, IL 60481 or email at Patricia.Dyken@USDA.gov.

Applications in English and Spanish, as well as more details about the YCC program, are available online at www.fs.usda.gov/working-with-us/opportunities-for-young-people/youth-conservation-corps-opportunities.

Applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States, be willing to participate for the duration of the program, and possess a Social Security card and have a work permit (if required) before the first working day of the program.

The Youth Conservation Corps is a nationally recognized program within federal land management agencies. YCC students will have an opportunity to develop an understanding and appreciation of America’s natural environment and heritage, work and learn alongside federal service employees, enhance self-dignity, promote self-discipline and build lasting cultural connections between youths from various social, ethnic and economic backgrounds while fostering knowledge of the environment and natural resources conservation.

Participants also develop a life-long ethic of environmental stewardship and civic responsibility through team-based work projects and grow awareness and appreciation of America's public lands.