Emerald Necklace Conservancy: Green Team

Each summer our Green Team undertakes restoration, maintenance and programming work in the historic Emerald Necklace park system. During a six week summer employment program, crew members complete tasks such as mulching shrub beds, weeding, bench painting and invasive species removal.

Workshops and inter-organizational collaboration help Green Team crew workers develop job skills, build environmental awareness, and cultivate an understanding of the significance of their work in parks. Experiential learning includes overnight camping, hiking and mountain biking, sailing and canoeing. The program provides a foundation of job skills that will enable participants to succeed in entry-level positions in the future. Green Team members, who express an interest, are encouraged to apply to the Youth Leadership Program. The program employs 30 youth, ages 15 to 18. Divided into crews of ten, three crews work under the direction and guidance of two crew leaders each. Crew leaders play a critical role in the Green Team as they lead workdays, support crew members, and help to shape a positive work environment. Crew leaders come to the Green Team with experience in youth leadership and in a range of outdoor maintenance work; in fact, many of our crew leaders are Green Team alumni. The conservancys Green Team is comprised of youth who are eligible for funding through the Boston Youth Fund, John Hancock Scholars, or are referred from Brooklines Steps to Success.