The Site Stewardship Program has developed a summer program (LINC) for high school students who have an interest in the environment and are looking for an opportunity to work in the park. Organized by theme, the program provides a variety of modules, each with a different natural resource topic. Students will work on authentic park projects with themes including plant propagation, habitat restoration, mapping, trail work, and environmental education. All activities are linked to park priorities and provide critical natural resource support to the park.

For the students who participate, this program provides an enriching and challenging summer job while providing enrichment in ecology and environmental science, and basic job and leadership skills.

The group consists of approximately 15 individuals, and draws from students who have an interest and enthusiasm for developing skills in the field of natural resources. A team of two individuals, with support staff, will supervise this group. In addition to work in special topic areas, career development workshops and field trips will also be provided.

Program Details
The summer intensive program is seven weeks long, commencing in mid June. The program will run Tuesday through Friday, and require 28 hours of participation each week. Participants will meet at Fort Mason each morning at 9:00 a.m. at the central office. Upon satisfactory completion of the program, each student will receive a $1000 award and a certificate of completion.

All students will participate in a four-day camping trip to Yosemite the first week of the program. Camping equipment will be made available for those with needs and all food will be provided. In general, participants must be in good health and able to hike several miles, as many of the programs will involve some level of physical exertion.

Interested students are required to complete a short application. Final selections will be made based on the recommendations from mentors, and information gathered during short interviews. Applications for summer 2009 will be made available in January.

For more information, contact Sue Gardner at (415) 561-3067 or sgardner@parksconservancy.org.