Join a Canada-wide youth network to drive positive change in your community

Youth across Canada are leading conservation efforts through community projects to protect our natural environment and create awareness about invasive species and the importance of protecting ecosystem health.

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Hopewell Rock

Youth Volunteer Opportunities

Join our eco-webinars and engage with a passionate community of like-minded volunteers. Explore fascinating topics, expand your knowledge, and build connections with fellow nature enthusiasts.

Access virtual and in-person experiences that build upon your skills and knowledge to support you in your early career. Our Green Career Panels feature researchers, environmental specialists, project managers, and other green professionals who will share their work, how they got started, and advice for young leaders entering the field.

You’ll also have opportunities to build hands-on knowledge through training in species identification, invasive species monitoring, and other practical skills—plus access to certifications like First Aid to help boost your confidence and your resume.

Participate in one of our ongoing in-person volunteer projects. Get your hands dirty, work alongside experienced volunteers, and directly contribute to the conservation efforts to protect your community from invasive species.

Unleash your creativity and leadership skills by initiating your own volunteer project. With YES’s support and resources, you can bring your environmental vision to life, lead a team, and positively impact the planet.

Youth officially registered in the program are encouraged to participate in 120 hours of service over the course of 12 months. Hours spent on things like webinars, monthly meetings, and professional development will count towards the 120 hours goal.

  • Milestones for Hours of Service
  • BioBlitz Boss – 40 Hours
  • Biodiversity Protector – 80 Hours
  • Youth Motivator – 120 Hours
  • YES Ambassador – 120+ Hours

Youth Eco Stewards Community Project Themes

As part of the Youth Eco Stewards program, volunteers can develop an invasive species-related community project based on an area of their interest.

Throughout the program, volunteers will have access to exclusive network events, professional and personal development opportunities, and a network of like-minded youth from across the country. After participating in the program, volunteers will receive a Certificate of Completion, community volunteer hours, and opportunities to build relationships with professionals working in the environmental field.

Here are some community project themes examples:

The Cherry River Marsh seen during a spring day, with Mont Orford in the background, Magog, Quebec, Canada

Watershed Health

The health of our watersheds is crucial for human and ecosystem health. This topic explores the various factors that influence watershed health including litter, aquatic invasive species, and storm-water quality. Youth will research ways to mitigate watershed pollutants and risk factors.

Project options under this theme include storm-water monitoring, monitoring aquatic invasive species, community litter clean-ups, developing educational resources, and much more!

People carrying shovels in a forest

Ecosystem Restoration

Small steps at a community level can contribute to greater ecosystem health. Youth will develop projects based around supporting native plant populations, understanding the impacts of non-native species, and the importance of biodiversity on a local scale.

Project options under this theme include growing native plants from seeds, monitoring terrestrial invasive species, monitoring biodiversity for community science, developing educational resources, and much more!

Pink haired girl holding camera

Visual Media

Get creative! Selecting this topic allows you to use visual media and creative expression to showcase your nature-related passion.

Project options under this theme include creating a digital photography portfolio, a nature documentary, or other creative expression media of your choice.

People staring a wall of sticky notes

Educational Resource Development

Contribute to our educational resource development project with a focus on invasive species. Create informative materials, blog articles, and interactive resources to teach others about the threat of invasive species. Empower your community with knowledge to detect, report, and manage invasive species effectively.

People in winter jackets standing in a forest

Create-Your-Own

Volunteers are given the option of developing their own community project concept from scratch. With the help of program coordinators, volunteers can create a project around any invasive species topic they are passionate about.

Ready to get started on your stewardship journey?