The Summer Youth Employment Program Has Begun!

This week, we're kicking off Tree Trust's 41st year of the Summer Youth Employment Program! On Monday, June 19th, about 350 young people from Hennepin, Washington, and Dakota counties, plus St. Paul, began their nine-week summer jobs. Participants either work outside on crews or in individual internships. 
 
Participants in the Youth Conservation Corps work on crews in park and recreation areas to complete outdoor construction projects like timber staircases, paver patios, retaining walls, and boardwalks. If you're out in Twin Cities parks and trails this summer, you might just spot one of our youth crews, improving the landscape and building their skills under the supervision of Tree Trust's summer staff. 

Summer staff received 100+ hours of training in early June. It began with a trip to Camp Courage, where they practiced their construction, management, and teamwork skills; and then culminated with two weeks of classroom and more "field" training to hone their skills on working with youth and learning about the projects they'd be leading. Youth participants are also supported by site supervisors, counselors, and a summer employment skills specialist. 
 
If you'd like to learn more about the history of the Youth Conservation Corps, you can watch this video , in which our two founders discuss the first years of Tree Trust and describe how we have built such strong and lasting relationships with our park and recreation area partners. 
 
Participants in individual internships are also beginning their work at local schools, nonprofits, and businesses. Nearly 100 young people will be building job skills with their supervisors and Tree Trust case managers. 

To see photo updates from both programs, be sure to follow our social media throughout the summer! 
YouthBuild End of Year Recognition

Late last month, Tree Trust staff and partners came together with participants, friends, and family for the YouthBuild End of Year Recognition!

Staff and partners of the YouthBuild program celebrated the successes of the participants and the unique qualities each person brought to their team. Les Olson, from our partner Urban Homeworks, also highlighted the contributions that YouthBuild made by constructing affordable homes in North Minneapolis. Friends and family were able to see some of the accomplishments of youth participants through photos, video, and speeches. You can see more pictures from this event on our Facebook albumTo learn more about our YouthBuild program, visit our website
We invite you to make a contribution to the Tree Trust Green Futures fund today. You can donate online or by mailYour contribution will be matched by another someone who cares a whole awful lot,  and cumulatively will help support Green Futures tree plantings in communities around the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota. 

THANK YOU for caring - and THANK YOU for acting!

Shoutout to StateRun!

For every purchase of this Minnesota Forester hat from StateRun, 25% of proceeds will be donated to Tree Trust's Green Futures fund! 

We're excited to partner with StateRun, which provides high quality, locally designed, and locally supplied clothing. 
Work at Tree Trust
Come join our team! When positions are open, Tree Trust seeks to hire qualified staff and participants. Positions exist in a variety of different capacities and include full-time, part-time, and seasonal positions. View open positions here
 
Current Openings: 
Outreach Coordinator
Landscape Construction Technician
When you donate to Tree Trust, you positively impact environmental health and the lives of thousands of people in your own community. It is through the essential support of our donors and volunteers that Tree Trust has been able to transform lives and landscapes for more than 40 years.