Sierra Institute announces that P-CREW (Plumas Conservation, Restoration, Education in Watersheds) Youth Corps is recruiting for the 2025 season. This five-week “pathways to the profession” program gives youth from rural and urban areas the chance to learn and work on northern California’s public lands while gaining skills, making friends and becoming environmental stewards. Sierra Institute promises participants will experience an “unforgettable summer.”
P-CREW is a paid summer job for high school students in 10th through 12th grade. Students earn up to $2,100 depending on hours worked. Students learn about hand tools used in restoration projects like invasive plant removal, fuel reduction, trail maintenance and more alongside Forest Service specialists including wildlife biologists, fire ecologists, hydrologists, firefighters, botanists and more.
Weekend trips with the crew include backpacking, hiking, climbing, paddleboarding, swimming and more. Participants learn about forest ecology, wildfires and watersheds through lessons and field studies. All food, transportation, gear and outdoor clothing is provided for free (gear and clothing must be returned at the end).
Organizers say P-CREW participants will:
- Work on meaningful restoration projects in the stunning northern Sierra.
- Build leadership, teamwork and job skills through hands-on experience.
- Explore wild forests and connect with nature.
- Gain confidence while forming strong bonds with crew members from varied backgrounds.
Benefits for participants include:
- Contributing to restoration projects in areas affected by wildfires.
- Building a resume and gaining valuable work experience.
- Discovering new career paths.
- Working with students from across Northern California toward shared goals.
- Learning about the Feather River watershed, part of California’s State Water Project.
- Receiving college credit from Feather River College.
- Having fun.
More information is available at https://pcrew.sierrainstitute.us/students/. Students can apply here.
Information provided by Sierra Institute
