The Service Corps engages young adults in hands-on stewardship projects while building leadership, teamwork, and practical skills. Rooted in the traditions of Peace Corps and AmeriCorps, the program combines structured learning, mentorship, and reflection with meaningful public service.
2026 Spring Service Corps Cohort
Dates: April 27 – June 18
Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm; may include occasional support on event days
Expense Stipend: $2,400 for the 8-week term (to support food, housing, and transportation)
Housing: May be provided
Program Highlights
Participants will work in small, supervised crews on projects across Planting Fields Foundation, including:
– Trail and access improvements
– Invasive species management
– Habitat restoration
– Historic garden care
Corps members also support public-facing programs and visitor engagement by:
– Assisting with tours, school and family programs, festivals, and volunteer days
– Developing accessible interpretation connecting the landscape to its history and ecology
– Creating short educational content for the park’s website and social media
Additionally, participants may contribute to behind-the-scenes projects that strengthen public access to the park’s stories, including archives and collections work that informs programs and interpretation.
Learning & Development
Through mentorship, structured reflection, and supervised hands-on experience, participants will:
– Build confidence, teamwork, and leadership skills
– Develop practical skills in conservation, public programming, and stewardship
– Gain experience that supports future civic engagement and career pathways
Note: The stipend and optional housing are provided to support participation and are not compensation for services performed. This program is designed as a service-learning opportunity, with the primary goal of educational and personal development for participants.
Deadline to apply is Friday, May 1.
For questions, please contact Education Manager, Erin Fitzpatrick, at efitzpatrick@plantingfields.org.
The Planting Fields Foundation Service Corps is supported with funding from the New York State Park and Trail Partnership Grants and New York’s Environmental Protection Fund. The Park and Trail Partnership Grants are administered by Parks & Trails New York, in partnership with the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation.
