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 Fall Service Corps Cohort
Dates: September 14 – November 6
Schedule: Monday – Friday, 9am – 4pm; may include occasional support on event days
Expense Stipend: $2,400 for the 8-week term (to support food, housing, and transportation)
Housing: Contact us if you are interested in on-site housing. Fees may apply.
Application Requirements
– Applicants must be between the ages of 18 – 26
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 Tuesday, September 1, 2026.
For questions, please contact Community Engagement Coordinator, Samira Ahmed, at sahmed@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.
