The Woodlands Youth Crew is a group community service program that provides the opportunity for youth groups to participate in the restoration and maintenance of Central Park's three woodlands:

The Hallett Nature Sanctuary - a 3.5-acre preserve set aside for wildlife and closed to the public since 1934
The Ramble - a 38-acre "wild garden" (in Olmsted's words) with rocky outcrops, secluded glades, and meandering pathways
The North Woods - a 95-acre forest designed in the image of the Adirondack forest with crystal streams, tumbling cascades, and the remnants of fortifications from the American Revolution and the War of 1812

Each session begins with a brief history of Central Park and the Conservancy and a lesson in forest ecology and invasive species. After a tool safety demonstration, students spend the remainder of the time doing some hands-on ecological restoration. Projects include invasive species removal, native species planting and the maintenance of trails and pathways. Students should dress to get dirty and wear only boots or sneakers (no
open-toed shoes or slip-ons). Gloves and tools are provided but each student is encouraged to bring a bottle of water.

For more information or to register a group, please call 212-360-1439 or e-mail youth@centralparknyc.org.

The Central Park Conservancy invites all who use the Park to help care for it. Park stewardship is combined with environmental education for a meaningful, enjoyable way for students to serve their community. Environmental educators, who understand environmental principles as well as the Park’s horticultural needs, teach these action-packed programs.

Projects are located throughout the Park with school location and transportation taken into account.

For more information or to register a group, please call 212-360-1470.

Students participate in the ecological restoration of the Hallett Nature Sanctuary, a 3.5-acre preserve set aside for wildlife and closed to the public since 1934. Projects include the removal of invasive plants, planting native plants, and the construction and maintenance of woodchipped trails. Students earn community service hours for their time.

Click here to download an application.

 Internship Summary

Under the joint supervision of the Manager of Youth Education & Service, and Visitor Center Managers, interns will assist in the general operation of the centers as well as complete special projects unique to the internship. This unpaid internship provides the opportunity to learn about the history and management of Central Park, improve valuable public speaking and interpersonal skills, and gain first-hand experience in how visitor centers operate in a Park that receives over 25 million visitors a year. 

 Internship Responsibilities

• Actively engage the public and assist visitors with directions, answer questions, and provide  information on upcoming public programs
• Assist visitor center staff with public programs and special events
• Inform the public in and around the visitor center about the Central Park Conservancy’s recycling program and other environmental stewardship initiatives
• Conduct user surveys about current and desired Family Programs in Central Park

 Internship Requirements

• Must be currently enrolled in High School and be at least 16 years old by June 1, 2010
• Available to work every Saturday of the internship
• Successful completion of the spring internship may lead to a paid, full-time summer position, therefore spring interns must be available for summer employment (summer employment is not guaranteed)
• Outgoing personality, willing to engage the diverse visitors of Central Park
• Self-motivated, responsible, reliable, articulate and patient

Apply now, only 4 spots available!

Click here for an application

Application deadline is Febrary 12, 2010 

The Summer Internship Program provides full-time paid summer jobs with the Central Park Conservancy for approximately 20 high school students. Interns support the horticulture department and are placed alongside the Conservancy's Zone Gardeners to help maintain Central Park's landscapes.

Summer interns work five-day, 38-hour weeks and are paid a competitive hourly wage. Similar to Conservancy staff, summer interns work to keep Central Park beautiful and safe for the millions of people who visit the Park every summer. From Monday through Thursday, interns work a 7:00 am - 3:30 pm shift, performing maintenance and horticultural tasks including litter removal, irrigation, weeding, planting, pruning, and preparing for special events. Every Friday, interns work a 9:30 am - 4:00 pm shift and get together as a group to complete special projects in Central Park or other local parks and green spaces.

While all high schools students 16 years and up are eligible to apply, preference is given to students who have participated in ROOTS during the spring.  Applicants must be at least 16 years old by June 1.

Applications become available in March.