Outdoor jobs help teens connect with nature and community
Teens in western Massachusetts are joining Greenagers, a local nonprofit, to work outdoors building trails and protecting ecosystems — gaining both job experience and a deeper bond with the natural world.
Jacob Posner reports for The Christian Science Monitor.
In short:
- Greenagers trains high school students in trail work and environmental restoration, pairing them with college-age leaders to remove invasive species, build paths, and protect wetlands.
- The program saw increased interest during and after the pandemic, as parents sought ways to engage youth offline and outdoors, and participants often report long-lasting personal and mental health benefits.
- After the Trump administration cut AmeriCorps funding in April 2025, Greenagers stepped in to pay affected workers through summer, emphasizing its commitment to mentoring and environmental stewardship.
Key quote:
“My kid didn’t really want to go outside, or know what to do outside, and now they can’t get enough of it.”
— Will Conklin, founder and executive director of Greenagers
Why this matters:
As more young people report screen fatigue and rising mental health struggles, outdoor work programs like Greenagers offer a counterbalance rooted in physical effort, social connection, and nature. These experiences can foster environmental literacy and a sense of belonging — two qualities increasingly rare in a digital-first world. Studies show that spending time outdoors improves cognitive function, emotional well-being, and even sleep. Programs that combine stewardship and job skills can also offer pathways to future careers in conservation or science. In a warming climate, the ability to understand, protect, and repair natural ecosystems becomes not just useful but urgent, particularly for younger generations who will face its long-term impacts firsthand.
Related: Teen-run conservation group helps Minnesota youth cope with climate stress through action
