A select group of high school students are spending their summer vacation in the sand and sun, but it's not what you think. These teens are getting down and dirty doing their part to improve and beautify Houston's urban green spaces.
"The life experience these young people learn in not just how to use a rake or a shovel safely, but also how to give back to their community while enhancingÂ… the grounds of the Arboretum," said Joe Blanton, Conservation Director with Houston Arboretum & Nature Center.
It's not the kind of work you would expect most teens to sign up for during their summer vacation. But that's exactly what 15-year-old Forest Bell did when he was deciding how to spend his two-and-a-half months of freedom.
"I love the outdoors, and so I wanted to do something with my summer that helped the outdoors, " said Forest Bell.
Bell is among 40 students from 13 area high schools chosen by the Student Conservation Association to participate in the Exxon Mobil Green Team.
The six-week environmental internship program teaches students about conservation and the ecosystem by working on outdoor projects.
"I think there is no better way to help the environment then working outside and being hands on with what you do," said Green Team member, Elena Marroquin.
Monday's lesson took place at the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center where students helped pave a trail that will eventually allow people with limited mobility better access. It's the third project the teens have worked on this summer.
"We are leveling a trail, we're building a boardwalk, we've leveled another trail that we did at the Montgomery preserve, and we transplanted a garden from Peck Elementary," said Bell.
And while he and others are learning to be stewards of the environment they are also earning a paycheck. ExxonMobil sponsors the program with a $100,000 grant, which funds student stipends.
"I am hopingÂ… trying to save it up for college," said Marroquin.
The experience high school students have received has already impacted their future choices.
"A National Forest Ranger looks really enticing," said Bell.
The paid internship through ExxonMobil Green Team program is only offered in the summer. But students can continue to help the environment year-round, the Student Conservation Association organizes monthly conservation efforts. To learn more log on to their website at www.theSCA.org or call 713-520-1835.
"The life experience these young people learn in not just how to use a rake or a shovel safely, but also how to give back to their community while enhancingÂ… the grounds of the Arboretum," said Joe Blanton, Conservation Director with Houston Arboretum & Nature Center.
It's not the kind of work you would expect most teens to sign up for during their summer vacation. But that's exactly what 15-year-old Forest Bell did when he was deciding how to spend his two-and-a-half months of freedom.
"I love the outdoors, and so I wanted to do something with my summer that helped the outdoors, " said Forest Bell.
Bell is among 40 students from 13 area high schools chosen by the Student Conservation Association to participate in the Exxon Mobil Green Team.
The six-week environmental internship program teaches students about conservation and the ecosystem by working on outdoor projects.
"I think there is no better way to help the environment then working outside and being hands on with what you do," said Green Team member, Elena Marroquin.
Monday's lesson took place at the Houston Arboretum & Nature Center where students helped pave a trail that will eventually allow people with limited mobility better access. It's the third project the teens have worked on this summer.
"We are leveling a trail, we're building a boardwalk, we've leveled another trail that we did at the Montgomery preserve, and we transplanted a garden from Peck Elementary," said Bell.
And while he and others are learning to be stewards of the environment they are also earning a paycheck. ExxonMobil sponsors the program with a $100,000 grant, which funds student stipends.
"I am hopingÂ… trying to save it up for college," said Marroquin.
The experience high school students have received has already impacted their future choices.
"A National Forest Ranger looks really enticing," said Bell.
The paid internship through ExxonMobil Green Team program is only offered in the summer. But students can continue to help the environment year-round, the Student Conservation Association organizes monthly conservation efforts. To learn more log on to their website at www.theSCA.org or call 713-520-1835.
Digg
Twitter
Facebook
StumbleUpon
