SUMMER YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM
Our mission is to transform lives and landscapes by engaging people to build skills for meaningful careers, inspiring people to plant trees, and making our community a greener, healthier place to live.
Summer Staff
Tree Trust’s summer staff includes Crew Leaders, Field Coordinators, and Employment Success Coaches, who receive two weeks of hands-on training. Summer staff are often college students and teachers. Some return yearly and even join Tree Trust as full-time staff.
BOARDWALK REPAIR AND INSTALLATION
Tree Trust has been partnering with Westwood Hills Nature Center to complete projects since the early 1970’s. These boardwalks constructioned by youth participants under the supervision of Tree Trust staff improve accessability for everyone to enjoy the beautiful nature within Westwood Hills.
TIMBER STAIRCASE RESTORATION AND CONSTRUCTION
Tree Trust’s signature timber staircases are constructed by hand. Step by step, youth participants learn important construction skills like measuring, leveling, and cutting using hand tools. These timber staircases stand the test of time, becoming a valuable asset to communities in the Twin Cities metro area.
“Tree trust is a great way to get the youth involved in the community as well as teaching them skills to use in life. [My son] learned time management skills and so much more. The staff at tree trust are also very kind and want to see everyone succeed.”
“My favorite part was working on a team. I believe that being able to work collaboratively with others is an invaluable skill inside of the workplace. Also, working in a team had helped me to achieve the personal goal that I had coming into this job.”
“My son was treated with respect in a very professional work environment with team leaders who were always on time and led by example.”
“Great environment, a good way to work hard and build friendships.”
“Tree trust made me realize that working outdoors and experiencing new things can really turn out fun!”
ARCHERY TARGET CONSTRUCTION
We constructed a brand new, 12-target archery course. Our SYEP crew crafted and painted each individual wood target. This new archery course will offer an exciting opportunity for people to enjoy the outdoors and practice their skills. It is currently the only public course of this size in the Twin Cities metro area.
“The one thing I liked most about this program is not only being able to work outside and learn skills there but also getting taught other things outside of what we are doing such as resumes, financial things and more.”
“I saw a child who was EXCITED, more confident, felt some pride in himself and what he was doing, was making more friends, having fun, started taking more responsibility, and who for the 1st time EVER, didn’t need to be dragged out of bed!! I saw my child start turning into an individual, excited to teach EVERYONE EVERYTHING he was learning and building on the skills he already had.”
“I liked meeting the crew leader and friends and working outside and building things for the community.”
RETAINING WALL CONSTRUCTION
Tree Trust’s concrete and wooden retaining walls make a real diffeance in many communities. They help with erosion and add a touch of beauty to any landscape.
“My favorite thing about working at Tree Trust is getting to work outside in the fresh air and learning how to identify different plants.”m etur, temporp
DUGOUT CONSTRUCTION
Our team designed and constructed two baseball dugouts at Northland Park in Stillwater, Minnesota. From laying the concrete base to constructing the benches and structures, this team really knocked it out of the park.
“I enjoyed having a fun and interactive crew and all the members brought their own unique qualities and made the crew a very fun place to work.”
“I’ve learned to be more independent and I’ve learned to be more helpful. I have a lot of stamina now and Tree Trust has taught me a lot about landscaping and using equipment.”
“I like to learn about taking initiative and staying focused on my job skills!”
LABYRINTH REPAIR
The labyrinth at Caponi Art Park was a project Cheryl Caponi created as a space for patrons to visit, unwind, and enjoy a little bit of calm. When the labyrinth was constructed in 2012, pink marble bricks were placed in a spiral amidst a bed of soft green moss. However, after years of visitors walking along the labyrinth, the moss disappeared, and growing weeds began to make the spiral unstable. Tree Trust restored the labyrinth brick-by-brick.
“I think it’s just wonderful what Tree Trust youth are doing in here. They’re doing a great job. And it’s going to be so much better to have more permanent material for people to walk on.”
- Cheryl Caponi, Caponi Art Park Executive Director
FENCING
From the Midtown Greenway to Nature Centers and green spaces across the Twin Cities metro area, we have installed fencing to meet our client’s needs. Fencing is a versatile tool for property maintenance. A fantastic addition to any community garden!
“Young people get to dip their toes into the working world. They come out of the summer being more confident about entering their next job.”
DISC GOLF COURSE MAINTENANCE
With the growing popularity of disc golf, we have cared for many courses. From clearing out weeds and adding mulch, to installing custom built benches and baskets, we’ve done it all.
“My favorite memory at Tree Trust is being able to get to know my coworkers and me encouraging them and them encouraging me.”
LANDSCAPE BEAUTIFICATION AND INVASIVE SPECIES REMOVAL
We identify and remove invasive species like buckthorn and burdock and even plant pollinator gardens for an environmentally friendly option to mitigate the return of unwelcome shrubbery.
CREATE YOUR OWN PROJECT PLANCHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE
Collaborate with our team of landscape construction experts to customize your very own project for our youth participants to complete.
