This summer the OYC crew has partnered with sites including Brightside STL, Heru Urban Farms, O’Fallon Park and the Missouri Department of Conservation, St. Vincent County Park and Great Rivers Greenways, Forest Park Forever, Shaw Nature Reserve, and more. The participants have been introduced to environmental stewardship projects throughout the city including invasive species removal, prairie restoration, urban farming, trash clean ups, and garden maintenance.
Below are some responses from current OYC participants about why they decided to pursue a job in the green field and what they plan on doing in the future.
What made you decide to take this job?
Thanks to the recommendation of my amazing biology teacher Dr. Howard Granok, I discovered the OYC program. The conservation-based projects were very appealing, as I love being in the outdoors. After a summer of quarantine in 2020 due to COVID-19, I was very ready to get out and get to work. The opportunities offered by OYC are very unique and in line with my future career interests. How many high schoolers can say they were paid to catch and band geese?? Overall, I am extremely fortunate and happy to have found this position.
—Ella Nolan
This opportunity was suggested by a school administrator when I was talking about what I wanted to do in college. I felt that this job could give me a chance to experience a chunk of what I might do in my work experience. So far, I love this job and this is a great opportunity.
—Chloe Williams
What professional goals have you set for yourself?
I plan to attend grad school after graduation and either go into an urban planning or conservation program. I would like to promote renewable energy and conservation efforts wherever I choose to live.
—Emily Krall
This fall I will be attending the illustrious Alabama State University, majoring in Political Science with my minor in Pre-Law. I plan to obtain my law degree and go into family law & maybe even open my own law firm! In five years I see myself almost done with law school and applying to law firms I want to work for. I also see myself going back to school for my masters degree, if I’m not too stressed.
—Jhordyn Nolan-Gunn
What interests you about this program?
Every day I learn something new!
—Keith Boyd
I find that one of the things that I love most about this program is the diversity of activities and projects we engage in throughout the St. Louis area. I think my favorite sites we’ve worked at so far are between going to Heru Farms in Florissant, and goose-banding at O’Fallon Park.
—Dominic Derfler
What do you like about working with the Outdoor Youth Corps at the Missouri Botanical Garden?
I like working at different stewardship project sites around St. Louis, learning about new things, and doing fun activities.
—Grant Coleman
I like getting out and making a difference and learning about various career options in ecology and wildlife preservation.
—Olivia Thompson
I’ve loved all of the time we get to spend outdoors. I find gardening super relaxing and getting to garden next to peers who are super fun to be around is even better!
—Sam Bigham
What has been your favorite site to work at so far?
My favorite site has been O’Fallon Park. Working as a team, I felt we made a real, tangible difference in removing invasive bush honeysuckle in the park’s woodland area. I hope that over time, the area can become a healthier, more biodiverse ecosystem.
—Sarah Veldhuizen
My favorite site has definitely been Heru Urban Farm in Florissant. It was awesome to talk to the owner and learn from him about how he operates his farm and distributes goods to those in need. I knew I was making a tangible impact.
—Kayla Willis