The Loyalhanna Watershed Association is accepting applications through April 15 for four summer internships in its annual Youth Conservation Corps program.
Interns will assist with conservation tasks in Forbes State Forest and at other public outdoor sites from June 10 through Aug. 3. Each will receive a $500 stipend and a $3,500 scholarship toward college studies.
Begun more than 40 years ago, the Ligonier Township-based program is co-sponsored by the state Bureau of Forestry and is supported with funding from the Katherine Mabis McKenna Foundation.
The program is open to interested enrolled college students or incoming freshmen ages 18-22 and is particularly suited for those pursuing a career in an environmental or related field, according to watershed association Executive Director Susan Huba.
Interns in past years have worked on constructing and maintaining recreational trails, walking bridges and observation platforms, and improving streams and ponds.
During the eight-week program, they’ll also have opportunities to experience guided outdoor adventures. Past activities have included electrofishing and rafting excursions.
An online application form can be found by visiting loyalhannawatershed.org and selecting “Education and Outreach” under the “Programs” heading.
Jeff Himler is a TribLive reporter covering Greater Latrobe, Ligonier Valley, Mt. Pleasant Area and Derry Area school districts and their communities. He also reports on transportation issues. A journalist for more than three decades, he enjoys delving into local history. He can be reached at jhimler@triblive.com.