Youth Nature Keepers FAQ’s

Welcome to Youth Nature Keepers, an inspiring environmental volunteer program dedicated to nurturing young leaders aged 15-30 who are passionate about safeguarding our planet’s natural treasures and actively engaging in environmental conservation, habitat restoration, and advocacy.

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Green kayak on a lake at sunset

Before you take your first step toward environmental stewardship with us, here are some frequently asked questions about Youth Nature Keepers to help you get started:

You don’t need any prior experience; just bring your enthusiasm and a willingness to learn! To be eligible, you must hold Canadian citizenship, Permanent residency status, or refugee status, and fall within the age range of 15-30.

Absolutely! We value your experience and commitment. Please reach out to us at YNK@canadainvasives.ca and let’s discuss how you can remain an integral part of our volunteering efforts.

We appreciate your interest in our program! However, our funding stipulates that participants must be between 15-30 years old. If you fall outside this range, please email us at YNK@canadainvasives.ca and explore alternative ways to engage, such as our free eLearning courses and educational resources.

Volunteering with Youth Nature Keepers offers a multitude of benefits, including hands-on experience in community projects, project management, invasive species management, and restoration. You’ll make a tangible difference in your community, earn volunteer hours, receive letters of reference, connect with like-minded individuals, build friendships, access training opportunities, and gain employable skills for your environmental non-profit career.

There’s no minimum commitment; you decide how many hours you can contribute. We understand the demands of school and work and offer flexibility to accommodate your personal schedule.

Not at all! While field-based events are one way to participate, there are numerous opportunities for remote involvement in environmental and community stewardship. We encourage you to discuss your preferred involvement with your Youth Coordinator.

Great! Contact your regional Youth Engagement Coordinator, who will mentor you and provide guidance on launching a community engagement project.

Our age requirement is determined by our funding source. However, we offer additional opportunities through our education page and free eLearning courses. We are committed to inclusivity and appreciate your understanding.

Certainly! Join our Community Science Network to learn how to identify and report invasives, access free video resources, and receive our monthly newsletter. You can also check with your regional invasive species council for upcoming volunteer events.

We strive to offer inclusive programming but must adhere to specific funding requirements. Our team works diligently to secure funds that align with our goals, allowing us to provide these valuable opportunities to youth. Please explore our website for free resources, eLearning courses, and other ways to get involved.

Our volunteers must meet citizenship requirements due to funding restrictions. However, we encourage you to explore alternative involvement options on our website, such as joining our Community Science Network and taking free courses in our Learning Centre. Your dedication to the environment is highly appreciated!