Opioid addiction in the United States has reached epidemic levels. More than 183,000 Americans died from opioid overdoses between 1999 and 2015, with the number of annual fatalities quadrupling over the same period. Last year alone, drug overdoses exceeded some 59,000, the largest-ever annual jump in...
Every year, SCA provides training, tools and projects that place motivated teens and young adults in the field to effect changes great and small. How do we measure the effects? Sometimes its through decreased CO2 levels or by the tons of trash collected or in the number of trees planted. Our success is also measured by the lessons learned, the perspective gained and the lives we transform—today and into the future. Often when the SCA project is over, the success story is just beginning. Take a look at some of our most recent accomplishments.
How Being in Nature Can Prevent and Treat Opioid Addiction
Posted by Megan McVey | Monday, September 18, 2017
150 Volunteers Honor 9/11 National Day of Service & Remembrance
Posted by Michael Cronin | Wednesday, September 13, 2017
With support from American Express, SCA rallied a force of 150 volunteers at NYC and DC ConSERVE Events to commemorate the September 11th National Day of Service and Remembrance.
Parks, People, Volunteer Opportunities
Posted by Megan McVey | Friday, September 8, 2017
September is back-to-school time, but cracking the books doesn’t mean you have to give up on conservation. With the Student Conservation Association’s Community Crews, you can build trails, conserve habitats, and restore parks, waterfronts and urban landscapes right in your own neighborhood – an effort made even more...
Posted by Megan McVey | Tuesday, September 5, 2017
Congratulations: after long hours of research, reflection, and work – including, perhaps, an internship with SCA – you’ve decided to devote your professional life to protecting the environment. But as you visit campuses, fill out applications, and write essays, you’re probably wondering what it is you should actually...
Posted by Kevin Hamilton | Friday, September 1, 2017
Several SCA interns are highlighted in the initial segment of KTVA-TV’s “Frontiers” program from Lake Clark National Park and Preserve in Alaska. Specifically, you’ll see and hear the interns from the 3:45 mark through the end of the report at 7:10. Park Ranger Eileen Audette, also featured in this segment,...
Posted by Hayden Sloan | Friday, August 25, 2017
Introducing the seven exceptional leaders who were chosen to represent the SCA at the #NestléCares events in Stamford, CT on August 10th! Together, they formed a well-rounded group from diverse backgrounds and they completed each task with a smile. I was thrilled to get to know...
Helping you live a low-waste lifestyle!
Posted by Hayden Sloan | Monday, August 21, 2017
So you’re trying to live the trash-free life…but some waste is just unavoidable! I’m with you. It can be overwhelming to give up the conveniences of modern life. Even just going to the grocery store and not ending up with a cart full of unrecyclable packaging is a challenge.
Posted by Megan McVey | Monday, August 21, 2017
By SCA Leader, Sophia Siciliano (Photos courtesy of Steven Gang)
Spending a summer in a tent is not ideal for many people. Some may feel even less keen on that idea if it involved full work days in the heat of the South. Luckily for Steven and me, the members of...
1000 volunteers. 9 cities. 1 day.
Posted by Megan McVey | Tuesday, August 15, 2017
1000 volunteers. 9 cities. 1 day. On August 10th, SCA led 9 flagship events as part of the 100+ event #NestleCares day, a national day of volunteering uniting the company’s business operations with community events nationwide.
Posted by Kevin Hamilton | Tuesday, August 15, 2017
On August 12, SCA presented its Elizabeth Putnam Founder’s Medal to Olympic Superintendent Sarah Creachbaum in recognition of the park’s deeply-rooted support of SCA’s mission. Olympic is not only one of two original SCA partner sites – along with Grand Teton National Park – it is also the only park to host SCA volunteers every year since 1957.
Posted by Hayden Sloan | Tuesday, August 15, 2017
62 Nestlé employees volunteered their time at Cove Island Park in Stamford, CT for #NestléCares to get the long guardrail stained and protected! Despite the hot sun and messy stain, enthusiasm abounded.
Posted by Hayden Sloan | Monday, August 7, 2017
Kingman and Heritage Islands Park is a sudden breath of fresh wilderness at the edge of the city on the Anacostia River. Bisected by East Capitol Street, the northern and southern sides of the Kingman Island park are equal parts woodsy and picturesque picnic areas. The northern tip of the island past Benning Road boasts a golf course
Posted by Hayden Sloan | Friday, August 4, 2017
It may be hard to imagine how such a beautiful park needs improvement, but Ron D’Amico, our park foreman, assures me that there is always plenty to do to maintain Cove Island’s charm!
SCA Partners with NEON on Massive Climate Change Database
Posted by Megan McVey | Monday, July 31, 2017
Since 1957, the Student Conservation Association (SCA) has been at the forefront of preserving our national parks and forests, with the knowledge that these natural “lungs” act as a critical cooling and cleaning mechanism for our planet, pulling carbon dioxide from the air while releasing oxygen. But in recent years,...
Posted by Kevin Borja | Monday, July 31, 2017
Networking app Bumble and comedian-writer Samantha Bee aren’t the only bees a-buzzing amongst urban dwellers these days. Beekeeping and other forms of pollinator work are becoming increasingly popular hobbies in cities such as Los Angeles and New York, thanks to a recent lifting of restrictions in response to the rapid decline of pollinator populations and climate change.
Posted by Megan McVey | Wednesday, July 19, 2017
SCA is monitoring the Detwiler Fire that is burning north and west of Mariposa, CA, approximately 45 miles from Yosemite National Park. This fire has affected many Mariposa residents, structures, and roadways but at this time it has not directly impacted SCA members serving in Yosemite.
Smoke occasionally has...
Posted by Kevin Borja | Tuesday, July 18, 2017
New York City is so much more than bright lights and busy streets. Hidden behind the glitz and glamor is a series of environmental challenges. Some like mitigating the urban heat island effect, a phenomenon where urban centers are significantly warmer than the surrounding suburban or rural area due to...
Posted by John Goodrick | Tuesday, July 18, 2017
Not many people can say that they spent a month in the woods with a silent radio as their only connection to the outside world. No shower, no internet, no toilet… or toilet paper. This is how I spent my first summer with the SCA—living in the temperate rainforest of the Olympic National Park with a fellow crew leader and six high school students.
Posted by Hayden Sloan | Tuesday, July 18, 2017
Looking back on my life, it seems obvious that I should be working toward a career in ocean conservation. I was desperate to be a mermaid, enchanted by aquariums, and regularly called a fish every time my family took trips to the pool, the lake, or the beach. I took a rather round-about way to get into the conservation field, though.
Posted by Ally Ratliff | Tuesday, July 18, 2017
There is nothing quite like adventuring in the great outdoors. You strap on your worn mud-packed boots, fill your water bottle, and head out to the trail head. In front of you is endless hues of nature. The trees cascade down the mountainside, eager for you to summit. As you look down the path, a squirrel scurries by.