BRANCHES

BRANCHES, or the Building Resources and Nurturing Community Health and Environmental Stewardship program, is Parks & People’s unique summer opportunity for Baltimore’s high school youth.  BRANCHES operates as a six-week youth work force training and educational enrichment experience in park forestry management and maintenance. BRANCHES is also part of our Green Career Ladder.

The program seeks to improve the water quality of the Chesapeake Bay by controlling pollution from Baltimore City’s run-off, maintaining green spaces in the city, and revitalizing neighborhoods, all while providing participants with education and training.  In this way, it addresses two vital needs in Baltimore City—that of meaningful employment and career opportunities for economically disadvantaged youth, and of more resources to care for our parks and their woodlands. BRANCHES is a joint initiative of Parks & People Foundation and the Department of Recreation and Parks.

Participants work in small crews of peers under the guidance of environmental scientists and ecology professionals at several Baltimore City parks to remove invasive species, plant and maintain trees, and beautify Baltimore’s parks and watersheds. In the past, participants have supplemented their learning by partaking in several off-site field trips, visiting places like the Carrie Murray Nature Center and Black River Wastewater Treatment Plant, and engaging in outdoor survival, team building, and rock and tree climbing at Outward Bound. 

This is an hourly paid position. The program also provides uniforms, lunch, and transportation. All BRANCHES participants will also receive Junior Forester certification at the program’s conclusion. If you're interested in learning more, please email Mary Washington or call her at (410) 449-5663, ext 107.