BEAR CREEK TOWNSHIP -- Ten students from Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties wrapped up their six-week long conservation project at Seven Tubs Recreation Area in Bear Creek Township.
They cleared trails, painted fences, removed weeds, and some even chopped down trees.
"It's such a change of pace for me. I enjoy hiking and being outdoors, but I've never done anything like this. It changed everything I knew about nature," said Kathryn Mash.
This was the initial year of the program and the goal was to give young people something constructive to do in areas where there is a lack of summer jobs. Officials are already looking to expand, the program next year.
"This was a pilot for some of the long-term crews we are hoping to run. Next year we will have a 10-month crew for young adults as well as continue the summer program," said SCA program manager Peter Gernsheimer.
Joe Franckiewicz tells Newswatch 16 this program will prepare him for his classes at Juniata College this fall.
"This really taught me about career paths within the DCNR and this showed me all the opportunities that are available," said Franckiewicz.
Officials say they will start accepting applications for ages 18-25 in the fall. Applications for high school students will be accepted next March.
