The Environmental Conservation Placement Program provides local secondary and post-secondary students with hands-on learning experiences, professional mentorship, and skill development while actively contributing to the restoration of Junction Creek, the recovery of local biodiversity, and climate change mitigation efforts in Greater Sudbury.

Led by the Junction Creek Stewardship Committee (JCSC), the program combines applied learning with professional training to prepare youth for careers in environmental conservation. Participants receive Conservation Kits equipped with tools and resources to support ongoing stewardship even after their placement ends. Each placement spans approximately 120 hours, offering students meaningful field experience and practical exposure to environmental and non-profit work.

Did you know that many students must complete a placement as part of their post-secondary program requirements to graduate? JCSC’s inclusive Environmental Conservation Placement Program is designed to support local students, foster employability, strengthen community collaboration, and improve access to green careers, especially for youth from underrepresented backgrounds who may face barriers entering the workforce. Through direct involvement in environmental projects and community service, participants build lasting connections to their community and a strong commitment to volunteerism, often continuing their involvement in conservation efforts well beyond their placements.

The demand for environmental placement opportunities has grown substantially, requiring additional capacity and funding support. With financial support from the community and local businesses, we aim to expand the program’s capacity, enhance training opportunities, and offer paid placement positions to address barriers facing underrepresented youth.

Meeting a Community Need

Greater Sudbury is internationally recognized for its environmental recovery and leadership in ecological restoration. Once scarred by decades of mining activity, Sudbury has become a model for community-led reclamation, re-greening, and sustainable development. As environmental challenges evolve with climate change, urban growth, and habitat degradation, there is a continued and growing need for skilled environmental professionals to sustain and build on this legacy.

At the same time, many youth in Sudbury – especially those from underrepresented backgrounds – lack access to paid, hands-on experience needed to graduate or enter the workforce. Our project aims to addresses this gap by providing inclusive, skills-based placements in environmental restoration, monitoring, and education. Demand for Junction Creek Stewardship Committee’s placement programs has surged, growing from 8 placement participants in 2023 to 26 in 2024.

We can’t do it without your support

Funding is essential to ensure the program remains inclusive, accessible, and impactful. With your support, we can continue to empower youth, offer paid placement positions to post-secondary students, strengthen Sudbury’s environmental workforce, and protect our shared natural spaces through community-driven action.

Financial support directly contributes to student training, mentorship, stipends, Conservation Kits, and essential field equipment, empowering the next generation of environmental leaders and supporting the long-term sustainability of local conservation efforts.

By supporting this program, you’re investing in local resilience through workforce development, ecological restoration, and youth empowerment, helping build a sustainable, future-ready community.

To get involved or contribute, consider making a donation or becoming a youth sponsor. You can also contact us at info@junctioncreek.com to explore partnership opportunities and other meaningful ways to support the program.

2024 placement program summary

Testimonials