LEAF

Leaders in Environmental Action for the Future

Working to make a difference for our most precious resources — children and nature.

Get Involved with LEAF!

 

The Leaders in Environmental Action for the Future (LEAF) program provides paid summer internships for high school students and helps educators from environmental high schools share best practices and scientific resources. The long-term goal of LEAF is to support more than 30 environmental high schools across the country, ultimately serving over 20,000 students. Learn more about how LEAF works ►

Disney Kids with Sam Champion 215x143Photo with Sam Champion (ABC Weatherman) and the Disney Kids and Nature Champions, which included the NGO leaders and youth ambassadors from The Nature Conservancy, Jane Goodall’s Roots & Shoots, Children & Nature Network, Youth Service America and National Wildlife Federation. © Disney
Conservancy’s Youth Program Recognized by Disney

The Conservancy received a $100,000 grant at the Disney Kids and Nature Celebration. Learn more

Shady Valley LEAF Interns 215x143The three 2011 Shady Valley LEAF interns triumphantly hold a bog turtle. © Kathryn Miley
Benefit for LEAF

Get your tickets to our Young Professionals Group's 2012 Benefit! Learn more

Map of LEAF 215x143Explore LEAF programs. © TNC
See Where LEAF Works

Students will work across 19 states this summer, engaged in conservation activities ranging from trailblazing to invasive species removal. View a Map

Toyota Foundation Logo 215x143Toyota USA Foundation © Toyota
Our Supporters

With leading support from the Toyota USA Foundation, LEAF serves more students than ever. Learn more

HSES students 215x143Students from New York city's High School for Environmental studies (HSES) climb Algonquin Peak in the MacIntyre Range in North Hudson, NY., during a Conservancy sponsored nature studies internship. Algonquin is the second highest mountain in New York, and one of the 46 Adirondack High Peaks in Adirondack Park. The interns learned about alpine plant communities and how TNC's partnership with the Summit Stewardship Program has helped protect these fragile plant ecosystems. © Amy Deputy
The LEAF Experience

Read first-hand accounts from participants to see how these young people are building self-confidence, work skills and a love of the outdoors. Explore

Two students 215x143Yangstel Sherap and Cleo Doley take a break from painting trail blazes. © Wink Lees
Partner Schools

Our environmental high school partners that engage students in environmental lessons and activities throughout the school year. Learn more

Teacher and student 215x143Resources for Teachers. © Amy Deputy
Resources for Teachers

From carbon calculators to blogs about cutting-edge science, find resources that will enrich environmental literacy.
Find Out More

Interns at Bluggs Preserve in New Jersey 215x143Interns enjoying themselves at the TNC intern housing on the Bluffs Preserve, in Millville, NJ. © Amy Deputy
Media Center

Get press releases, photos, videos and media contacts to learn more about the LEAF program. Go now

Read More

Tout: DRTV Promo with Sanjayan for Read More section 78x52Join the Fight to Save Nature.

Join the Fight to Save Nature

We need to act now, before it's too late. Watch the Video, Take Action

Top Stories: San Pedro de Valdes Reserve, Argentina 78x52San Pedro de Valdés Reserve, Argentina. © Bridget Besaw

Greening Latin America

We're addressing Latin America's most pressing conservation issues. Read the Story

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Toyota USA Foundation
With leading support from the Toyota USA Foundation, LEAF serves more students than ever. Learn more