Help Bring Back an American Icon
American Elm Restoration Fellow
A Youth Conservation Research & Leadership Opportunity
Once known as America's greatest shade tree, the American Elm lined streets, shaded parks, and towered over forests across the continent. Then Dutch Elm Disease devastated the species, eliminating millions of trees and transforming landscapes throughout North America.
Today, a pioneering partnership involving the University of Minnesota is helping answer an important question:
Can disease-resistant American Elms once again thrive in natural forest settings?
The Green Crew is seeking 2–3 exceptional youth leaders to serve as American Elm Restoration Fellows and help steward one of the first long-term field studies of its kind.
This is not a typical volunteer position.
As an American Elm Restoration Fellow, you will help care for and monitor a living collection of disease-resistant American Elms while contributing to a restoration effort that could help guide the future of American Elm conservation. You will become part scientist, part steward, and part conservation leader—helping ensure that these trees survive, thrive, and continue to inform restoration efforts for years to come.
Your Mission
As an American Elm Restoration Fellow, you will:
- Monitor the health and condition of disease-resistant American Elm trees
- Track tree growth, survival, and overall performance
- Maintain maps, records, and project documentation
- Assist with field monitoring and ecological observations
- Help coordinate volunteer stewardship activities at restoration sites
- Contribute data and observations that support ongoing conservation research
- Share project findings with the Green Crew and community
- Help guide future restoration and stewardship efforts
Why You'll Love It
- Become part of a pioneering conservation project connected to real scientific research
- Gain hands-on experience in ecology, forestry, restoration, and conservation science
- Work with a living collection of trees that may help restore one of America's most iconic species
- Learn field monitoring, mapping, data management, and ecological assessment skills
- Build experience that stands out on college applications, scholarships, and resumes
- Join a community of youth leaders committed to making a lasting environmental impact
You'll Be a Great Fit If...
- You enjoy spending time outdoors
- You're curious about science, ecology, forestry, or environmental restoration
- You like observing details and tracking changes over time
- You enjoy taking ownership of meaningful projects
- You want to contribute to something larger than yourself
- You want to leave behind a legacy that could still be growing decades from now
Commitment
American Elm Restoration Fellows serve for approximately 12 months.
Most activities occur on one to two Sundays per month, with occasional additional opportunities for monitoring, stewardship, training, and special events.
Support & Mentorship
Fellows work alongside experienced conservation mentors and members of the Green Crew leadership team. Youth leaders are given real responsibility while receiving guidance, coaching, and support throughout the year.
No previous forestry or research experience is required. Curiosity, commitment, and a willingness to learn are far more important.
About the Green Crew
The Green Crew is an award-winning, youth-led conservation and environmental leadership program based in Bloomington, Minnesota. Youth leaders design and lead projects that restore habitats, improve water quality, engage communities, advance scientific research, and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.
What Success Looks Like
By the end of your fellowship, you'll be able to say:
"I helped steward one of the first field studies exploring whether disease-resistant American Elms can be successfully restored to natural forests. I monitored trees, contributed to conservation research, and helped advance the recovery of an iconic American species."
Only 2–3 American Elm Restoration Fellows will be selected each year.
