The city’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Facilities and the Portland Parks Conservancy have officially launched  Portland Youth Corps, a service and conservation program that will pay teens to work on city parks projects.

Youth Corps members will work in teams of 12 on projects that include trail and playground maintenance, removing invasive species, planting native plants and assisting with community gardens. Maine Audubon will provide environmental education and mentoring throughout the four-week sessions, which also will include for students a four-night stay at The Ecology School in Saco.

 Each crew member will receive a $500 stipend at the end of the session.

More information and applications are available at portlandmaine.gov/2701/Youth-Corps—Summer-Program.