Rock Creek Conservation Corps (rC3)
The Rock Creek Conservation Corps (RC3) program provides high school students with a 6-week paid summer job in the conservation field. Students gain hands-on field experience, learn about environmental restoration efforts, and develop teamwork and leadership skills. Students learn about forest health, water quality, and stormwater management, and apply what they learn by participating in invasive plant removals, litter cleanups, and other related activities. Upon completion of the program, students have a wealth of knowledge and skills that they take with them in their next steps and gain a deeper connection to their community and Rock Creek.
Since 2015, we have had over 197 students participate in the program. We have partnered with the following schools for student participation in the program: Albert Einstein High School and Wheaton High School in Montgomery County, MD, and Capital City Public Charter School, E.L. Haynes Public Charter School, Theodore Roosevelt High School, and DC International School in Washington, DC.
Get ready for the 2026 RC3 Program!
Get ready for RC3 2026, and keep an eye out for applications opening this January.
Eligibility:
Students ages 14 to 18
Students who enjoy working and learning outdoors with others
Students who can work 20 to 25 hours a week for the duration of the 6-week program
If you are a DC student, you must also apply to the DC Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) as participation in the RC3 program is contingent upon your participation in the SYEP program.
Program Details:
Dates: Exact dates TBD, typically 6 weeks from June to August
Time: Typically Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Location: Various work sites in Rock Creek Park and nearby areas
Stipend: Typically between $700 to $1,300 (Final amount to be determined. DC students are paid directly through the DC SYEP and MD students receive a stipend through the Conservancy.)
As an RC3 member, you’ll work outdoors in Rock Creek Park and surrounding areas, helping to restore and protect this beautiful natural space. A majority of the program will take place outside, except when weather conditions are unsafe. Please note that participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from the work sites each day.
For questions or inquiries, contact us at volunteer@rockcreekconservancy.org.
The 2025 RC3 Program at a Glance
Congratulations to the 2025 RC3 members! Over 6 weeks, the corps members supported the restoration of Rock Creek’s forests and communities by removing invasive plants and litter. Their work helps to keep our forests and communities healthy so that they can continue to provide a multitude of benefits including clean air and water, habitat for birds and other wildlife, and benefits to human health.
Collectively, the DC and Montgomery County corps members:
Removed 14,800 square feet of invasives
Removed 757.5 pounds of litter
Freed 139 trees from invasive vines
The DC corps members focused their work on the Conservancy’s Carter Barron and Fort Slocum mini-oases, where the Conservancy has been conducting long-term invasive management. The corps members removed several types of invasive plants such as porcelain berry, bush honeysuckle, and multiflora rose. In addition, the crew conducted several litter cleanups at the Carter Barron site as it is a popular area for picnics and parties.
The Montgomery County corps members focused their work at the Strathmore, a multi-disciplinary arts center, where the Conservancy has been helping with the restoration of 1.5 acres of forested area. The corps members removed invasive bush honeysuckle to make way for new plantings of native trees and shrubs.
View Other 2025 Photos: DC Crew, Montgomery County Crew, DC End of Season Celebration, MoCo End of Season Celebration.
RC3 alumni
The RC3 program currently has over 197 alumni. Watch the video to hear from alumni Carlos Campos and Carla Flores or click here to learn about Jelani White’s experience in the program.
Follow Along with Us on Instagram
Each summer, the corps members document their time on our RC3 Instagram page. Check out these highlights!
Thanks to our partners who make rc3 possible!
This program was made possible in part with support from the National Park Foundation, Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program, Chesapeake Bay Trust, Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
