RICHMOND — There’s weeding, picking and planting just off the highway in Richmond. The farmers work tirelessly under hot sun, occasional rain and early mornings. They work in groups, focused, but not without laughter. The work is not solitary but social. They work hard and together. Who are the farmers? Young people, often high schoolers, ages 15 and up.

The Youth Conservation Corps is a nonprofit that has been providing young people with paid service opportunities since 1985 in small crews of six to eight. The Food and Farm Program is one of two offered every summer, alongside the Conservation Program, which helps improve water quality, sustainable recreation and maintains forest health.

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