The Youth Outdoor Leadership Opportunity is a free, five-day summer science expedition in mid-June for local 9th-12th graders to engage in local climate action and watershed restoration efforts.
Surrounded by the gorgeous Sierra Mountains, students get a chance to learn about ecology and build skills in real time:
Students who are selected to participate in our YOLO program spend a week on a fully funded research expedition, studying meadows in Tahoe National Forest alongside environmental scientists and other students.
Since 2013, SYRCL has hosted a yearly Restoring Sierra Meadows expedition for students interested in STEAM careers to work alongside environmental professionals and assist with SYRCL’s restoration projects.
In partnership with the Earthwatch Institute and Tahoe National Forest, young adults from a variety of ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds have the opportunity to participate, promoting outdoor equity and inclusion.
This program allows students to understand biodiversity, hydrology and how restoration efforts reduce human impacts through a number of hands-on learning and research activities, such as:
Student participation not only offers important hands-on experience, but also contributes valuable data to SYRCL’s research. To find out more, follow the links below:
“[This] glimpse into the life of a field scientist made me more confident in my decision to pursue environmental science [as a career].”
– Youth Field Science Participant about an Earthwatch Expedition
YOLO Program Information
Student Qualifications
Applying students must be:
*Preference will be given to students from Nevada, Yuba, Placer, Sierra and other counties within the Yuba Watershed boundaries, but other students in the Central Valley region may still apply.
Possible 2026 Daily Schedule (June 22nd – 25th):
8:00am: Arrive at SYRCL Office, prep lunch, depart for Loney Meadow
9:00am: Arrive at Loney Meadow
9:15am-12:00pm: Restoration/Monitoring Tasks
12:00pm-12:30pm: Lunch
12:30pm-2:30pm: Restoration/Monitoring Tasks
2:30pm: Pack up and prepare to leave
3:00pm: Depart Loney Meadow
4:00pm: Arrive at SYRCL Office, students depart home
*Transportation from the SYRCL office to Loney Meadow and back each day is provided. Lunch and snacks are provided
Application Closes May 22, 2026
Latest Updates
Now Accepting Applications for SYRCL’s 2026 Youth Outdoor Leadership Opportunity (YOLO)
An Immersive Field Science Expedition for High School Students The South Yuba River Citizens League (SYRCL) has opened the application for the Youth Outdoor Leadership Opportunity (YOLO) Expedition, a transformative, science-based outdoor leadership program for high school students. The 2026 expedition, taking place…
We post news about Youth Field Science Opportunities throughout the year on our website. Sign up for our newsletter to get updates directly from SYRCL!
Questions? Contact Monique!
Monique Streit
Education Director