Watersong Wild Space Opens 2026 Conservation Job Corps Applications

High school students from Midland, Ector, and Greenwood ISDs can apply for the 4-week summer program.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Watersong Wild Space, formerly the I-20 Wildlife Preserve, has announced that applications are open for its 2026 Conservation Job Corps program. The four-week summer program provides high school students with hands-on experience in conservation through outdoor projects, in-class lessons, and field trips across Texas.

Why it matters

The Conservation Job Corps aims to prepare students for careers in fields like land restoration, land management, ecology, and environmental education. By offering this program, Watersong Wild Space is providing local students with valuable exposure to STEM-related subjects and potential future career paths.

The details

The Conservation Job Corps program began four years ago with eight students from local public schools and has since expanded to include other areas within the Permian Basin. Last year, students worked on a project to address erosion issues on a trail near the Frog Pond, constructing wattles and adding a silt fence to control water flow and prevent trail damage. The program also connects students with STEM professionals for one-on-one conversations about their career journeys.

  • The Conservation Job Corps is a four-week summer program.
  • Applications for the 2026 program are now open.

The players

Watersong Wild Space

Formerly the I-20 Wildlife Preserve, a nonprofit organization that operates the Conservation Job Corps program.

Evelyn Guerrero

Education coordinator for the Conservation Job Corps program.

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What they’re saying

“The program is built to prepare high school students with hands-on and academic skills in conservation through an outdoor conservation project at Watersong, in-class lessons, and weekly field trips across Texas.”

— Evelyn Guerrero, Education Coordinator (mrt.com)

“A big point of our program is the journey because so many people will study a certain subject, and then their final career that they are in now is different. We wanted to show the students that there's no pressure. They can choose what they want to choose now, and it's okay to change their mind in the future.”

— Evelyn Guerrero, Education Coordinator (mrt.com)

What’s next

High school students from Midland ISD, Ector County ISD, and Greenwood ISD can apply for the 2026 Conservation Job Corps program by visiting the Watersong Wild Space website.

The takeaway

The Conservation Job Corps program provides local students with valuable hands-on experience in conservation and exposure to potential STEM-related careers, helping to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards and professionals.