Youth Mental Health 1 Wolf, K. L. 2003 (in press). Youth and Mental Health: Work Projects in Urban Green Space. In C. Kollin (ed.), Engineering Green: Proceedings of the 11th National Urban Forest Conference. Washington D.C.: American Forests. Youth and Mental Health: Work Projects in Urban Green Space Kathleen L. Wolf College of Forest Resources, University of Washington (Seattle) ABSTRACT Thousands of youth participate in forestry and urban greening projects in the United States. Communities are improved, and youth gain benefits. Youth development and mental health research is reported. INTRODUCTION Thousands of adolescents and teenagers participate in forestry and greening projects in U.S. cities. Projects span the landscape gradient from the inner city on out to suburbs, rural areas and wildlands. Activities include trail building, tree planting, ecosystem restoration, habitat creation and parks maintenance. Youth participate as volunteers, are employed, or are assigned by counselors or court. Nature service projects often have two purposes. Improving the landscape and ecology of a community or site is one goal. Creating positive influences for young people is another. Program managers, field leaders, scientists and program sponsors have observed remarkable changes in project participants. Most accounts of change are anecdotal. More quantitative evaluation measures are needed. A research project is being conducted in the Pacific Northwest to evaluate, using multiple measures, the psychological, sociological, and transition-to-adult benefits associated with youth working in nature programs. The first phase of the research is a literature review to explore the role of nature experience in youth development. Highlights are presented. SCIENCE OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT Development, as used in this context, is about the psychological dynamics of emerging self-concept, personality, values and character. These progressions are mediated by a youth’s relationship to household members, peers and social groups, community, and society. Change takes place through a constant process of interaction, formation, and resolution. Development during the adolescent period is both transitional (from child to adult) and formative (owing to rapid physiological change of body and mind).