Friends of Recreation, Conservation and Environmental Stewardship (FORCES) The FORCES Program was launched in 2008 in our Central Region with the intention of boosting and growing volunteerism within New York State Parks. The program creates opportunities for a wide range of mutually beneficial partnerships that enhance State Parks while simultaneously providing students real world experiences and the opportunity to further their academic programs, gain valuable resume experience, and develop personal connections to New York State Parks. Student Opportunities Students may engage with NYS Parks through internships, volunteer days, or participate in FORCES Clubs on affiliated campuses. Internships may include but are not limited to research, GIS data management, invasive species management, environmental conservation, design, marketing, community service, education and outreach, and innumerable other fields of interest. Faculty Opportunities Faculty may engage with NYS Parks to faciliate outdoor classrooms and labs, to share data and information, or conduct research.