Photos: LEAF internship

Leaders in Environmental Action for the Future interns walk along the L.A. River on their way to a kayaking session nearby. The Nature Conservancy program introduces urban youths to the great outdoors and potential environmental careers. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

July 25, 2014 6:02 PM PT

Students from Environmental Charter High School in Lawndale work under the supervision of scientists to restore the soft bed of the L.A. River during an environmental internship.

Kaela Chantawansri, 17, left, gathers a cup of water from the L.A. River as she and Julie Anaya, 17, conduct a test during an outing sponsored by the Nature Conservancy’s LEAF program. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

LEAF interns and other kayakers join handsfor a group photo after a brief trek on the L.A. River. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

Emmy Rodriguez, 16, left, splashes Julie Anaya, 17, as they kayak along the L.A. River as part of their LEAF internship. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

LEAF intern Shivani Patel, 17, paddles on the L.A. River, which she and her fellow interns are also studying. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

LEAF interns kayak on the L.A. River. A survey from the Nature Conservancy found that one in three LEAF alumni go on to obtain degrees in environmental studies. (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)