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HSBC Bank Canada has sponsored the Conservation Youth Crew Program to support The Nature Trust of British Columbia, involving young people with environmental initiatives and increasing their employability.

Beginning in 2005, HSBC donated US$85,000 to The Nature Trust of British Columbia to support the HSBC Conservation Youth Crews until the end of 2007. Young people who join the crews spend 15-20 weeks helping to maintain the approximately 60,000 hectares (150,000 acres) of land managed by The Nature Trust. Many of the managed sites include habitats at risk, endangered wildlife populations and sensitive ecosystems. Crews work to remove weeds and alien species which can out-perform native species and threaten their existence. They also help maintain fencing, remove debris, take species inventory, and plant new trees and other vegetation.

The crews provide a valuable work force for The Nature Trust and make a significant difference to how well these ecosystems are managed. In addition to this experience, the young people receive training to increase their employability. They attend workshops to develop skills in teamwork, leadership and communication, and the crew supervisor is committed to fostering self-development among crew members who are encouraged to ask questions and engage in specific vocational training.