At Mulligans Flat the team helped restore a box gum grassy woodland ecosystem complete with a fully functioning food web of native animals, including some which had previously been driven out.

At Jerrabomberra Wetlands Nature Reserve, the team helped protect the floodplain wetlands reserve for migratory birds, and simultaneously enhanced the wetland habitat for other flora and fauna.

The teams have been working to restore rare species habitat in a project co-ordinated by the Woodlands and Wetlands Trust and Manpower.

ACT Liberal senator Zed Seselja congratulated the teams on Friday for their hard work.

"During the past six months, Green Army participants have made a significant contribution and through their dedication and teamwork, we can see first-hand the tangible results of their activities," he said.

"These participants have not only generated real environment and conservation benefits for our community, but they have gained valuable practical training and experience to help them prepare for the workforce, pursue further training or improve their career opportunities.

"As the Green Army grows, so too, do the opportunities for young people around Australia to get involved.

"I encourage all those interested in helping their environment and gaining new skills and training to seek out Green Army opportunities in their region."

The federally funded Green Army program is for 17-24 year olds, to train and work in the environment for six months.

Projects include restoring native vegetation, heritage restoration, protecting animal habitats and regenerating wetlands in urban, rural and remote areas. It is open to school leavers, gap year students, graduates, and job seekers.

Four teams are working in Canberra and Queanbeyan, according to the federal Environment Department.

Participants are paid an allowance, ranging from $10.24 to $16.61 an hour (replacing Newstart for job seekers) and are expected to work for up 30 hours a week for 20-26 weeks.

Phil James, ACT regional manager for Conservation Volunteers Australia, says the big change in the current scheme compared to previous ones is the lack of compulsion to join.

"The focus isn't so much on people who are on the dole being forced to do it, this is very much about carrot rather than stick," he says.

"One of the big advantages of this program is that the participants can get a reference from the team leader saying how they've worked.

"This is one of the big problems with young people getting work – how do I get the experience? How do I get someone to vouch for me that I will turn up on time, that I'll do the job when I'm there?"

* Forum: Green Army is gold for young people