The work prisoners do for our environment is being acknowledged on the first day of Conservation Week.

Offenders across 13 prisons take part in a variety of environmental projects, including building predator traps, weta motels, DOC huts and picnic tables.

Corrections National Commissioner Rachel Leota said prisoners can also take part in horticultural studies and gain qualifications.

"We work really hard to ensure that we can give back to communities with regards to raising seedlings, raising trees, and working on different Department of Conservation projects right around the country."

Ms Leota thinks it's "really important" that prisoners have the chance to give back to communities in a positive manner.

"They're learning a range of skills, things like literacy and numeracy," she said.