Trail Talk 2014

The teens of the 2014 Youth Conservation Program (YCP) have now returned home to family, friends, and school. Their summer of working and learning in Grand Teton finished over one month ago, but their extraordinary efforts continue to be appreciated by all who spend time in Grand Teton.

This week marks the official end to the Youth Conservation Program for the 2014 season. However, this did not mean that the crew would end their term on an easy note!

This week in Grand Teton National Park the most useful tool for the YCP team proved to be the trusted rain jacket. As they tromped through monsoonal conditions in the mountains, the weather showed that the crew truly does work in rain or shine.

This week began with a face-lift to the trail along the sections from the String Lake outlet to the West Jenny Lake boat dock. The YCP crew tediously worked to remove limbs and brush along this dry terrain, completing 1.5 miles of trail improvement.

This week, the YCP burned up their energy stores hauling loads of materials to various projects. The first day of heavy labor necessitated good teamwork and communication as they pushed gravel and dirt-filled wheelbarrows to fill in a 10-step rock staircase.

This week marks the halfway point for the YCP program this summer. The work-week began with historic restoration of gates and fencing to recreate the appearance of the original corral in front of the John Moulton Barn.

If you happened to see a YCP member heading home this week with blood and bruises all over their body, fear not, it was just educational.

This week marks the first week that it has not rained, sleeted, or snowed on a member of the 2014 YCP team. With the sun there comes a plethora of work to do in Grand Teton National Park.

This week started off hot and dry, but the YCP team got their feet wet by beginning construction to replace a rotten footbridge by the Bradley Lake outlet.

The Youth Conservation Program (YCP) is more than a summer job; it’s an action-packed educational opportunity that accomplishes much needed work in Grand Teton.