Trail Talk 2025: On-the-Job with Grand Teton’s Youth Conservation Program – Weeks 3 & 4

Weeks three and four brought a mix of learning, trail work, and even a little teaching for the YCP crew. While week three was a bit lighter on time in the field (thanks to the 4th of July holiday), the crew packed plenty into their shortened schedule.

To start the week, YCP headed out to Whitegrass Ranch for a two-day Wilderness First Aid training. From CPR to musculoskeletal injuries to assessing levels of consciousness, the crew tackled a wide range of scenarios—both in the classroom and in the field. It’s always a favorite training: equal parts fun and important. With these new skills in their toolbelt, every YCP member is better prepared to respond to emergencies on the trail and help keep themselves, their teammates, and park visitors safe.

YCP participants learn about packaging a patient during their Wilderness First Aid course.
YCP participants learn about packaging a patient during their Wilderness First Aid course.

On Wednesday, the crew hit the trail at the Laurance S. Rockefeller Preserve to tackle some brushing on the Aspen Ridge and Boulder Ridge trails. It was a hot one—but nothing a post-work swim in Phelps Lake couldn’t fix, they earned it!

Week four brought the crew back to Leigh Lake, where progress on the portage project really picked up. Over three solid workdays, they demolished the old, rotted structure and reshaped the trail to improve access to the water. By moving soil from the hillside down toward the shoreline, they were able to reduce the steep 30% grade, which is essential since they’re replacing the old stairs with a more user-friendly ramp. It’s shaping up to be a meaningful improvement for paddlers heading to Leigh Lake.

YCP crew members work together to move large rocks at the Leigh Lake portage.
YCP crew members work together to move large rocks at the Leigh Lake portage.
YCP remove soil and rocks to improve the grade of the portage.
YCP remove soil and rocks to improve the grade of the portage.

On Thursday, YCP had an education day. In the morning, they partnered with the Jackson Hole Children’s Museum summer camp for a fun new twist—this time they were the teachers! Armed with trail tools (and a crowd-pleasing grip hoist), the crew introduced a group of curious young campers to the work they’ve been doing this summer. Big smiles all around.

In the afternoon, the crew joined forces with the park’s vegetation team to collect arrowleaf balsamroot seeds near Spalding Bay Road. They filled two huge bags, dozens of pounds in total! These seeds will be used to support native plant restoration projects throughout the park. It was a fitting end to a busy, meaningful week.

With the season in full swing, YCP continues to grow their skills and impact!

YCP share information about tools with kids at the Children's Museum.
YCP share information about tools with kids at the Children's Museum.

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