Trail Talk: Behind the scenes with Grand Teton National Park’s Youth Conservation Program – Week 1

The 2019 season of Grand Teton National Park’s Youth Conservation Program began this week with a strong crew of twenty-two participants from across the country. This year’s team has a record number of female participants with thirteen young women joining the ranks. The crew wasted no time getting right to work. After spending most of the first day attending the park’s seasonal orientation, YCP made their way up Death Canyon and Open Canyon, covering over twenty miles of trail while clearing approximately 200 drains of debris and sediment.

YCP taking a break and enjoying the views of Phelps Lake and Albright Peak after a day maintaining drains in the backcountry.

With YCP in such strong numbers this year, the crew offered their hands on the Jenny Lake Renewal Project moving thousands of pounds of dirt, rock, and buck-and-rail fencing in preparation for the Foundation’s ribbon-cutting ceremony in just two weeks. Moving all of that material is no easy task, but the YCPers were up for it and by the end of the day had accomplished their goal.

We look forward to another great YCP season in Grand Teton. Best of luck to the crew for a safe and fun summer on the trail!

Alexis, Zoe, JJ, and Ripley carrying a heavy rock by rock litter to the West Jenny Lake Boat Dock.

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