"The entire crew was exceptional. Everyone had a positive attitude and a great work ethic all season." — Grand Teton National Park YCP Crew Lead Nakita Lopez
Grand Teton National Park's Youth Conservation Program returned with great success in summer 2021. Operating with a reduced size crew did not stop the YCP from achieving big tasks—the eleven team members worked hard every minute of their ten-week season and exceeded their leaders' expectations. We are pleased to share a few photos highlighting some of their 2021 accomplishments.
A major accomplishment for the crew this summer was the construction of a new stock bridge at the Taggart Lake corrals. Bridge building requires a wide range of trail construction skills, including engineering and design, partnering native timber and dimensional lumber, and using drystone masonry techniques. It is a slow and meticulous process that creates a structure that can withstand not only foot traffic, but also horses and the harsh Teton winters and spring runoff. No problem for this crew!
This year's participants did everything from building bridges and benches, to clearing large trees and debris from avalanches and big wind events. They learned and employed a wide variety of trail skills in a very short period of time, while being introduced to the many career opportunities available in the national parks. We could not be more proud of all that the YCP accomplished this year and look forward to hearing about their future successes as they enter the world as conservation stewards and leaders.
The crew brought their best effort every day and completed very impressive and challenging tasks:
- 3,621 hours of physical labor
- 400+ drainage structures maintained
- 130+ miles hiked per member
- 100 feet of fencing built at Schwabachers Landing
- 31 hours of strength and flexibility training per participant
- 28 miles of trail corridor cleared of brush and downed timber
- 300,000 seeds collected for sage brush restoration
- Zero injuries
Thank you to all of this year's participants, NPS partners, and friends who make this program possible. We look forward to next year and all that YCP will continue to accomplish in Grand Teton.
Are you or someone you know interested in applying to YCP? Click the button below to apply today!