Grand Teton National Park Foundation

Trail Talk: A Window into Grand Teton National Park's Youth Conservation Program

Welcome, to our first installment of "Trail Talk: A Window into Grand Teton's Youth Conservation Program"! The Youth Conservation Program (YCP) is more than a summer job; it's an innovative, educational opportunity and a chance to accomplish something meaningful in and for one of America's most popular landscapes.  Over this ten week program, you'll hear from our teen trail crew, made up of 16 to 19 year olds from all over the country, as they work to improve the trails within Grand Teton National Park.

The 2013 YCP Crew on their second day of the season.

The 2013 program began on Monday, June 17th and in the first two weeks, the crew has started the demolition of 500 feet of asphalt at the Lupine Meadows Trailhead.  They peeled more than 400 feet of native timber, that will be used for the construction of a causeway, or a path across a wetland that is raised up on an embankment, at the Lupine Meadows Trailhead.  They've also performed drainage maintenance, covering approximately 10 miles of trail along Taggart Lake, and also to Amphitheatre Lake.

The crew's leader, Grand Teton National Park Ranger, Alex St. Clair, reports that the crew is doing an amazing job.  St. Clair continued that the Rangers challenged the teens with some very difficult days at the beginning of the program, which they handled very well.  St. Clair attests that each teen went home tired every day, which is a goal of his.  YCP trail crew member, Charles Smith said to St. Clair," You guys really know how to work a guy!".  Don't be mistaken though, this is a promising crew.  Near the end of a long day, when asked if he was running out of steam, Peyton Ingalls, YCP trail crew member responded, "No way! I've got steam for days!!!".

About the Youth Conservation Program
Since its inception in 2006, over 120 young men and women, 16 to 19 years old have worked, earned, and learned in the highly successful ten week program that is held each June to August in Grand Teton. In seven seasons, the students have contributed over 50,000 hours of labor improving visitors' experiences in the park. Participants build trails, remove debris, install bear-resistant containers, repair historic sites, pull exotic weeds, clear vegetation, learn stone masonry, and build fences all while hiking miles of the park each day. Collaborative park teams work with the YCP teens to provide a unique education in park history, fire, safety, and rescue training. 

About Grand Teton National Park Foundation 
Established in 1997, Grand Teton National Park Foundation provides private financial support for special projects that enhance and protect Grand Teton National Park’s treasured cultural, historic, and natural resources.  Since its inception, the Foundation has raised nearly $23 million for special projects that benefit Grand Teton and visitors.

About Grand Teton National Park 
Located in northwestern Wyoming, Grand Teton National Park preserves a spectacular landscape rich with majestic mountains, pristine lakes and extraordinary wildlife. The park's world-renowned scenery attracts nearly four million visitors per year and offers an array of recreational activities for all ages and all abilities.