While the contrary may seem true, hiking trails do not simply build themselves. Trail design, construction and maintenance take expertise, as well as a lot of work. Grand Teton National Park's Youth Conservation Program (YCP) students learn firsthand all that it takes and more. During the ten week program, the teens 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.
This week's "Trail Talk" features Grand Teton National Park YCP Trail Crew Leader Alex St. Clair and his take on their voracious desire to learn. Watch the following one-minute video to hear in Alex's own words:
As funders of YCP, Grand Teton National Park Foundation could not be more proud of Alex's assessment, as he articulates, "They've already come so far and they're asking the hard questions. They truly want to know more and they want to know why. They want to know why the park does something this way. Why does the fire crew do it this way? Why does the trail crew do it this way? What is the purpose?".
More to come next week!
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 more than $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.
