Trail Talk: A Window into Grand Teton National Park's Youth Conservation Program, Week 6

You’ve heard it before that Grand Teton National Park’s Youth Conservation Program (YCP) is more than a summer job; it's an innovative, educational opportunity and a chance for today’s 16 to 19 year olds to accomplish something meaningful in and for one of America's most popular landscapes.  Last week embodied the above claim, as the students spent each day at a different location in the park, learning an array of new topics.

On Monday, July 29th, Grand Teton’s very own YCP trail crew leader and herbalist, Kate Field, led the crew on an interpretive hike to Huckleberry Point on Phelps Lake.  On the hike, Kate educated the crew as to plant identification, the medicinal properties of local plants, and traditional uses of local flora.  The outing was especially insightful, as Grand Teton National Park has an entire division dedicated to interpretive and educational programs for park visitors, aptly named the Division of Interpretation and Education.

On Tuesday, the crew split into two groups to explore the higher elevations of Grand Teton National park.  One group hiked to the picturesque Amphitheater Lake and the other to the famous Apex on Teewinot Mountain.  Park specialists educated both groups about the mountain pine beetle, which began attacking high-elevation whitebark pine forests in Grand Teton in 2004. The crew provided support for the park’s ongoing whitebark study by assisting staff by hanging white pouches containing a pheromone called verbenone on selected trees. Two pouches per tree (or 40 per acre) send the beetles a chemical message that a specific tree, or a general area, is already saturated with beetles.  This deters beetles from infesting and may reduce the likelihood that additional trees will be attacked.

Last year's YCP crew learning about mountain pine beetles

On Wednesday, YCP improved a system of lateral drains along a closed section of trail on the southwest side of Jenny Lake (along the lakeshore). The system of drains typically holds water all summer due to a series of uphill seeps. These seeps often go unmaintained due to the large scale of maintenance required, so the park is especially pleased that YCP was able to complete this needed work.

On Thursday, YCP students rode the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort Aerial Tram to the top of Rendezvous Mountain.  Once there, the crew performed tread maintenance to the trail that leads into Granite canyon.  Their day, and week, concluded with a long walk down and out of Granite Canyon. First time, YCP crew member, Michael Christoffersen, said, "I need to better space out when I eat my M&Ms and rice crispy treats so I can stay ‘jacked’ for the whole hike!"

Michael Christoffersen on his second day of YCP

It’s clear that the YCP crew works hard, both physically and mentally, so staying energized is essential! 

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.