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

Last week marked the completion of the eighth season of the Youth Conservation Program in Grand Teton National Park. Throughout the ten week program, which ran from mid-June to mid-August, 24 teenagers participated in various work and educational activities with all major divisions of the park, including resource management, historical preservation, wildland fire, search and rescue, interpretation, research, vegetation management and trails.

The majority of the conservation work and training performed this summer occurred within the trails division of facility management. Major project work focused on the rehabilitation and construction of new trail tread and trail structures in three key areas: the Lupine Meadows trailhead, the Colter Bay Swim Beach, and Wister Draw Horse Trail. YCP members also contributed to the conservation of our natural resources through noxious weed removal, hazardous fuel reduction for wildfire, and restoration of historic structures within Grand Teton National Park.

After a great season of experiencing one of the nation's premier national parks, some YCP participants have returned to their homes across the country to resume high school, while others have gone on to begin their first year of undergraduate studies.

Crew stats:
-24 participants
-Members came from Wyoming, Idaho, Colorado, Utah, Oregon, Texas, Michigan, Virginia, Connecticut, New York, Maine
-Collaborated with all major divisions of Grand Teton National Park
-6541 hours worked
-1000 yards of trail rehabilitated
-640 linear feet of native timber peeled and notched
-400 yards of new trail constructed
-380 volunteer hours
-109 miles hiked
-75 feet of double-tier timber causeway constructed
-29 hours of flexibility and strength training performed per participant
-26 miles of trail drainage cleared
-12 historic structures repaired/maintained
-6 tons of asphalt removed (by hand)
-4 days of backcountry work completed
-0 injuries

YCP trail crew leader Alex St. Clair summarizes the season as follows: “The success of this program depends in great part on the cooperation between Grand Teton National Park and the Grand Teton National Park Foundation, a partnership that has once again allowed students from across the country to experience and engage in ongoing conservation work within the park.  Another huge component of the program’s success is the hardworking crew participants themselves. The dedication, motivation, hard work, and selfless diligence these teenagers bring to the program is incredible and inspiring to all who are fortunate to work with them."

We at GTNPF are so proud of this summer's crew!  Special thanks to all who contributed to the success of this Foundation-funded youth program, including many individuals and the following corporate supporters:

Alltrips
Skinny Skis
Four Seasons Resort
Lee's Tees
Maverik
Mountain Khakis
Patagonia
Signal Mountain Lodge
The Jackson Hole Report
The Wort Hotel
The Coca-Cola Company
U.S. Bank
Vail Resorts
Wells Fargo

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.