Trail Talk: A Window into Grand Teton National Park's Youth Conservation Program, Week 5

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.

Trail Talk: A Window into Grand Teton National Park's Youth Conservation Program, Week 4

Crew leader Alex St. Clair reports another great week for YCP! Work near the Lupine Meadows trailhead (asphalt removal/causeway construction) continues and is nearing completion.  The trail has been officially re-opened and the crew will return to put finishing touches on the project later in the season.

The crew spent Tuesday going through a series of stations with the Jenny Lake Rangers: Grand Teton's experts on search and rescue.  YCP teens learned about rigging and mechanical advantages and how to properly pack and transport a patient in a litter.  They also spent some time on the climbing wall.  

After the educational component, the rangers grilled hot dogs and cheeseburgers and everyone enjoyed a nice lunch. Then the "ship" (helicopter) came in and the crew was allowed to poke around inside and got a basic rundown on heli-operations. The day with the JL Rangers culminated with a short haul demonstration, which everyone enjoyed thoroughly (summarized by Alex St. Clair, "who doesn't like helicopters?!").

On Wednesday and Thursday, the crew split up with a majority going north to Two Ocean Lake Road to do some fire prevention work with some of the area's fire experts, including the fuels crew from the Blackrock Ranger Station, Engine 3, Engine 4, the fire effects crew, and a handful of the fire officers. The YCP crew served as 'swampers,' spreading brush and rolling and carrying logs. During these days of hard work, the 'fire dawgs' provided the crew with some great information about what their jobs as firefighters entail.

This week, a special thank you goes to our corporate donors who have provided support for youth engagement in Grand Teton through generous funding for YCP:
Coca-Cola
Patagonia
U.S. Bank
Vail Resorts

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.

Trail Talk: A Window into Grand Teton National Park's Youth Conservation Program, Week 3

Last week's activities included a morning with the park's Interpretation department on an interpretive and interactive hike.  The crew then spent the afternoon brushing an overgrown section of the Taggart Lake Trail. They also spent two days at Wister Draw putting the finishing touches on an eroding horse trail by installing slope retaining walls and log checks, de-compacting old, abandoned trail and removing invasive species (hounds tongue) around the Wister Draw trail. They also cut more than 30 notches with cross cuts, chisels and draw knives for the Lupine Meadows project.

 Week 3's participant testimonial comes from returning member MacKenzie Epperson-Valum: when asked why she enjoyed performing the finishing details on trail work she responded, "Well, because I get to use my favorite tool (the McLeod), and it makes everything so beautiful!"  Thanks to MacKenzie and the rest of the crew from all of us who love hiking on Grand Teton's beautiful trails!

We would also like to recognize our 2013 youth program in-kind supporters who provided high-quality clothing and gear to outfit our participants for success on the trail: Marmot, Mountain Khakis, Skinny Skis, High Country Outfitters, Lee's Tees, and FITS Sock Company.  THANK YOU!


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.

Trail Talk: A Window into Grand Teton National Park's Youth Conservation Program, Week 2

Here's Week 2 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.
 
Park ranger and YCP leader Alex St. Clair reports another busy and productive week on the trails of Grand Teton.  The crew spend significant time destroying and hauling asphalt from the Lupine Meadows trailhead. They moved approximately 2 tons of material out and prepped for the installation of the timber causeway. Long, hot days prompted the crew leaders to provide ice cream and popsicles to keep the team energized. During a break on the Lupine Meadows project, crew member Matthew Marvin explain why he decided to participate in YCP this summer:  "It seemed like a great way to spend a summer outdoors, working hard and seeing new places...and it's nice to see my grandparents!"

The crew joined the rest of the park staff for a social event in Moose to listen to NPS Intermountain Regional Director, John Wessels, speak about the state of our national parks.

Next week, the crew will be working on trail improvements at Wister Draw, as well as doing rehabilitation work to the Colter Bay Swim beach.  Great work, YCP trail crew!

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.

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.

Grand Teton National Park Foundation Welcomes Newest Additions to Board and Advisory Council

Fundraising group for Grand Teton expands capacity through new leadership

 
Jackson, Wyoming – November 13, 2012 – Grand Teton National Park Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of new members to its board of directors and resource council.  Jane Hill, Richard Mithoff, David Viehman, Barry Gold and Neal Manne have joined the Foundation board; Dennis Butcher, Allison Lee, Phil Leeds, Jim Ryan and Shawn Whitman are the newest members of the resource council.  The group brings considerable and varied experience to the Foundation as it executes its mission to provide financial support for projects that enhance and protect Grand Teton’s treasured resources.

“We look forward to fulfilling our commitment to fund dynamic, significant projects in Grand Teton this year amid the fresh perspectives and energy contributed by these newest board and resource council members.  Our advisors serve as valuable liaisons between Grand Teton National Park and its local and national constituents, and we continue to benefit from their enlightened guidance and support,” says Leslie Mattson, president of Grand Teton National Park Foundation.  Many of the new members have strong ties to the Jackson community, including involvement with local organizations and businesses ranging from outdoor gear shops to area real estate.

New members will join current Board Chairman Bob Hartman, Vice Chair Barbara Carlson, Secretary John Townsend and Treasurer Scott Spangler in comprising what Mattson calls “one of the Foundation’s most active and effective leadership teams to date.”  In 2012, board and resource council members will work with Foundation staff to continue funding ongoing initiatives in Grand Teton, including youth engagement, wildlife research, and several new park-prioritized projects.

Barry Gold works in finance and divides his time between New York, Washington, D.C., and Jackson, WY.  He is currently a senior adviser working with the Starwood Capital Group’s Energy Fund. 

Jane Hill worked extensively in politics in Washington, D.C., before moving to Jackson full-time with her family.  In addition to GTNPF, her local involvement includes the Journeys School, CLIMB Wyoming and the JH Pony Club.

Neal Manne is a trial lawyer at Susman Godfrey LLP, a law firm based in Houston, TX.  He and his wife, Nancy, have been homeowners in Jackson since 2001.

Richard Mithoff is founder of Mithoff Law Firm in Houston, TX.  Mr. Mithoff is an avid climber.

David Viehman is originally from Orlando, FL, and moved to Jackson in 1992.  He is an associate broker and one of the owners at Jackson Hole Real Estate Associates, LLC.

Dennis Butcher practices internal medicine at St. John’s Hospital and has lived in Jackson Hole since 1980.   He is an avid fly angler, cyclist and hiker.

Allison Lee worked in locations around the globe as an investment banker before moving to the US.  She enjoys hiking, rock climbing and skiing with her family.

Phil Leeds has lived in Jackson Hole since 1977.  He is co-owner of Skinny Skis and Moosely Mountaineering, two local outdoor stores. 

Jim Ryan is the market president for Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. in Jackson, where he also runs the business banking department in Jackson, Pinedale and Star Valley, WY and in Driggs, ID.

Shawn Whitman grew up in Wyoming and served as chief of staff for the late Senator Craig Thomas and for Senator John Barrasso.  He currently lives in Alexandria, VA, with his family and is a consultant at Kountoupes Consulting, LLC.

Grand Teton Lodge Company Properties Contribute $600,000 for Park Projects

JACKSON, WY—Grand Teton Lodge Company, owned by Vail Resorts, has gifted $600,000 to Grand Teton National Park Foundation since 1999 making the lodging group the largest and one of the longest running corporate partners in Foundation history. Gifts from Grand Teton Lodge Company properties—Jackson Lake Lodge, Jenny Lake Lodge, and Jackson Hole Golf and Tennis—originate through a voluntary program that allows guests to contribute $1/night of their stay to the Foundation’s work in the park. The gift includes in-kind services provided by the group as well. Through this generous private support, the Foundation continues to enable an extensive list of visitor service, education, and improvement projects and assists the park in offering high-quality interpretation, recreation, and education to visitors. As the primary fundraising partner for Grand Teton National Park, the Foundation works with individuals, foundations, and businesses to raise funding that underwrites projects and programming in Grand Teton. 

“We want to celebrate our long relationship with Grand Teton Lodge Company and take this opportunity to publicly thank John Rutter, his team, and Vail Resorts for providing ongoing funding for park projects and for understanding the value these projects provide for park visitors,” Foundation President Leslie Mattson said. “We also thank each and every guest who has contributed through the lodging program. It’s gratifying to see many visitors who want to participate in the education and improvements that help Grand Teton remain one of the country’s top outdoor destinations.” 

“It has been our pleasure working with Grand Teton National Park Foundation. The work they have done and are doing for Grand Teton National Park is invaluable,” John Rutter, vice president of Grand Teton Lodge Company and Flagg Ranch Company, said. “We look forward to continued success and a strong partnership to make this magical place spectacular.” 

The lodging program originated in 1999 with Clay James, former president and general manager of Grand Teton Lodge Company, which was owned by CSX Corporation. Vail Resorts continued the program when it purchased the company in the latter part of 1999. James launched the initiative at Jenny Lake Lodge and Jackson Lake Lodge with the goal of educating visitors about the benefits of private support in parks while generating significant funding for on-the-ground projects in Grand Teton National Park. “We were the first park concessioner to create a check-off program in a national park,” James said. “Guests were happy to contribute because the money stayed in the park for projects that benefited visitors.” 

Today, lodging programs based on this model can be found in national parks and their gateway communities across the country, James said, and he is pleased that other parks are also benefiting from this idea. Projects supported by Grand Teton Lodge Company have spanned a wide range of enhancements and educational initiatives that connect visitors to Grand Teton and improve resources. These critical projects include the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center, the auditorium addition that opened in 2011, and trail restoration. 

“To work on behalf of the park is a true honor,” Mattson said, “and the relationships we form with partners like Grand Teton Lodge Company are one of the main reasons we can bring exceptional projects and programs to the millions who visit each year. Jackson is a community that truly understands the power of giving back. People see a need and it becomes important for them to help solve it.” 

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 Lodge Company 
With a mission to preserve, protect and inspire, Grand Teton Lodge Company is an authorized concessioner of the National Park Service within Grand Teton National Park operating the lodging, restaurants, tours and activities at Jackson Lake Lodge, Jenny Lake Lodge, Colter Bay Village, Jenny Lake and Gros Ventre campgrounds as well as the Jackson Hole Golf & Tennis Club, which is located just outside the park in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. www.gtlc.com 

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.