Youth Conservation Program in Grand Teton marks 15 impactful years
Program stewards next generation of conservation leaders
JACKSON HOLE, Wyo. — With a core mission to foster a land ethic and an appreciation for the outdoors in young people, what could more on-brand than to invite a couple dozen teenagers to work in Grand Teton National Park for a season?
Grand Teton National Park Foundation and Grand Teton National Park are celebrating the 15th anniversary of the Youth Conservation Program (YCP). YCP was launched in 2006 to steward the next generation of conservation leaders—aligning with the core mission of the National Park Service to
The impactful program employs 16- to 19-year-olds on Grand Teton’s trail crew, accomplishing critical stewardship projects while also cultivating job skills and supporting aspiring leaders as they make career and lifestyle decisions. Over the years, YCP has grown in both size and scope, regularly employing 20-24 young people a season during a typical year.
“YCP has been transformative for the nearly 300 participants who have had the opportunity to work and learn during 10 weeks on the trails in the park,” GTNPF president Leslie Mattson said. “We are proud of this program and look forward to continuing to provide private philanthropic support to ensure it continues to provide life-changing opportunities for young people for years to come.”
The Foundation has raised more than $2.5 million in support of YCP since its inception in 2006.
This year’s YCP crew started in mid-June with 11 participants who are eager to spend their summer working and learning in the park (the group size was reduced this season due to ongoing safety measures related to COVID-19).
Projects planned for this summer include bridge and drystone step reconstruction on the Taggart Lake Trail, cleaning debris from a large avalanche in Granite Canyon, and trail repairs in the Death Canyon area. The participants will also learn about a variety of career opportunities with the National Park Service.
Grand Teton National Park superintendent Chip Jenkins said, “The YCP program is a very powerful program that creates life-long impacts for participants, as well as public land conservation.”
Jenkins noted that his inspiration to work for the National Park Service was sparked when he was young and participated in a similar program.
