NPS Photo

Boston area youth participating in the Youth Conservation Corps reach new heights in their experience working with the Branching Out Program sponsored by the Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation. Participants learn about landscapes maintenance practices through educational workshops and hands-on field experience in multiple park sites.

The Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) is perhaps the most well recognized summer work youth program in the National Park Service. The YCC has been instrumental in introducing young Americans to conservation opportunities in national parks since the program was created in 1970. Hundreds of employees currently working in land management agencies were introduced to their profession through the YCC.

Environmental Awareness
Environmental awareness is an integral aspect of the YCC program. Each work project has both work and environmental learning goals. The participants spent most of their time in the outdoors. All participants are expected to gain an understanding and appreciation of the nation’s environment and heritage equal to one full academic year of study.

Upon the completion of each work projects every enrollee will know:
1) The overall benefits of the project to the park site and/or environment.
2) Any direct or indirect benefits to the project has for fish, wildlife, or visitors to the area.
3) Both positive and negative environmental impacts of the projects.
4) The primary purpose and significance of the park site.

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