COLORADO SPRINGS and DENVER, CO – June 27, 2022–Applications are open for Mile High Youth Corps’ (MHYC) Land Conservation Fall Trail or Forestry Program. MHYC is searching for positive, hardworking individuals between the ages of 18 and 24 to spend 10-13 weeks this fall serving on environmental stewardship projects throughout Colorful Colorado. During their season, crews will complete more than 30 conservation projects spanning 23 counties and make profound impact on the community, the environment, and themselves.
Mile High Youth Corps’ Land Conservation Program is rooted in the tradition of the Civilian Conservation Corps of the 1930s and is devoted to the improvement and sustainable development of our two most important resources – youth and the environment. Youth participants, called Corpsmembers, are assigned to a crew that works on a variety of conservation-focused projects on public lands. These include construction and maintenance of recreational and safety access trails, habitat restoration, fire fuel mitigation, historical preservation and park development projects. Corpsmembers earn a bi-weekly stipend, and are enrolled in AmeriCorps, earning a scholarship to be used towards advancing their learning after the program. They also receive up to 4 free mental health counseling sessions.
Corpsmembers have opportunities to network with federal, state and local natural source professionals and access to a vast alumni network. Corpsmembers will also receive training in one or more stewardship skillsets, including chainsaw operation, trail building and maintenance and pesticide application. No experience is necessary, MHYC provides hands-on training related to all projects.
Corpsmembers receive industry-recognized certifications that lead to effective service and highly- desirable qualifications and experience that support opportunities for future employment in natural resource management.
“As Corpsmembers complete their terms and move on, often to careers in conservation, the lessons learned remain with them,” said Jesse Roehm, Director: Land Conservation for Mile High Youth Corps. “Their futures are stamped with greater knowledge and understanding of environmental concerns impacting Colorado’s natural resources. These experiences are passed on to friends and family and help to create life- long environmental stewards for generations to come.”
Project partners scheduled for the fall include:
- Adams County Parks and Open Space
- Aurora Parks, Recreation and Open Space
- Boulder Open Space & Mountain Parks
- Cañon City Area Recreation and Park District
- Castlewood Canyon State Park
- Cheyenne Mountain State Park
- Colorado Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety
- Colorado Open Lands
- Colorado Springs Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services
- Denver Parks & Recreation
- Denver Water
- Fishers Peak State Park
- Green Mountain Falls
- Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument
- HistoriCorps
- Lake Pueblo State Park
- Lakewood Parks, Forestry and Open Space
- Manitou Springs
- Pueblo State Fish Hatchery
- Trinidad
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
- US Forest Service: – Pikes Peak Ranger District
- US Forest Service: – San Carlos Ranger District
- Westminster Open Space
If you are between the ages of 18 and 24 and looking to make a difference, please consider joining Mile High Youth Corps for the fall season and earn while you learn. Apply online now at www.milehighyouthcorps.org/apply-now
About Mile High Youth Corps
Mile High Youth Corps (MHYC) is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization established in 1992 to give youth ages 18 to 24 a chance to earn an income and learn hands-on job skills while serving in their communities. In its first year, 20 youth served Denver neighborhoods through a single 10-week program. Today, MHYC engages more than 250 youth every year through several comprehensive programs that integrate paid work experience on community service projects with leadership development, career and college exploration, and education. During our 30 year history, Mile High Youth Corps has grown from a small, seasonal, neighborhood-based organization to a comprehensive, year-round, regional program serving 23 counties from two regional offices in Metro Denver and the Southern Front Range of Colorado. Our mission is to help youth make a difference in themselves and their community through meaningful service opportunities and educational experiences.