Charles River Youth Conservation Corps

Our crew (ages 15-18) works alongside leaders in the field of park and natural resource management. Through hands-on experiences and conversations, participants gain insight into a variety of environmental and conservation careers. A focus is given to learning about the Charles River watershed area and water systems. Given time to experience and learn about the importance of the natural environment, participants also reflect on their personal connection to the land while doing necessary maintenance and restorative ecological work. Youth are often from the towns of Newton, Arlington, Lexington, Waltham, and Watertown.

Activities:

• Maintain parks and pathways along the Charles River, including invasive species removal, maintaining trails and painting park benches
• Establish and maintain trails and interpretive signage (including trail blazes and bulletin boards) at Wilson Mountain Reservation  
• Learn about the natural environment through hands experiences
• Create educational displays
• Help with volunteer projects
• Take educational field trips to other Trustees and Mass DCR properties to study models of stewardship and community partnership