Are you looking to do something different, something memorable, or a life changing experience this summer? Have you always been intrigued by the conservation corps? Do you want an excuse to be in the mountains all summer? If you’ve answered yes to all the above or just want to learn more about the conservation corps experience, RSVP to our third virtual panel of conservation corps alumni. These alumni will share their experiences working in the conservation corps. You will get the chance to ask questions and receive guidance on how to apply to work with the conservation corps and what career path options there are for after the corps experience.

Job seekers, VR/Transition Counselors, Educators, Parents, and Community members welcomed to attend. After this panel, we will be sharing details about our CorpsTHAT Conservation Crew as well as other programs throughout the country this summer.

Moderator:

Dakota (Dak) Ronco

they/them/theirs

I grew up in California with a childhood of hiking and backpacking. Thinking about the environment and our relationship with nature as humans has become intuitive. I interned with CorpsTHAT in 2021, which led me to a seasonal job with USFS in Idaho with a logging trail crew in the backcountry. Once I had a taste of a career outdoors, I knew this is what I wanted out of my life in the long run. I worked with CorpsTHAT again in the summer of 2033 as a crew leader in Vermont. Their maple syrup is champ, hot dog dry! I am working at Model Secondary School for the Deaf at the moment while figuring out my next plans. You can almost always find me outside on my breaks and free time 🙂

Panelists: 

Lily Molina AKA “S.O.” (Safety Officer, trail nickname)

 (she/her)

I had the honor and privilege to serve on the PA Outdoors Corps as Crew Leader alongside the BEST co-Leader, copilot Sarah Joiner in summer of 2023, both sessions totaling 6 weeks not counting training. I am currently set to graduate with English Literature BA May 2024 from California State University. 

At Raccoon Creek we built a new segment of the trail spanning 400 feet to reroute the slippery water damaged, switching to switchbacks (pun intended) on Heritage Trail . The 2nd Session was at Cook Forest (one of the most beautiful places), we built not one, but two drainage dips, carrying rocks gravels up a 12 percent grade for 1/2 mile or so, then back down to gather more rocks/gravel, the fastest way to become stronger I have experienced and digging shovels into the mud was the fun part and a quick way to cool down. Seneca Trail at Cook Forest. We achieved the project goal which was making the hiking trails safer so people can enjoy the outdoors without falling down the cliff into Clarion River and we were called by the SCA. “SBM crew” Small But Mighty with only two crew members. We had help from wonderful people, Adult Roving crew at SCA, North country trail volunteers, and SCA Staff themselves. 

My name is Mujahid Zafar and I use He/ him/ his pronouns.

In 2022 I served for the Conservation Corps of Minnesota and Iowa (CCMI)’s Summer Youth Corps. For 4 weeks I served with the ASL crew. Each week we worked in a different state/ regional park on various projects related to introduced plant species and trail management. I am currently reading and learning from indigenous literature as well as Islamic text. I plan to resume university studies in the fall pursuing a conservation biology degree.

Alyssa (Aly) Glennon: She/her

I was part of the 004 crew as a crew member in Summer 2023 that took place in Vermont. We stayed in Green Mountain National Forest for five weeks, and it was the most memorable moment in my life and it was eye-opening. Mostly we focused on pulling out the invasive plants, maintaining trail work, restoring things that are needed. Not only that, I learned a lot of survival skills which will apply to my life from now on. I’m currently going on my 6th semester at Gallaudet University, majoring in Business Administration. I’d love for my career in the future to have a blend of both business and the outdoors.

Tanner Fenton: he/him

Interpreters from Trail Blazing Interpreting Agency  will be provided for this webinar and are sponsored by Conservation Corps of Minnesota Summer Youth Program

RSVP using the google form to get zoom link access! We hope to see you there.