For six weeks this summer ten high school students from Arizona, New Mexico, Georgia, and Alaska lived and worked in and around Rucker Canyon on the southwest side of the Chiricahua Mountains. During this time they learned a plethora of conservation skills related to fuels management, rubbed shoulders with local Forest Service district staff, and navigated living in close community with one another. This local program is one expression of the USDA Forest Service program called the Youth Conservation Corps. There are dozens of local programs throughout the US that provide high schoolers ages 15 – 18 a chance to both work a full time job and learn about what it means to have a career in resource management or related fields. 

The Douglas Ranger District of the Coronado National Forest, which geographically exists in the southeast corner of Arizona, has overseen this program since 2018. Over the years, Wild Arizona has slowly taken on more and more of the day-to-day running of the program, while still working in close partnership with the Douglas Ranger District staff. This program is a residential program, meaning that students do not go home on the weekends. Instead they spend much of their time at a Forest Service administration site in Rucker Canyon. This facility has a bunkhouse that sleeps up to sixteen, a fully equipped kitchen, and plenty of room for people to eat and hang out. And of course, incredible views of Turtle Mountain and the Rucker Canyon drainage. 

The flow of a typical work week was as follows. Monday through Friday, the crew members worked eight hours each day. The main focus of this year’s work was on fuels reduction particularly in wildland urban interfaces. Each week the crew members got the privilege of learning from a different Forest Service resource specialist, who each taught the students a unique way of helping national forest land stay fire-resilient. Forestry staff educated the students on how different species of trees react to small versus catastrophic fires. Range staff led crew members in clearing fence lines of brush in order to create a fire break around an administration site. Staff from fire and fuels helped the high school students clear brush around the vicinity of the Visitor Information Center in Cave Creek. Staff working in archaeology and history preservation put the crew members to work trimming branches that leaning over and against historic buildings. Recreation staff members assisted the crew in brushing out trails that could also serve as fire breaks. And the district biologist led students in installing erosion control structures that will help endangered plant populations continue to thrive on fire-affected landscapes.

On Saturdays crew members participated in an educational outing in the local area. One weekend they went on a hike in nearby Chiricahua National Monument. On a different outing, they visited historic Fort Bowie in order to learn about the role it played during the Apache wars of the 19th century. And on an additional Saturday they visited a Douglas-area family farm that practices sustainable agriculture. Sundays provided a time for rest, hanging out with crew mates and preparing for the upcoming work week. 

Every year the summer program has a profound impact on everyone involved. In particular, crew members from this year’s program had many things to say. 

Graeme from Glendale, Arizona said this: “When I came to YCC I intended on becoming a park ranger after 4 years of college… Now, I want to be a wildland firefighter and I’m gonna do my best to make that happen next summer… Without this program I would’ve been stuck working towards a job I would’ve hated.”

Erin, from the San Carlos Reservation, offered similar insight: “I’ve always been a fan of the outdoors, and knowing I could do this job full-time is something I’m genuinely considering. Though I still have my eyes on programming, and business, I think this job has really opened my eyes to more than just making money for the sake of surviving…”

Miles, from Albuquerque, New Mexico focused more on the community and natural environment:

“I enjoyed seeing a new place, and meeting new people, all with different outlooks on life. I loved learning how to cook, and identify trees and whatnot. I loved the rain. The overall experience has been very valuable with learning how to live with people.”

Sabine, from Tucson, Arizona agreed: “These people have become some of my closest friends, and I’m so glad to have met them. Reading with them, talking with them, going on walks, having deep conversations and always feeling loved and accepted was so valuable to me. Being surrounded by nature the entire time, and looking outside and just seeing miles and miles of pure and untouched beauty made me so much happier than I can describe. 

When the last crew member was picked up by parents, the following questions come to mind: What crew members will return next year to carry on this year’s legacy? What newcomers will arrive with fresh eyes and new perspectives. And how might these passionate YCC crew members go on to make a positive impact on the land and the people who inhabit it?

The post Wild Arizona’s 2024 YCC Program Recap appeared first on Wild Arizona.

As 2023 comes to a close, it’s time for us at Wild Arizona to take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we’ve had throughout this remarkable year. The historic triumphs and transformative challenges that filled 2023 orbited one constant—the unwavering and enthusiastic support we’ve received from our volunteers, followers, and donors. We first want to pause and express our deepest gratitude to all those who have contributed, in a myriad of ways, to support our initiatives and campaigns. In 2023, we’ve come together as a vibrant community to help move forward enduring protections; riparian restoration; and wilderness and trail stewardship projects, for Arizona’s gorgeous wild landscapes, natural waters, wildlife, and Native ancestral homelands.

This last week of December also marks the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act, reminding us that the dynamic vitality of intact webs of life in natural habitats is increasingly threatened. In a time of accelerating loss and public division, the ESA stands as a beacon of hope and shared responsibility for life on Earth our one living planet. Enacted to safeguard our nation’s most vulnerable flora and fauna, this crucial legislation points to preservation of biodiversity and cultural heritage as not merely an option but imperative for a sustainable future, and as our most effective and just means to stabilize climate. The Endangered Species Act compels us to act with foresight and compassion for the natural world, recognizing that the health of our environment is inseparable from our own well-being, and that by this pathway we are securing a legacy of beauty and diversity for all generations.

Acknowledging the impact:

Our success is not just measured by the projects we undertake but by the collective impact we have achieved together. A big thank you goes out to the generous contributions and unwavering efforts of our supporters and crews. We have been able to make significant strides in preserving the natural beauty of Arizona. Whether it’s the restoration of ecosystems, the protections of endangered species, or the creation of spaces that foster a sense of community through the outdoors, every action taken this year has left a lasting imprint on the landscapes we hold dear.

A Special Thanks to Our Followers:

To our followers, who engage with our content, spread awareness, and amplify our message-your dedication is the heartbeat of Wild Arizona. Your enthusiasm and commitment inspire us to continue our mission with renewed vigor. We appreciate every like, share, and comment that helps us reach a wilder audience and create a stronger community united by the love for Arizona’s wild places.

Celebrating our donors:

To our generous donors, your financial support has been the fuel propelling our initiatives forward. Your belief in our vision and commitment to preserving the natural wonders of Arizona have allowed us to embark on ambitious projects that make a real difference. Whether through one-time contributions or ongoing support, your investment in the future of our landscapes is truly invaluable.

As we are about to step into a new year, our commitment to the conservation of Arizona’s wild and native landscapes remains steadfast. With your continued support, we aim to undertake even more ambitious projects, engage in meaningful community initiatives, and be at the forefront of the continued progress for a sustainable and thriving Arizona.

We are beyond grateful for each and every one of you who have been a part of the Wild Arizona family in 2023. Your love, dedication and support are the forces behind our successes. Let’s continue to work hand in hand, ensuring that the beauty and biodiversity of Arizona’s wild spaces endure for generations to come. Lastly, please join in and support us in 2024, another year full of urgent opportunities to save the humpback chub and beaches downriver along the Colorado River in Glen Canyon and Grand Canyon, keep Colorado River flows high enough through the Grand Canyon to sustain the Colorado River Ecosystem, seek landscape-scale protections for the amazing Sky Islands, and call for Wild and Scenic River designation to preserve the treasured upper Verde River. Thank you again for an incredible year, and cheers to a future filled with even greater achievements in conservation and community!

Check out some of our Wild Stew project locations and accomplishments in this End of Year Presentation.

The post celebrating a year of historic conservation wins and a wilder future! appeared first on Wild Arizona.