YCC works at parks
Published 1:15 pm Thursday, August 4, 2016
- A Youth Conservation Corps crew at Sailor’s Creek Battlefield and High Bridge Trail state parks includes, from left, front row, Dominic Hernandez, Bailey Costello, Kirk McIntosh, Darius Singh, Emmett Wurster, James Keese, Jacob Wilson, Reid Mitchell; back row, Luca Gonzalez, Derek Schmack, Park Ranger Jason Kinkaid, Connor Benway and Will Patterson.
Sailor’s Creek Battlefield and High Bridge Trail state parks are hosting a crew of Virginia State Parks Youth Conservation Corps through Aug. 12.
The crew is all male with two supervisors, one intern and 10 crewmembers. This is a three-week residential program and the crew is splitting its time between both parks. The projects for this crew include trail restoration, installing a split-rail fence, planting a new butterfly/pollinator garden, building benches and mounting and dismounting horse stands.
But it’s not all work and no play. The program also includes time for environmental education and adventure programming. The crew will visit historical sites in Appomattox County, try out a rope course at The Adventure Park at Sandy River Retreat and enjoy outdoor activities at other state parks in the area.
The crew is closely supervised by three crew supervisors who are graduates of the program themselves, professional park staff and committed adult volunteers.
