Every summer, NorthWoods Stewardship Center recruits local high school students for conservation projects in and beyond the Northeast Kingdom. These teenagers join the NorthWoods Conservation Corps to build trails, improve wildlife habitats, plant trees on river banks, and battle invasive plants.
While working in the field, Corps leaders teach crew members about the science behind the work. This year, crew members will be eligible for three undergraduate science credits from Lyndon Sate College (LSC) if they pass the requirements of the Corps projects. The credit can be used at LSC or transferred to another college.
“Experiential learning is central to Lyndon programs,” said LSC President Joe Bertolino. “NorthWoods provides Lyndon students an opportunity to work alongside professionals, build job skills, earn academic credit and make a positive impact on the community.”
NorthWoods Executive Director Carol A. Moore is the driving force behind the collaboration. “I can’t imagine a better way to celebrate the Conservations Corps’ 20th anniversary,” said Moore. “It’s a great opportunity for local teens to learn in the outdoors while getting paid and earning college credit.”
NorthWoods piloted the LSC credits program during the 2013 summer season, and LSC Admissions Director Vincent Maloney has already helped three Corps members obtain credits. One is North Country High School junior Alex Cope, who’s looking forward to college and a major involving music. “One strong candidate is acoustical engineering, which involves how sound travels,” said Cope. “This requires physics, and the science credits I gained thanks to LSC will show colleges I have an interest in science.”
Under Dr. Moore’s leadership, NorthWoods is exploring additional collaborations in research and education to expand its impact on forest stewardship and conservation education, and fulfill its mission to empower new generations to appreciate, understand and wisely use the land through science, education and action.
Local youth ages 14 to 20 interested in learning and working outdoors this summer as part of the NorthWoods Conservation Corps should call Ross Stevens or Luke O’Brien at NorthWoods, 723-6551 ext. 117, or visit the Corps Employment page to download an application, due April 15.