Northwest Youth Corps

Field News Recap- Fall 2024

Oregon: camping crews – young adult In October, Red crew spent two weeks working alongside Bureau of Land Management (BLM) interns in Coos Bay, improving the habitat for native Phacelia plants. November saw them seeding native species in post-fire areas of the Willamette National Forest with the BLM and United States Forest Service. In December, they partnered with the Washington Department of Natural Resources to plant over 3,000 native plugs.  Orange crew spent two weeks at Thomas Creek Aspen Meadow in Fremont-Winema National Forest using chainsaws to reopen meadow habitat, followed by two weeks removing invasive species in post-fire zones of the Willamette National Forest. Their efforts concluded with two weeks of fuels reduction at Smith Rock State Park, creating nearly 200 slash piles for prescribed burns. Blue crew started October with Snowy Plover habitat restoration through beach grass removal in Northern California. They also removed invasive species in post-fire zones of the Willamette National Forest, constructed trails in the Columbia River Gorge at the Tom McCall Preserve, and supported developed recreation sites at Diamond Lake in the Umpqua National Forest. To cap off the season, they collaborated with the Army Corps of Engineers in Cottage Grove for two weeks of invasive species […]

Field News Recap- Fall 2024 Read more of this article »

Northwest Youth Corps demonstrates importance of indigenous plants at Wildlife Center

(Originally posted on the Suburban Times on December 3, 2024) By Clover Park Rotary   Last week was a big week once again for the South Sound Wildlife and Interpretive Center on Phillips Road. Clover Park Rotary along with The Northwest Youth Corps, who has been very active with the Wildlife Center for a number of years, once again spent the week improving the Wildlife center. The Northwest Youth Corps began in 1984 and was the brainchild of Art Pope, who earlier worked for the seasonal “Youth Conservation Corps”. Its first office was in a defunct gas station in Eugene Oregon. With youth unemployment hovering at 50% at the time, NYC’s goal was (and remains) to educate and engage young people and teach them important life skills, while improving the natural environment and paying the youth stipends for their work in some cases. Northwest Youth Corps (NYC) provides a challenging education and job-training experience that helps youth and young adults from diverse backgrounds develop the skills they need to lead full and productive lives. Several Youth Corps Groups worked to place indigenous plants in the “Prairie Restoration” area of the park and in the “Endangered species study pond.” Plants included:

Northwest Youth Corps demonstrates importance of indigenous plants at Wildlife Center Read more of this article »

Eugene Springfield Fire, Northwest Youth Corps host free fuels reduction drop-off site

(Originally posted on KVAL on December 3, 2024) By News Staff (Photo courtesy Eugene Springfield Fire)   EUGENE, Ore. — Eugene Springfield Fire and Northwest Youth Corps are hosting a free drop site for woody yard debris to help Eugene and Springfield residents reduce vegetation that can create fuel for wildfires. The drop site, located at Northwest Youth Corps (2621 Agusta St, Eugene OR 97403), will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on December 9, 10, and 12. It will not be open on December 11. Woody debris such as tree branches, brush, vines, or other such yard debris that can create fuel for wildfire in warmer months will be accepted. Other yard debris (such as leaves, grass clippings, dirt etc.) will not be accepted and must be disposed of elsewhere. Limited pick-up will also be offered for residents who need help transporting woody debris from fuel reduction projects. To check your eligibility and sign up, visit here or contact Deputy Fire Marshal Althea Sullivan at (541) 799-5942. Fuels Reduction Project Ideas Remove tree limbs touching your home Remove tree limbs touching the ground (try to limb them up 6 feet) Remove shrubs that are touching your home Remove shrubs that

Eugene Springfield Fire, Northwest Youth Corps host free fuels reduction drop-off site Read more of this article »

Field News Recap- September 2024

Oregon: camping crews Oregon Programs launched three young adult crews in September. 14 crew members began their season at HQ on Sep. 4 before heading out to a training site in the Umpqua National Forest. From there, the three crews split up to begin project work across the region. Red crew stayed in the Umpqua for the first week, working on the Yellow Jacket Trail Loop. From there, they went backcountry in the Steens Mountains for the next three weeks of their season. They wrapped up September by brushing and levelling multiple backcountry trails in this beautiful and unique part of Oregon. Orange crew spent their first week in Northern California, removing invasive European beach grass from the Lake Earl Wildlife Area with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Their next two weeks were in the Rogue River Siskiyou National Forest, where they restored tread after a forest fire impacted the trail system. They then finished out the month in the Fremont Winema National Forest, removing competing tree species from an aspen meadow to allow for more aspen growth. Our Women’s Blue crew’s first week was with the Oregon Dunes Restoration Collaborative, removing invasives in the Siuslaw National Forest.

Field News Recap- September 2024 Read more of this article »

Field News Recap- August 2024

Oregon: young adult camping Orange crew maintained trails in Siuslaw National Forest, covering more than six miles on the Drift Creek Wilderness and Sweet Creek trails. They then shifted gears to work along the Illinois River, completing fence projects and removing invasive plants in the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. Red crew began the end of their session by working on a 15-mile trail in Mount Hood National Forest and helping maintain the Old Cabin Loop trail. They had the opportunity to work with the Forest Service on logout work (removing fallen trees and debris from trails) before finishing in the Mt. Hood Wilderness on the Timberline #600 trail. Their final week took them to the Steens Mountains, where they put their backcountry skills to the test. Rainbow crew spent three weeks collaborating with the Lower Columbia Fish Enhancement Group. They focused on beaver dam analogs, riparian zone restoration, and trail maintenance. Wrapping up their session, they worked with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Celilo State Park, tackling vegetation removal, followed by a visit to The Dalles Dam. Washington: urban and community forestry Urban and Community Forestry crews 23 and 24 (UCF) crews partnered with the Tacoma Tree Foundation

Field News Recap- August 2024 Read more of this article »

Local youth org works on wildfire containment in Eugene

(Originally posted on Daily Emerald on August 19, 2024) By Joseph Chiu Photos by Alexander Hernandez As Oregon enters another wildfire season, the importance of local organizations throughout the state focusing on wildfire prevention is amplified. Northwest Youth Corps is a youth organization based in Eugene that performs conservation projects and partners with organizations across the Pacific Northwest, including those focused on wildfire prevention.  NYC is the parent organization of Twin Rivers Charter School, which has been involved with vegetation management projects in Eugene, most recently on June 24 at Skinner’s Butte. As part of the project, a crew of two leaders and five students performed invasive species removal and removed dry vegetation to decrease the severity of possible wildfires. One week later, a half-acre brush fire broke out at the top of Skinner Butte on July 2 and was quickly contained by Eugene-Springfield Fire. Sarah Worthington, Community Wildfire Protection Corps director, said she believes the school’s efforts helped contain the fire and ensure that it didn’t spread quickly.   “Wildfire vegetation management is extremely important,” Twin Rivers Charter School Principal Kristin Humphrey said. “Our students are very dedicated, they work very hard, they are invested, they understand how important fire

Local youth org works on wildfire containment in Eugene Read more of this article »

Field News Recap- July 2024

Oregon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2OyCj7tkI8 Orange crew (YA 10) has been hard at work alongside Portland General Electric at Timothy Lake, south of Mount Hood. They have restored miles of trails and rejuvenated campsites, ensuring they are safe and enjoyable for visitors. Additionally, the crew has naturalized over 50 trails, helping to preserve the natural beauty and integrity of the area. Red crew (YA 11) focused on aquatic restoration in Sheep and Kelsey Creek in Northeast Oregon. Collaborating with Trout Unlimited, they constructed nearly 60 beaver dam analogs and post-assisted log structures, crucial for enhancing local aquatic habitats. In week seven, they moved west to avoid fires and worked with Mount Hood National Forest on a trail project in the 15-Mile Recreation Area. Rainbow crew (YA 12) was engaged in various projects in Mount Hood National Forest. Recent fires have made Lost Lake Campground and the White River Trail system inaccessible. Their efforts here included installing culverts, drains, and water bars to improve trail infrastructure. In week seven, the crew shifted their focus to aquatic and riparian zone restoration across the Columbia River in Vancouver, WA. Blue crew (YCC 06) worked with Oregon Parks and Recreation Department in South Willamette, maintaining 4.5 miles

Field News Recap- July 2024 Read more of this article »

Eugene-area teens get hands-on skills with summer work program

(Originally posted on The Register-Guard on July 25, 2024) By Miranda Cyr Photos by Josiah Pensado Northwest Youth Corps’ Urban Community Forest Program goes beyond teaching young people about careers in urban forestry. This summer, 48 teens are participating in the five-week work and educational session. The program has guided hundreds of youth into their careers, but not just in forestry. “I’m getting really good at communication and really good at working with strangers and people who are different than me,” said Autumn Thessen, one of the Urban Community Forest Corps crew members. Each year, nearly 1,000 young people participate in Northwest Youth Corps programs in Eugene/Springfield, Tacoma, Washington, and Boise, Idaho. The summer program invites youth ages 15 to 18 to join. Participants receive a stipend of up to $2,500, depending on their attendance, and can receive high school credit. Recently, NYC received a $12 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Inflation Reduction Act, which is intended to engage youth and young adults in urban forestry stewardship. This grant will help fund the program for the next five years. “NYC has been around for 40 years, and we’ve always been, first,

Eugene-area teens get hands-on skills with summer work program Read more of this article »

Field News Recap- June 2024

We are excited to share the latest updates from our Northwest Youth Corps crews for the month of June. Our members have been hard at work on various projects, developing skills and making significant contributions to our public lands. Here’s a detailed look at what our crews have accomplished this month: Oregon:   In the first week, Orange Crew began their journey with a developed recreation project, cleaning up a campground in southern Oregon in partnership with the Roseburg Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to ensure it was ready for the summer season. During the second week, they ventured into the backcountry of the Umatilla National Forest with the Blue Mountain Land Trust. Here, they learned to use crosscut saws alongside volunteers, logging out the trail and enhancing their trail maintenance skills. In the third week, continuing their backcountry adventures, the crew worked in the Siuslaw National Forest, performing tread repair along the North Fork Smith River, helping to preserve these beautiful natural areas for future visitors. Red Crew dedicated the first three weeks of June to working in the Mount Hood National Forest. They focused on the Camas Creek and Clear Creek trails, as well as the McCubbins Gulch OHV

Field News Recap- June 2024 Read more of this article »

Fire atop Skinner Butte raises fireworks concern in Eugene

(Originally posted on The Register-Guard on July 2, 2024 – Photos from Eugene Springfield Fire Department and Eugene Parks and Open Space) By Haleigh Kochanski A half-acre brush fire erupted at the top of Skinner Butte in Eugene early Tuesday morning and fire officials think it may have been caused by fireworks. According to the Eugene Springfield Fire Department, firefighters were called to the butte at 12:15 a.m. where they worked quickly to contain a fire estimated at half an acre. It took first responders about two hours to fully extinguish hot spots. The site of the fire had just undergone vegetation management by Eugene Parks and Open Space in partnership with the Eugene Rotary Club and Twin River Charter School. On June 24, workers trimmed grasses in the area, which Eugene officials say likely reduced the intensity of Tuesday’s fire. “This timely action underscores the importance of ongoing maintenance and hazard reduction in preserving the safety of our natural areas,” Kelly Shadwick, spokesperson for Eugene Parks and Open Space, said in a news release. According to Shadwick, fuel mitigation efforts at the park have focused on removing non-native shrubs and small trees that have invaded a significant portion of

Fire atop Skinner Butte raises fireworks concern in Eugene Read more of this article »

Crews extinguish early morning fire atop Skinner Butte

(Originally posted on KLCC on June 27, 2024 – Photos from Eugene Springfield Fire) By Love Cross Eugene Springfield Fire responded to a brush fire at the top of Skinner Butte in Eugene early Tuesday morning. Firefighters were called to the butte at 12:15 a.m. and contained the fire, estimated at half an acre. It took two hours to fully extinguish hot spots. There were no injuries reported. Witnesses said fireworks may have been the cause. In a news release Tuesday, Eugene Parks officials said the area had recently been treated for fuels reduction by Parks and Open Space in partnership with the Eugene Rotary Club and Twin Rivers Charter School. “On June 24, grasses in the area were trimmed, a preventative measure that likely reduced the intensity of the fire. This timely action underscores the importance of ongoing maintenance and hazard reduction in preserving the safety of our natural areas,” the press release said. With the Fourth of July holiday approaching, the public is reminded fireworks are not allowed within Eugene city limits, including parks and natural areas.

Crews extinguish early morning fire atop Skinner Butte Read more of this article »

A Summer of Service at Grays Lake

(Originally posted to CaribouCountyNews.com on June 27, 2024) The Grays Lake Refuge includes both riparian areas, which are muddy and wet, and these meadowlands, which are where the cattle are part of a management strategy. This summer, the Grays Lake National Wildlife Refuge 30 miles north of Soda Springs had a new group of visitors.  While the area is set aside as a refuge for wildlife with, in many cases, seasonal migratory habits, it also hosted a group of young people from around the country for several weeks.  In cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Grays Lake Wildlife Specialist Dana Duran, the Idaho Conservation Corps sent a group of seven individuals to help with projects related to the area’s mission to preserve the local ecology and wildlife. Conservation is also something that Fish and Wildlife’s Dana Duran places a high value on.  As the primary overseer of the Grays Lake area, she’s committed to making sure that the area stays well managed for both human and wildlife needs.   Dana Duran began her work at Grays Lake last October, and she’s still getting to know the Gray’s Lake Marsh and the ecosystem, though she seems to have

A Summer of Service at Grays Lake Read more of this article »

Field News Recap- May 2024

Oregon:   May was an exciting month in Oregon with the graduation of four Young Adult crews on May 18th and the launch of the first Youth crew on May 24th. The Blue crew improved trails and recreation areas in the Siuslaw National Forest. The Yellow crew completed invasive plant removal near the John Day Dam with the Army Corps of Engineers before transitioning to developed recreation work in the Umpqua National Forest. The Orange crew improved developed recreation facilities in the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area and later worked on invasive plant removal along the McKenzie River with the Pure Water Partnership. The Red crew finished their season at the Biocycle Farm and partnered with the Nature Conservancy in the Columbia Basin for invasive plant removal. The Tribal Stewards crew, comprised of students from the Chemawa Indian School in Salem, OR, also began their program. After finishing classes on May 24th, eight participants joined the Eugene headquarters for orientation before starting trail work at Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve. This crew will continue until July 20th, graduating alongside five other youth crews launching in June. Oregon Program Leader Amanda Wallace says, “We were incredibly fortunate to have worked

Field News Recap- May 2024 Read more of this article »

Field News Recap- April 2024

Oregon:   Oregon’s spring young adult blue crew started the month with two weeks of work along the McKenzie River with the Pure Water Partners (PWP). Northwest Youth Corps has worked with Pure Water Partners to restore habitat that was destroyed by the 2020 Holiday Farm Fire since PWP’s inception. Blue crew later served with the Siuslaw National Forest, where they improved recreational facilities for a week. For the final two weeks of April the crew served with Oregon Parks and Recreation Department at Cape Falcon State Park where they restored tread along the Oregon Coast Trail. Yellow crew started their month with the Medford Bureau of Land Management (BLM), rerouting the Upper Table Rock Trail. They then improved campsites and other developed recreation sites at the Eel Creek Campground with the Siuslaw National Forest. They spent one week with Oregon Equestrian Trails brushing and widening their trail system. And for the last two weeks of April, Yellow crew removed Russian olive, black locust, and other invasive tree species with the Army Corps of Engineers at Irrigon Parks and Recreation District.   Orange crew began their month working with the City of Springfield at The Biocycle Farm, planting and maintaining poplar trees that will eventually

Field News Recap- April 2024 Read more of this article »

2023 Annual Report

“As we reflect on the successes and triumphs we have experienced over the past 40 years, I am filled with gratitude for the impact young people at NYC have made on our communities and our future. The unwavering support of our strategic partners and generous donors has provided opportunities for 27,000 young people to do something truly extraordinary. Their service has improved our environment and driven positive change across our region. As we look ahead to the next forty years, I am profoundly optimistic that our programming will continue to attract talented, smart, and passionate young people who want to make their world a better place through conservation service.” Jeff Parker, Executive Director Dear Friends, As we reflect on the past year’s accomplishments and celebrate Northwest Youth Corps’ fortieth year of service, I am pleased to present our 2023 Annual Report. I hope that you share both my pride and gratitude for the strides we have made together. For four decades, our collective efforts have endured and thrived in the face of daunting challenges. Through innovative programs, strategic partnerships, the unwavering support of donors, and especially, the deep commitment of our members, we have provided essential contributions to our communities

2023 Annual Report Read more of this article »

Field News Recap- March 2024

Oregon: This month, Northwest Youth Corps’ (NYC) newest program, the Urban Community Forestry (UCF) program, has worked long days cutting, hauling and chipping debris left over from the devastating ice storm that hit Eugene and the lower McKenzie River Valley from January 13th-17th. Their worksites have included many local parks in Eugene and Springfield as well as residential areas that were hit particularly hard. Many of these community parks and recreation spaces have been closed off to the public do to the dangerous scattered debris. Though this storm clean up can be monotonous and grueling work, the crews have kept after it, often returning to NYC’s headquarters at the end of a long day tired but propped up by enormous gratitude from the community.  One UCF crew was assigned to assist with park cleanup efforts at the Mt. Pisgah Arboretum and Howard Buford Recreation Area. With help from local volunteers and Mt. Pisgah staff, these parks were able to reopen March 15th. Members of the public were thrilled to see the parks reopened, and their enthusiasm helped to keep the crew’s morale high as they cleaned up the final section of the parking lot. Most of the work was chipping

Field News Recap- March 2024 Read more of this article »

Leave It to Beavers – Renewing rivers one rodent at a time

Originally from: https://www.patagonia.ca/stories/leave-it-to-beavers/story-149108.htmlBy: Amanda Monthei All photos by Greg Mionske It’s barely above 50 degrees in a mountain meadow at the headwaters of the John Day River, deep in the Blue Mountains of Eastern Oregon. Dew soaks the ground, and the consensus is that today’s work conditions are already significantly better than yesterday’s. “It was the hardest day this year,” says Alex, a 19-year-old Northwest Youth Corps crew member sipping coffee from a mug covered in faded stickers. A random thunderstorm blew through yesterday morning and caught him without his rain jacket. Weather and morale have improved significantly in the last 24 hours. Alex and the rest of the four-person crew from the conservation service and job-training program, as well as three Trout Unlimited employees, pull on mud-caked boots and waders, finish coffees and collect their tools—chainsaws, an errant bundle of shovels, towers of five-gallon buckets, branch loppers and wooden posts shaped like enormous pencils, shouldered two at a time. “If all goes according to plan, a passing beaver might see these human-made dams, complemented by the soft, pooling water they love, and think, ‘This is nice … but I could do better.’” Shifts start at 7 a.m., and although

Leave It to Beavers – Renewing rivers one rodent at a time Read more of this article »

Scroll to Top