Reports

“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 […]

[banner image above: 2023 ASL Inclusion Crew serving at Mount Rainier National Park] “I have gained so much from this experience: lifelong friends, a passion for the outdoors, important life skills, and most importantly, an understanding of the world around me.” – Juniper, Rainbow crew member Partnership Overveiw During its 40-year history, Northwest Youth Corps has enjoyed a long partnership with the National Park Service’s Columbia Pacific Northwest Region, one which has grown significantly in the last eight years. This year, generous and pivotal NPS support allowed NYC to extend even further the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation, as we engaged new audiences of young people in ecosystem restoration, imperiled species recovery, and visitor infrastructure enhancement. All these intrinsic values of our Northwest national parks are at risk from the effects of climate change, which threaten to expand invasive species and fragment habitats for native species. In locations currently covered with snow, hydrologic systems are especially vulnerable as watersheds become increasingly rain dominated, resulting in more autumn/winter flooding, higher peak flows, and lower summer flows. Northwest Youth Corps is proud to be part of efforts to increase the resilience of systems at our regional parks, to help natural systems and

“In reflecting on the past year, I am struck by how much we have learned about resilience and the power of community.   Northwest Youth Corps was not immune to the challenging impacts and upheaval in our social and economic systems over the last three years. Like so many, we struggled, experimented, occasionally screamed into the void, but ultimately we were fortunate to have persevered. And in 2022, we started another year on solid ground due to the dedication of our staff and support from you – partners, agencies, and individual and institutional funders. We are surrounded by a constituency of remarkable stakeholders who share our passion for our youth, our communities, and our planet.” Jeff Parker, Executive Director Dear Friends, In reflecting on the past year, I am struck by how much we have learned about resilience and the power of community.  Northwest Youth Corps was not immune to the challenging impacts and upheaval in our social and economic systems over the last three years. Like so many, we struggled, experimented, occasionally screamed into the void, but ultimately, we were fortunate to have persevered. And in 2022, we started another year on solid ground due to the dedication of our staff

“I have learned to adapt and persevere when times get hard… beyond learning trail building methods, crosscut and nursery operations I also learned about the importance of an expedition mindset… Overall I learned not only physical skills but interpersonal crew skills.”                                -2022 Women in National Parks crewmember Partnership Overveiw During its 39-year history, Northwest Youth Corps (NYC) has enjoyed a long partnership with the National Park Service (NPS) and, more recently with the National Park Foundation (NPF). During that time, more than 25,000 youth and young adults and 2,200 field staff have completed 3,518,480 hours of service across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. For their service, crews have earned a total of $4 million in field wages and educational stipends, while graduates have returned home better prepared for civic leadership. We are deeply grateful for our active and innovative partnership with the National Park Foundation. NPF investments in Northwest Youth Corps since 2018 have totaled $1,155,504 to support NYC’s foundational commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programming. Projects completed by our members have improved the visitor experience; ensured critical resource management work is completed; supported NPF