Youth Conservation Corps in Lewis and Clark National Historical Park

Walking the scenic trails of Lewis and Clark National Historical Park (LEWI), one might wonder who is responsible for maintaining and enhancing these pathways. The answer often lies with the dedicated members of the LEWI Youth Conservation Corps (YCC). This program, designed for individuals aged 15 to 18, offers a unique opportunity to work with a national park and gain invaluable experience over a summer. The goal of YCC is to foster an appreciation for national resources and heritage among youth through a blend of educational, recreational, and work experiences.

Participants collaborate with NPS staff on various conservation projects and engage in a diverse range of activities across multiple park divisions. Each day offers new learning opportunities from interacting with visitors in historical costumes to constructing foot bridges. Through these experiences, corps members develop job and leadership skills while exploring personal values, gaining confidence, building work ethics, and learning directly in the field about environmental and conservation issues. YCC gain valuable insight into daily park operations through a rotating schedule with each park division at LEWI. Working with the interpretation division, they develop social and communication skills by engaging with visitors, delivering historical talks that enrich visitor experiences, and all the while deepen their own connection to the park. Many participants have noted how this experience has significantly boosted their confidence and people skills. With a more hands- on approach, working with natural resources and facilities/maintenance provides them the opportunities to be land stewards. Engaging directly with the land through trail maintenance, restoring habitats, and participating in wildlife monitoring helps participants understand environmental issues. The removal of invasive species such as Scotch broom, purple loosestrife, English ivy, and Himalayan blackberry, teaches how these species can outcompete native plants and disrupt wildlife habitats, and how small changes can have big impacts on the ecosystem.

Benjamin Najera is an interpretive park ranger and CMS web developer at LEWI who started their career as a 2013 YCC Crew. In the program, Benjamin gained invaluable experiences in park operations and was immersed in interpretation by watching programs, assisting rangers, and delivering their own talks. This hands-on learning fostered a deep love for LEWI, leading Benjamin to stay at the park and take on various positions in pursuit of a permanent career. “I love the LEWI family and would like to stay as long as I can.” Benjamin shared. “I enjoy the freedom within my role as the park encourages me to lean into my passions and interests. There are still so many wonderful stories to share about LEWI.” Benjamin is currently still involved with YCC as they often help train new crew members and prepare them for their first talks.

In addition to Benjamin, LEWI has many other success stories of current permanent staff that began their path in the NPS by becoming a YCC, highlighting the program’s role in cultivating future NPS leaders. The park realizes what an important role youth play in shaping the future of the NPS. By focusing on these programs, it provides an opportunity to offer an immersive experience within a park at a young age, building the foundation for future stewards. The skills gained throughout the program serve corps members well in supporting any future endeavors they want to pursue. YCC members create a network of support and lasting memories that extend beyond the resume. “The program is beneficial for all aspects of your life”, said Adam Peschl, a 2020 LEWI YCC Crew and 2021 Lead. “With a little hard work, there are hundreds of opportunities to do what you love.

Meet Previous YCC Memebers

Dominik Kuller, Aidan Harper, and Madeline Williams were apart of the 2024 LEWI YCC members. They spent the summer learning about the history about the Lewis and Clark expedition, building a bridge, removing invasive species, and brushing up on their carpentry skills. One of their favorite experiences was a camping trip at the Yeon property, where they forged strong connections and built lasting memories together.

“If you’re trying to build muscle, this is the job. It’s going to make you stronger, both physically and mentally. You’re also going to make mistakes and that’s ok, this is a safe space to do so.” – Madeline Williams (2024 LEWI YCC Crew)

Kaitlyn Boutin discovered their love of museums during their time as a YCC member. During her time, she made a request to work with Cultural Resources which is something typically most LEWI YCC don’t get to do. Kaitlyn had the opportunity to go work with the annual inventory and archeology digs which during one she was able to find a musk ball. Inspired by this passion, she currently works as a Pathways museum technician at LEWI while pursuing a master’s in museum studies.

“One takeaway is that the people you're working with make a huge difference in how much you enjoy a job. I loved working with the people at LEWI (and still do!).” – Kaitlyn Boutin (2019 LEWI YCC Crew, 2020 Lead and currently a Pathways museum technician)

Starting at out as a YCC crew member, Adam Peschl has been working with LEWI for five years. One project he worked on was creating his own programing over the historic medicine used in the Lewis and Clark expedition and gave scheduled talks to visitors. He also enjoyed learned about the natural landscape through plant id and elk monitoring, deepening his understanding of environmental stewardship. Adam’s goal is to continue his journey with the National Parks Service within the natural resource division.

“YCC showed me that there are many options and pathways. Continuing on this path, I will be able to achieve my dreams of working in the Parks Service” - Adam Peschl (2020 Crew and 2021 Lead)