From Coral Reefs to Historic Trails: YCC Programs Inspire the Next Generation of Conservationists in the Caribbean

YCC interns at San Juan National Historic Site

Photo courtesy of Alina Cobb

Work, Learn, Play, and Grow! That is what these youth, interns, and National Park Service staff did this summer through the paid Youth Conservation Corps Program!

Six Virgin Islands National Park YCC crew members stand in front of a sign

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Alina Cobb, the Southeast Region Community Volunteer Ambassador Leader, and Hayley Zemeski, the Southeast Region Youth Programs Assistant intern, travelled to the Caribbean Islands to learn more about the different programs, including the Youth Conservation Corps program, to see the types of opportunities and work being done, and provide insight and resources to NPS staff. They visited Virgin Islands National Park, Christiansted National Historic Site, and San Juan National Historic Site.

The majority of YCC members learned about the positions through their parents, family members, or family friends. They gained valuable skills and insight into potential careers with the National Park Service through hands-on experiences and education. For many members, this program marks their first significant experience in the outdoors. At these specific parks, it includes trail maintenance and cultural resource, though YCC members can do other work, such as historic preservation and the arts. YCC supervisors aim to create a space where members can learn, try new things, acquire new skills, respect their communities, and advocate for themselves.

Left to right: Virgin Islands YCC members wear life jackets on a boat; a YCC member stands in front of the weather board; YCC members examine coral reef under microscopes, The YCC crew learn a new skill

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Alina and Hayley joined the six YCC members at Virgin Islands National Park, along with Dr. Sam Eliades, the Director of Research and Conservation for the Coral World Ocean and Reef Initiative (CWORI) to help fragment coral. Once there, the CWORI team educated the group on the micro fragmentation of coral, and the importance of maintaining healthy coral reefs. The YCC members learned how to use a bandsaw, prepare epoxy, and attach fragmented coral to concrete plugs to promote growth.

The YCC crew member at Christiansted National Historic Site uses loppers to cut overhanging limbs and shrubs

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At Christiansted National Historic Site (CHRI), the YCC Crew Leader, Hayley (a YCC supervisor from the maintenance team), some members of the Natural Resource Management team, and two researchers from MOTE Marine Laboratory and Aquarium travelled to Buck Island Reef National Monument with the crew members. The YCC crew conducted trail work and shoreline maintenance, while working in pairs: one person used loppers to cut overhanging limbs and shrubs, while the other wore gloves to move the cuttings off the trail. This crew also participated in a full tour of the park, an archaeological lesson from one of the park rangers, and learned about Salt River Bay National Historical Park and Ecological Preserve.

A before and after image of the path from the dry moat gate to the cemetery at San Juan National Historic Site

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San Juan National Historic Site YCC crew also participated in restoration work, such as vegetation removal, painting, and cleaning around the historic site. Twelve members worked on seven major projects, which included restoring four double benches and the path from the dry moat gate to the cemetery. They also had the opportunity to help at other forts and took a trip to El Yunque National Rainforest.

Throughout their programs, the YCC crew members are given professional development opportunities, including training on how to navigate the USAJOBS website, how to build a federal resume, and on-the-job trainings. Supervisors strive to tailor educational activities toward the interests of all members. Additionally, in some parks, at the end of the YCC term, members present a project about the work they completed and share what they learned. This allows them to practice their presentation, communication, and leadership skills, while reflecting on their experience as a YCC member. Many members shared that they felt that these opportunities helped them figure out what they liked doing and what they did not. Many members move on to paid internship positions and may begin a career with the National Park Service.

Left to right: Two San Juan National Historic Site YCC crew members paint and restore a bench; Christiansted National Historic Site YCC crew members walk along the beach

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Learn more about the Youth Conservation Corps Program and check out the new recruitment video!

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