Archive for July, 2007

For 21 years, VYCC crews began their experience in parking lots across Vermont, but thanks to our new home, that is history! On June 16th, VYCC launched our first session from the Leadership, Education & Training Center, sending more than a dozen crews to every corner of the state to complete high-priority conservation work. Summer Program Director Brian Cotterill, VYCC veteran of six years and many Start Ups said, “For the first time ever, we had this big, beautiful barn as a beacon for Corps Members from across the state to come join their crews. And also for the first time ever, rain wasn’t even a consideration for Start Up since we had the spacious Hay Mow to shelter us in the event of rain… but none threatened the horizon… another first!”

To volunteer for the second session Start Up on Saturday July 21st, contact Brian Cotterill at 802.434.3969 ext. 132 or brian@vycc.org.

The Vermont Youth Conservation Corps, in collaboration with Camp DREAM, was awarded the “Environment and Wildlife Compatibility Award” at the recent 2007 Recreational Trails Program Annual Achievement Awards Ceremony in recognition of outstanding use of federal Recreational Trails Program (RTP) funds. Camp DREAM representative Macon Philips accepted the award in Washington, D.C. on behalf of the two organizations.

The VYCC/ Camp DREAM collaboration involved establishing a safe, one-mile beginner mountain bike/cross-country ski trail as well as the construction of a quarter mile-long boardwalk to provide educational access to a Class-II wetland, which will be used as an interpretive trail. VYCC and Camp DREAM, which is a Vermont youth mentoring organization that builds communities of families and college students that empower children from affordable housing neighborhoods to achieve their dreams, are continuing this successful partnership again this season with funding from the Recreational Trails Program funds administered by the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation.