Archive for September 21st, 2012

The VYCC has a long history working with Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park and this summer the Conservation Program was able to send two crews to Woodstock to work on the Faulkner Trail. Leaving from Faulkner Park and making its way up gentle grades to the South Peak of Mount Tom, this trail meanders through big trees, beautiful stonework, and many benches. The design of the Faulkner Trail is accessible to walkers of all fitness levels and abilities.  While these trails have held up well over the past 70+ years, they face several threats, primarily due to the deterioration of tread over time and the encroachment of roots and rocks.

Two VYCC crews repaired and constructed new sections of trail, in adherance with ADA guidelines to increase access to a variety of users. Power wheel barrows enabled the crew to lay close to a mile of new tread surrface to the trail.  They also constructed a 70 foot crib wall and a double lane switch back wide enough to allow two wheelchairs to pass one another on the trail. Completing the trail after many weeks of work was rewarding for the Fall Crew.  This project will enhance visitors’ experience in the Marsh-Billings-Rockefellwer National Historical Park for years to come.

For more information on this and other Conservation Program projects, contact Chris Ricker at 802.434.3969 ext. 140.

At the VYCC, our mission is to teach young people to take personal responsibility for all their actions.  The High School Leadership Program‘s goal is more specific:  to teach young people to take personal responsibility for their education.  Active, hands-on learners thrive in our program. Students who aim to make meaningful contributions to their community have the responsibilities of building, teaching, harvesting, restoring, constructing, and even cooking for their community.  Please enjoy the following “highlight-reel” of the first full week back to school at the VYCC!

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Students are caring for over 200 chicks who moved from our brooders to the pasture last week.  This lesson in animal husbandry focuses on caring for the chickens and seeing the entire process from pasture to plate.  At the end of the unit, students will deliver frozen chickens to food shelves in Chittenden and Washington Counties.  Students, therefore, learn that any chick lost results in one less family fed, a great lesson in the importance of taking responsibility for one’s actions.

Mount Mansfield Union
MMU Students are also working hard on the farm.  Their focus has been on how to keep food costs down without sacrificing nutrition.  The use of farm-fresh vegetables is an important strategy!  In September, students harvested a variety of delicious vegetables and used them to make sauerkraut at the West Monitor Barn’s full commercial kitchen.  When the sauerkraut is fermented and ready in about a month, students will enjoy it at their overnight in October.

Center for Technology, Essex
The CTE crew is in the saddle at New Moon Ranch. Students are working diligently on trail maintenance with tools such as: hazel hoes, McLeods, bow saws, rock and grass rakes, and timber carriers.  They are building, clearing and maintaining over a mile of equestrian trails on the property. Students are gaining valuable trail experience, but they’re also learning about equine care.  They will be rewarded for their quality work with lessons from one of the ranch owners.  Partnerships like this also put students in contact with hard-working, successful professionals.

For more information on the High School Leadership Program, please contact John Woodward at 802.434.3969 ext. 136.