LAND CONSERVATION

Mile High Youth Corps’ Land Conservation program engages young adults in conservation-based work focused on public lands, including increasing accessibility, restoring native habitats, and mitigating the effects of catastrophic wildfires and floods. These young adults (Corpsmembers) also receive professional development to pursue career opportunities in natural resources.

You can JOIN

SAWYER CREW

Corpsmembers will receive S-212 Wildland Fire Chainsaw certification training to work on invasive tree removal and wildland fire mitigation projects.

HAND CREW

Corpsmembers will learn the safe and efficient use of hand tools for trail maintenance, fencing, construction, and park development projects.

HERBICIDE CREW

Corpsmembers are trained as applicators to apply herbicide and remove plants by hand on invasive plant removal projects

FIRE CREW

Corpsmembers, who must be MHYC Land Conservation Program alumni, are trained as US Forest Service Type 2 Firefighters and receive their interagency Red Card, which makes them eligible for wildland fire assignments. This program is only offered in Denver.

You will receive

  • Bi-weekly pay in the form of a stipend
  • Corpsmembers enrolled in the AmeriCorps national service program for an employment period lasting from three months to a year are eligible for an AmeriCorps Education Award (scholarship)
  • Technical skills training tailored for each project and may include trail construction, herbicide application training, native plant and invasive species identification, tree planting, flood and erosion mitigation techniques, and fence construction
  • Tool safety and risk management training
  • Certifications including one or more of the following: First Aid/CPR and S-212 Wildland Fire Chainsaw certifications

“I am more confident in building community. My previous jobs and school experience were isolating. Being in an environment where I get to learn and interact with my peers has made a big impact on me.”

- Prashan G., YouthBuild Land Conservation AlumConstruction

A Day in the Life of a Land Conservation Corpsmember

We make a difference

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hours of service
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acres of land improved
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miles of trails & rivers improved
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trees removed for fire mitigation

FAQs

A: No experience is required, but we do look for Corpsmembers who work well on a team and are willing to step outside their comfort zone. Leadership positions require more experience, which can be gained through previous seasons of service. In terms of gear, you’ll need to provide boots, pants, and a backpack. We offer a partial gear reimbursement to any Corpsmember throughout their season for any required equipment, such as a new backpack, work pants, or work boots.

A: You will receive industry-recognized certifications, on-the-job training, and career readiness programming to help you achieve your employment goals. Some certifications you could receive are S-212 Wildland Fire Chainsaw training, Leave No Trace, Mental Health First Aid, First Aid/CPR and more. You will also be able to learn from, network with, and work side-by-side with professionals in the natural resources industry, including park rangers, foresters, park resource technicians, and naturalists.

A: MHYC partners with local municipalities and park and recreation districts, state parks and wildlife areas, federal agencies, and other nonprofit organizations across the 23 counties we serve. 

Some of our past partners include:

 
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Get in touch

Mile High Youth Corps offers free energy assessments, material upgrades and resource navigation for qualifying households across Colorado’s Front Range.