Trail Work with the CWCC

Initially started as the CFPA Summer Trail Crew in 2017, the Connecticut Woodlands Conservation Corps (CWCC) is a paid summer and fall program offered by CFPA. A crew, typically 5-6 members, performs trail maintenance, repair, and construction projects on the 825-mile Blue-Blazed Hiking Trail System in Connecticut. Our crews complete projects large and small to improve the trails and the hiker experience and to reduce impacts on natural resources along trail corridors. Members learn from and work closely with professionals and experienced volunteers to implement sustainable trail-building techniques. Members are expected to hike up to 5 miles daily, carry their tools and gear, and actively dig in on projects.

Trail work is very physical. Whether cutting back brush, digging new trails, moving lumber for a bridge, sawing out tree blowdowns, or setting stone steps, crew members use their hands and bodies throughout the day and the season. Members should be prepared to work for a full day in heat, rain, or beautiful weather.

Members also use hand and power tools every day during the season. With training and supervision, members become proficient in using the tools of the trade, including digging tools, drills, chainsaws, and rigging equipment.

Learn in the Field

The best way to learn about trail construction and maintenance is in the field. The teams amass a wealth of field experience, travel to unique and forested parts of the state, and are exposed to a wide variety of specialty trail skills. All members attend Leave No Trace training at the beginning of the season. Additionally, crew leads and assistant crew leads may attend a Wilderness First Aid course. Members serve as part of the CFPA conservation family and will be exposed to the workings of CT’s oldest nonprofit conservation organization.

Supplemental skills and experiences include:

Safe use and maintenance of hand and power tools
Botany, Forestry, and Wildlife
Backcountry camping, cooking, and Leave No Trace principles
Rigging and chainsaw use and safety
Sustainable trail-building and maintenance techniques
Basic structure-building and rough carpentry skills
Professional job skills like teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving

Team members are paid, and uniforms, camping, and safety equipment are provided. Housing assistance is possible.

“My time with CWCC is one I will never forget. Being out in the field for extensive periods gave me time to learn and build relationships that I will cherish for the rest of my life. I was able to make many memories and learn so many skills that I had not previously had. I couldn’t have been able to have the incredible summer that I have had if it weren’t for everyone on the crew and the project managers who ran the show.”

Anthony Martynski

Who Should Apply?

The CWCC is open to anyone ages 18-25+. Starting with the 2025 season, the CWCC will be an AmeriCorps Conservation Corps, providing members with even greater experiential work and life development opportunities. If you have a positive attitude, are enthusiastic about the outdoors, and are interested in learning about trail stewardship and conservation, this might be the job for you! Students in environmental or recreation-related programs may be eligible for internship credit.

Schedule

CWCC trail crews operate on a team-based camping model, living and serving together in a tight-knit team for the duration of a project cycle. The daily presence of each team member is critical to the crew’s success.

A typical project cycle consists of 8 nine-hour project days, followed by 1 eight-hour day for packing up and de-rigging equipment. A project calendar will be provided to members at the beginning of the season.