An Update on the Connecticut Woodlands Conservation Corps Program
Since 2017, the Connecticut Woodlands Conservation Corps (CWCC) has quietly grown into something special… Both for the young adults who join and for the Blue-Blazed Trails they care for. This year is no different as your summer trail crew hits the trails—working hard to keep them open and accessible.
So far, they’ve rerouted sections of trail, installed over 50 feet of bog bridging, placed stepping stones, installed a unique telephone pole bridge with crib steps, and built a nine-step stone staircase. Along the way, they’ve tackled essential maintenance: clearing blowdowns, trimming back brush, improving drainage, and updating water bars. Their work has taken them through Bigelow Hollow State Park, People’s State Forest, Sessions Woods WMA, and beyond, weathering rain and heat while learning about the rich natural and cultural stories each place holds. For a closer look at their journey, follow CFPA on social media for photos and updates.
The CWCC is more than trail work. It’s a unique experience with hands-on training in trail building, maintenance, leadership, and teamwork skills that stick with crew members long after the season ends. You can help keep this important program strong by donating and volunteering today.
Every year, our CWCC program grows thanks to your continuous support. Your generosity creates opportunities for conservation, outdoor education, and inspires the next generation of trail stewards.
Meet Your 2025 CWCC Team
Lucas
Assistant Trails Coordinator
New Haven, CT
What I studied:
- Digital Media Design at UCONN
Why the CWCC?
- Nature and community!
Goal for the season:
- My goal is to become more familiar with the Blue-Blaze Hiking Trails.
My career goals are…
- I’m an artist, so I’m currently working on a few oil paintings. I’m hoping to bring some of my supplies with me.
My favorite tool is…
- Definitely generic, but I like maps because they help me orient where I am. After some time and exposure, the space becomes second nature (pun very much intended), and it feels like I have an internal map of my own.
My favorite animals are…
- I’m a huge fan of raptors, but an even bigger fan of dogs.
The Griphoist Sprites
Summer Crew
Sam
Crew Leader
Deep River, CT
What I am studying/studied:
- Civil Engineering, Central Connecticut State University.
Why the CWCC?
- Working as a crew leader last season was a very enjoyable experience and I wanted to do it again. I loved being able to see and hike new parts of the state and interact with fellow hikers, all while making meaningful improvements to the Blue-Blazed Hiking Trail System.
Goal for the season:
- Have fun!
Career goals:
- I would like to work in environmental or traffic engineering once I graduate.
My favorite tool is...
- Chainsaw.
My favorite plant is...
- Mountain Laurel.
Hunter
Assistant Crew Leader
Meriden, CT
What I am studying/studied:
- Architectural Engineering.
Why the CWCC?
- Nature and physical work.
Goal for the season:
- Take on a wider variety of projects this season.
Career goals:
- Learn more about the construction industry and explore it as a career path.
My favorite tool is...
- McLoed.
My favorite animal is...
- Nautilus.
Brooke
Crew Member
Mansfield, CT
What I am studying/studied:
- Taking a break from school to volunteer, travel, and work on the trail crew.
Why the CWCC?
- I wanted to work outside in conservation.
Goal for the season:
- Do well as an Assistant Crew Leader in the fall and maybe see a bear.
Career goals:
- I would like to find a job outdoors, maybe working with animals.
My favorite tool is...
- Sledge.
My favorite animal is...
- Bear.
Jack
Crew Member
Medway, MA
What I am studying/studied:
- Criminal Justice, Westfield State University.
Why the CWCC?
- I enjoy working outdoors with a team and I want to learn more about outdoor spaces in CT.
Goal for the season:
- To develop a strong bond with my team and to help maintain hiking trails in Connecticut.
Career goals:
- My long term career goals go, I would like to have a career in the Massachusetts Trial Court system, either as a probation officer or a victim advocate.
My favorite tool is...
- My favorite tool to use on the trail is the hand saw.
My favorite animal is...
- Rhinoceros.
Lily
Crew Member
South Hadley, MA
What I am studying/studied:
- B.A. in Economics, Sienna College
Why the CWCC?
- I love hiking and backpacking and I want to contribute to the trail community!
Goal for the season:
- To learn more about sustainable trail design and be part of a team that's passionate about the outdoors!
Career goals:
- I would like to someday use my degree and work in the field of economics, but I am not in a rush and love the opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and perform some physical labor while I'm still young and healthy.
My favorite tool is...
- The classic hoe! It’s one of the lighter hand tools, so it's easy to carry on a hike, yet it's also super effective for its weight.
My favorite plant is...
- Silver birch.
Sarah
Crew Member
Boyne City, MI
What I am studying/studied:
- Environmental Studies and Sustainability, Michigan State University
Why the CWCC?
- I was looking for a seasonal position somewhere far from home, that would bring me adventures, friends, and stories to tell. I also was very motivated to spend the summer doing what I can for public lands in the midst of a lot of federal defunding of parks and public spaces.
Goal for the season:
- I hope to walk away physically and mentally stronger, make some connections, have fun, and make a lasting positive impact on some beautiful spaces!
Career goals:
- I'm interested in working for state agencies (whether that be with the DNR or a Department of Environmental Quality) as well as non-profits, as long as the position advances sustainability and/or conservation of natural resources. I'm feeling open to many different paths--I'll go where the wind takes me!
My favorite tool is...
- A pulaski, because like me, it has multiple sides to it! ;)
My favorite animal is...
- I love bunnies!
Follow us on social media to see all the great projects the crews complete:
About the Connecticut Woodlands Conservation Corps
Connecticut Woodlands Conservation Corps (CWCC) is a paid summer and fall program offered by CFPA. A team, typically 5-6 members, performs trail maintenance, repair, and construction projects on the 825-mile Blue-Blazed Hiking Trail System. Our teams work on 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 CFPA volunteers to implement sustainable trail-building techniques.
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 hike up to 5 miles daily, carry their tools and gear, and actively dig in on projects. Whether it’s rainy, hot, or beautiful weather, our CWCC members are working hard to improve trails.
Learning in the Field
The best way to learn about trail construction and maintenance is in the field. The crews 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. Additionally, members attend First Aid & CPR, as well as Leave No Trace training.
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, rigging equipment, etc.
Supplemental skills and experiences include:
- Hand tool use & maintenance
- Botany, Forestry, and Wildlife
- Camping, Leave No Trace & backcountry cooking
- Rigging use and safety
- Chainsaw safety & use
- Basic structure-building & rough carpentry skills
- Professional job skills