The Trail Work Continues!
Our summer crews have completed their work for the season and passed the torch on to our amazing fall Connecticut Woodlands Conservation Corps (CWCC) crew. The fall crew will be working across the state through October building new trail, addressing storm damage, and building bridges. For our new crew members, this is a chance to spend memorable time on the Blue-Blazed Hiking Trails, learn trail and construction skills, and develop their leadership abilities.
Every year, our CWCC program grows thanks to your continuous support. Your generosity has made it possible for us to expand and create new opportunities for conservation and outdoor education.
Meet Our Fall 2024 CWCC Team
The Axe-a-lotls
The Fall Crew
Alexander
Crew Leader of the Axe-a-lotls
Clinton, CT and Montpellier, France
What I am studying/studied:
- Masters in Engineering in Urban Studies and the Environment, University of Tours
Why the CWCC?
- I am interested in working in nature, camping, and meeting other people who work in the environmental field.
Goal for the season:
- To get along with my teammates, do good work, discover hiking trails, and meet new people.
Career goals:
- I would like to work in protecting the environment one way or the other, with human interactions. I'm also very passionate about history, so I would love going on archeological digs some day.
My favorite tool is...
- A compass. It's fun to see that the sun does indeed set in the west and that moss is indeed facing north.
My favorite animal is...
- I love felines in general, such as tigers.
Karolynn
Assistant Crew Leader of the Axe-a-lotls
North Stonington, CT
What I am studying/studied:
- Liberal Arts & Sciences, Three Rivers Community College
Why the CWCC?
- A Forestry class, and Principles of Environmental Science class got me interested in the outdoors, and my boyfriend is doing a similar program in California.
Goal for the season:
- To be a part of a cohesive team and enjoy the wonders of nature while treating each day as a learning experience!
Career goals:
- Currently undecided, but hoping to make a positive impact on my community and in extension, the world. I aspire to return to earn a higher degree and possibly become certified for psychology to become a homeopathic therapist.
My favorite tool is...
- A shovel because it has various versatile applications. For instance, digging holes to plant seedlings to sprout new life and beginnings and also filling in holes so that no one becomes injured.
My favorite plants and animals are...
- Cherry Blossom Trees and Wolves.
Brooke
Crew Member of the Axe-a-lotls
Mansfield, CT
Why the CWCC?
- I wanted to be outside as much as possible and learn about conservation.
Goal for the season:
- I would like to learn the staples of backpacking so I can go on longer, international trips. I also wanna see a bear.
Career goals:
- I would love to work full time outdoors or work with animals, but I dont have any specific goals. This would be my first step working towards that. As long as I'm not stuck at a desk :)
My favorite tool is...
- A Leatherman, it covers all the bases and is high quality.
My favorite animal is...
- My favorite animal is any species of bear, even though I have yet to see one.
Hunter
Crew member of the Axe-a-lotls
Meriden, CT
What I am studying/studied:
- Architecture
Why the CWCC?
- I'm interested in heavy working and the outdoors.
Goal for the season:
- Gain knowledge and experience.
Career goals:
- Making my way through the architecture field.
My favorite tool is...
- Hazel Hoe.
My favorite animal is...
- Peregrine falcon.
Jonah
Crew Member of the Axe-a-lotls
Simsbury, CT
Why the CWCC?
- I wanted to take a gap year after high school, and I love being in the woods
Goal for the season:
- My goal is to improve our state’s trails while also having fun.
Career goals:
- I would love to work with animals someday.
My favorite tool is...
- I don't know yet!
My favorite animal is...
- My favorite animal is the rhinoceros iguana. They’re some of the friendliest reptiles on the planet, they’re adorable, and I have fond memories of my personal experiences working with them.
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