A Big Update on the Summer Trail Crew
We’ve been so excited to announce the expansion and revamping of our summer trail crew program to the Connecticut Woodlands Conservation Corps (CWCC). For the first time ever, we have two CWCC crews working at the same time! With the addition of this second crew, we are able to tackle twice as many projects on twice as many trails across Connecticut. We hope you’ll join us in celebrating this new chapter of CFPA’s trail crew history because we couldn’t have done it without generous donors and members like you.
The new CWCC program is designed to provide a unique learning and training experience for crew members. In addition to trail maintenance and construction skills, members will gain valuable leadership and team-building skills that translate beyond their time with us.
Every year, our trail crew 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 Your 2023 Connecticut Woodlands Conservation Corps
Harleigh
Assistant Trails Coordinator
Mooers Forks, NY
What I studied:
- I got my Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science Planning & Management through the State University of New York at Plattsburgh in 2020. I also just completed my Master’s degree in Sustainable Forest Management from the University of British Columbia. I’m currently working towards getting my Registered Professional Forester designation in British Columbia.
Why the CWCC?
- Hiking and camping are the main components of the job. What made me come back was my love of working outside and all things forest management, plus I really enjoy creating things that people can use for years to come.
Goal for the season:
- Ensure the crews are set up for success in all of their projects, which includes getting meaningful feedback and making changes when necessary. I’d also love to get outside and work with the crews when I can.
My favorite tool is…
- my hands!
My favorite plant is…
- ghost pipe
The Bridge Trolls
Crew #1
Jack
Crew Leader of the Bridge Trolls
Bolton, CT
What I studied:
- History at UCONN.
Why the CWCC?
- This is my second summer as a crew leader. I love being outdoors, and what appeals to me the most about CWCC is the opportunity to hike and camp as part of the job. I hope to continue doing similar work like this as a career.
Goal for the season:
- Get work done and have fun!
My favorite tool is...
- the pick mattock and ax
My favorite plant and animal is...
- moss and dogs
Amanda
Assistant Crew Leader of the Bridge Trolls
Teaneck, NJ
What I studied:
- Biology and gender studies at Mount Holyoke College.
Why the CWCC?
- I heard about CWCC through a friend who was on the crew last summer. Hearing about the trail crew experience and wanting to explore opportunities to develop new skills is what led me to the program.
Goal for the season:
- I am looking forward to being more confident in working with my hands, as well as creating meaningful bonds with the rest of the crew.
My favorite tool is...
- the versatile trowel
My favorite animal is...
- birds
Oliver
Crew Member of the Bridge Trolls
Eastford, CT
What I'm currently studying:
- I am attending Eastern Connecticut State University, with an undecided major. I am interested in outdoor careers.
Why the CWCC?
- I am returning for my second year as a crew member with CWCC.
Goal for the season:
- Have a good time!
My favorite tool is...
- mcleod
My favorite animal is...
- frogs
Martin
Crew Member of the Bridge Trolls
Cheshire, CT
What I'm currently studying:
- Architecture at Norwich University. I am interested in pursuing architecture as a career.
Why the CWCC?
- I learned about CWCC through a friend and am interested in learning about botany and tool use.
Goal for the season:
- Learn as much as possible.
My favorite tool is...
- machete
My favorite animal is...
- moths
The Gouda Guys
Crew #2
Anthony
Crew Leader of the Gouda Guys
Green Bay, WI
What I studied:
- Biology, philosophy, and environmental ethics at the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point. I hope to continue doing conservation work in the future with a specialization in ornithology and raptor ecology.
Why the CWCC?
- It’s unlike the work I have done in the past.
Goal for the season:
- To have fun trying new things and learning as much as I can, while making friends and memories along the way.
My favorite tool is...
- binoculars
My favorite plant and animal is...
- birds – particularly loons and owls – and his favorite plant is solidago (goldenrod)
Nick
Assistant Crew Leader of the Gouda Guys
Voluntown, CT
What I'm currently studying:
- Forestry at the University of Maine. I hope to work in the forestry or wildlife fields in the future.
Why the CWCC?
- After spending last year's summer and fall as a crew member, I returned as an assistant leader of the Gouda Guys.
Goal for the season:
- Aid his leader in any way possible for an enjoyable and successful season.
My favorite tool is...
- the chainsaw
My favorite animal is...
- parrots
Peter
Crew Member of the Gouda Guys
Suffield, CT
What I'm currently studying:
- History at the University College Dublin. I hope to pursue a career as a historian with a focus on Irish history.
Why the CWCC?
- I have experience hiking Connecticut trails and enjoy camping and working outside, which drew me to the CWCC.
Goal for the season:
- Getting more experience working on a team.
My favorite tool is...
- a three-pronged “tiller” mattock
My favorite plant and animal is...
- gorse and eastern bluebird
Lorenzo
Crew Member of the Gouda Guys
Cheshire, CT
What I'm currently studying:
- Outdoor education, leadership, and tourism with a concentration in adventure education at Northern Vermont University. My career goals are to enter the field of forestry or conservation.
Why the CWCC?
- It's a job that will help me gain knowledge about conservation work.
Goal for the season:
- Gain knowledge and experience while helping to improve and protect the forests of Connecticut.
My favorite tool is...
- bowie knife
My favorite plant and animal is...
- pitch pine and jellyfish
Hunter
Crew Member of the Gouda Guys
Meriden, CT
Why the CWCC?
- My interest in working with CWCC stems from the ability to work outdoors.
Goal for the season:
- To become more social and improve his work skills.
My favorite tool is...
- a lighter or anything sharp
My favorite animal is...
- coelacanth
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 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 work on projects large and small to improve the trails and the hiker experience and to reduce impacts on natural resources along trail corridors. Crew 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. Crew members will hike up to 5 miles daily, carry their tools and gear, and actively contribute to the work. Whether it’s rain, heat, or beautiful weather, the crew members are prepared to work 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, crew members attend First Aid & CPR, as well as Leave No Trace training.
Crew members also use hand and power tools every day during the season. With training and supervision, crew 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