An Update on the Connecticut Woodlands Conservation Corps Program
Now in the second year of our revamped Connecticut Woodlands Conservation Corps (CWCC) program, this expanded program continues to make a huge impact on the Blue-Blazed Trails. Two CWCC trail teams are working simultaneously this summer, tackling twice as many projects on twice as many trails across Connecticut! They’re spending their summer in the woods, building trails and trail structures across the state and making memories that will last a lifetime.
The crews have made remarkable improvements to the Blue-Blazed Trails: relocated over a mile of trail, constructed hundreds of feet of bog bridging, built three large bridges, and even created a stone staircase! For more details and photos of their incredible progress, follow CFPA on social media.
The CWCC program provides a unique learning and training experience for team members. In addition to trail maintenance and construction skills, members gain valuable leadership and team-building skills that translate beyond their time with us. Support the program by donating and volunteering to ensure its continued success.
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 2024 CWCC Teams
Lydia
Assistant Trails Coordinator
Bethlehem, PA
What I studied:
- Wildlife Science at SUNY-ESF
Why the CWCC?
- I really like the mission and want to expand my conservation experience by learning more of the behind-the scenes process of what it takes to make a trail crew season successful. I also believe that CWCC will help me learn more supervisory skills while still being able to get into the field and interact with crews in the outdoors.
Goal for the season:
- My goals are for our crews to stay safe, have fun, do some amazing trail work and complete projects, and learn more about myself in the process to help shine light on goals I may have in the future.
My career goals are…
- I have always derived the most passion out of hands-on conservation work and being able to inspire others to get out there and be a part of communities and organizations that give back to the natural world that not everyone has access to. In the future I am hoping to land a career in conservation.
My favorite tool is…
- My favorite trail tool is the grip hoist, because you can rig it up to be, basically, a controlled zip-line for boulders!!!!
My favorite animals and plants are…
- My favorite animal is a lamb, and my favorite plant is moss phlox
The Rock Barbarians
Crew #1
Nicole
Crew Leader of the Rock Barbarians
Twinsburg, OH
What I am studying/studied:
- B.S. Environmental Social Sciences, Ohio State University
Why the CWCC?
- I was looking for work after 7 months traveling Latin America and was excited when I saw a position that would allow me to work outdoors and gain some great experience in the environmental field!
Goal for the season:
- My goals for the season are to make some really amazing and close friends, get some hands-on experience with trail maintenance, and do lots of networking and professional development to better prepare myself for my future career goals. Definitely get my WFA (Wilderness First Aid certificate) and hopefully have a fun, productive, and successful season!
Career goals:
- In the immediate future I want to go back to school for my masters in Geography/Sustainability/Environmental Studies (the department varies by college) and study inequality and climate change and solutions for a just transition. After that I hope I can work with a non-profit or in government doing environmental justice work. I really like learning and being a student and would also consider getting a Phd and working in academia.
My favorite tool is...
- I have very fond memories of learning how to use a machete while volunteering at a private conservation area in Peru.
My favorite animal is...
- I recently saw a documentary that showed dugongs, also called sea cows and I love their funny little smiles so they have rocketed up to favorite animal.
Sunny
Assistant Crew Leader of the Rock Barbarians
Unionville, CT
What I am studying/studied:
- Journalism
Why the CWCC?
- I love plants and forests.
Goal for the season:
- Work hard and have fun!
Career goals:
- Make good money doing the things I love, ideally music.
My favorite tool is...
- Big fan of shovels.
My favorite plants and animals are...
- Lamium purpureum and Owls.
Honor
Crew member of the Rock Barbarians
Bayville, NY
What I am studying/studied:
- Journalism, Emerson College
Why the CWCC?
- My own experience in the outdoors.
Goal for the season:
- To learn as much as I can and to develop a stronger relationship with the outdoors.
Career goals:
- Joint work in the field of journalism/writing and conservation. I want my work to be hands on.
My favorite tool is...
- Trowels. You get great control over the work you do with one, and because my mom made me help her garden as a kid.
My favorite plant is...
- Hydrangea.
Jane
Crew member of the Rock Barbarians
Stonington, CT
What I am studying/studied:
- Film and Sociology at Smith College
Why the CWCC?
- I'm interested in the opportunity to work outside and contribute to the accessibility of nature.
Goal for the season:
- To improve my physical strength and become more confident in my skills.
Career goals:
- I’m interested in documentary filmmaking.
My favorite tool is...
- The rock bar.
My favorite animal is the...
- Manatee.
Hunter
Crew member of the Rock Barbarians
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.
The Fishercats
Crew #2
Sam
Crew Leader of the Fishercats
Deep River, CT
What I am studying/studied:
- Civil Engineering at CCSU
Why the CWCC?
- I have always enjoyed our state's forests and parks and would love to contribute to their conservation.
Goal for the season:
- To complete many well constructed projects and have a good time while doing it.
Career goals:
- I want to go into environmental engineering and work for the CT DEEP or in remediation.
My favorite tool is...
- The McLeod. It can be a shovel, rake, hoe, tamper, root cutter, it can do everything.
My favorite plant and animal is...
- Mountain Laurel and Corgi.
Marie
Assistant Crew Leader of the Fishercats
New Haven, CT
What I am studying/studied:
- Cybersecurity
Why the CWCC?
- While seeking some change, I looked for somewhere where I could spend a lot of time outside, learn new things, and challenge myself-- I believe the CWCC will give me just that! With the bonus of being surrounded by people who are interested in similar things.
Goal for the season:
- I hope to become more knowledgeable on the environment, get stronger, and become less afraid of ... bugs.
Career goals:
- To never stop learning!
My favorite tool is...
- Good ol' axe.
My favorite plants and animals are...
- I love coniferous trees and whales!
Peter
Crew Member of the Fishercats
Birmingham, MI
What I am studying/studied:
- Statistics at the University of Michigan
Why the CWCC?
- My aunt works at CFPA and I like landscaping.
Goal for the season:
- To work with my hands and be around nature.
Career goals:
- I just like helping people and cleaning up nature.
My favorite tool is...
- A good sturdy knife.
My favorite plants and animals are...
- My favorite animal is definitely the dog, specifically a boxer or bulldog. A favorite plant would have to be the Rafflesia.
Laura
Crew Member of the Fishercats
Woodbury, CT
What I am studying/studied:
- Actuarial Science at Uconn
Why the CWCC?
- I love hiking and bog bridges.
Goal for the season:
- My goals are to maintain some trails and have some fun doing it.
Career goals:
- I plan to continue my actuarial studies to one day become an actuary.
My favorite tool is...
- I love a good trowel, as I used to keep one on me on hikes in case I came upon some burdock roots to try and collect.
My favorite plants and animals are...
- My favorite plant is bull thistle, and my favorite animal is the tiger.
John
Crew Member of the Fishercats
East Granby, CT
What I am studying/studied:
- Political Science at the University of Connecticut
Why the CWCC?
- Interest in camping, backpacking and conservation.
Goal for the season:
- Finish projects and learn as much as possible.
Career goals:
- I am interested in economics and law.
My favorite tool is...
- The Wheelbarrow because of its variety of uses.
My favorite plants and animals are...
- The Beech tree and Pickerel.
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