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 2026 CWCC Team
Brooke
Assistant Trails Coordinator
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 the Assistant Trails Coordinator and maybe see a bear.
My career goals are…
- I would like to find a job outdoors, maybe working with animals.
My favorite tool is…
- Sledge.
My favorite animals are…
- Bear.
The Bog Bridgadiers
Summer Crew
Hunter
Crew Leader
Meriden, CT
What I am studying/studied:
- Architectural Engineering.
Why the CWCC?
- I want to be part of a team that values discipline, hard work, and moving towards a common goal. Crew challenges you physically and mentally, and that's something I'm drawn to.
Goal for the season:
- Improve my strength and endurance while being a reliable teammate who contributes to a group project/goal.
Career goals:
- I'm studying architectural engineering and plan to work in structural or infrastructure design, helping build projects that are both functional and long-lasting.
My favorite tool is...
- Level or right angle.
My favorite plant is...
- Redwood.
Ava
Assistant Crew Leader
Middlefield, CT
What I am studying/studied:
- Criminology.
Why the CWCC?
- I LOVE hiking and being outdoors! I am also passionate about environmental conservation and would love to work for DEEP.
Goal for the season:
- To learn more about the environment as a whole and connect with others. I also want to further my knowledge in leadership and overall improve my communication skills!
Career goals:
- Becoming an Environmental Conservation officer at DEEP!
My favorite tool is...
- Gardening tools, landscaping tools, and carpentry tools!
My favorite animal is...
- Hyacinth Macaw! I love the deep rich blue color and the yellow around it's eyes, I've always been amazed by the size and intelligence of this bird!
Noah
Crew Member
Nanticoke, PA
What I am studying/studied:
- Master's in Religion.
Why the CWCC?
- To do something that doesn't require me to sit down and stare at a screen for 8-10 hours a day.
Goal for the season:
- To learn as much as I can, make lifelong friends, and get bitten by as few ticks as possible.
Career goals:
- Learning more about the environmental conservation and ecology industry before and maybe going back to school to study environmental management.
My favorite tool is...
- A screwdriver. I cannot count how many inconveniences I have been rescued from by having a screwdriver nearby.
My favorite animal is...
- I love raccoons, or as some call them "trash pandas." They are not only incredibly intelligent and remarkably resourceful, but absolutely adorable as well.
Riley
Crew Member
Bloomfield, CT
What I am studying/studied:
- Public Policy.
Why the CWCC?
- I'm interested in conservation and sustainability and enjoy working outside.
Goal for the season:
- To get more experience working in the conservation field and learn how to use more tools.
Career goals:
- A career related to conservation or the environment.
My favorite tool is...
- Pick mattock because it can do a lot and looks cool.
My favorite plant is...
- Mountain Laurel.
Brayden
Crew Member
Goshen, CT
What I am studying/studied:
- Environmental Science.
Why the CWCC?
- The fact that I’d be able to meet new people, and get to work outside.
Goal for the season:
- To give back to nature and the people who enjoy it.
Career goals:
- I’m just very passionate about conservation, so anything I can to do help the environment is what I want to do.
My favorite tool is...
- Mattock or a rock bar.
My favorite animal is...
- Definitely a giraffe.
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