Idaho Conservation Corps Update:

Idaho Conservation Corps’ (ICC) first-ever Urban and Community Forestry (UCF) Young Adult crews concluded their 12-week session on May 10th. Under the guidance of two dedicated leaders, eight members graduated, marking the end of a productive season with impressive PowerPoint presentations showcasing their projects and accomplishments. The graduation ceremony was a highlight, with a few of our project partners in attendance. They celebrated the occasion with heartfelt speeches, expressing their gratitude and congratulations for the crews’ hard work. The graduates received shirts, pins, and other gifts as tokens of appreciation. Notably, one member and one leader from this crew have decided to continue with ICC for the summer, co-leading one of our UCF Youth Crews.

On May 18th, our two Young Adult (YA) Camping crews also celebrated their graduation, concluding a 10-week stint of camping and working across the Gem State. These crews, comprised of two leaders and seven members, ended their term with surveying work in collaboration with the Idaho City Ranger District of the Boise National Forest. Their tasks included both timber and silviculture surveys, in addition to a week dedicated to invasive species management and fencing projects with the Army Corps of Engineers in John Day, OR.

The busy month continued May 21st, with all ICC leaders, including youth camping, YA camping, and UCF Youth community leads, convening for further training and preparation. Our 12 camping crew leaders embarked on training in the Idaho City area, focusing on essential skills such as trail maintenance and operating saws. Meanwhile, our four UCF leaders remained in the Treasure Valley for local training. Their activities included meeting with project partners, invasive species removal and treatment, as well as tree and plant identification and maintenance techniques.

This comprehensive training ensures that our leaders are well-prepared to tackle the upcoming projects and continue the ICC’s mission of environmental stewardship and community service. The efforts and dedication of our crews and leaders throughout May highlight the impactful work being done and set a strong foundation for the summer.