As demand grows for the next generation of conservation stewards, the nation’s Climate Corps face funding and other challenges in deploying to answer some of our most urgent environmental challenges. 

Scaling up to take ecological restoration activities (ie: reforestation or wetland restoration or other activities) over the near-term will mean forging specialized workforces focused on a light ‘footprint’, leveraging the long-established skillsets of this vital labor and management resource.  Training, mentorship, and a pathway to long-term “green” employment opportunities should be the focus.

These programs provide young adults from all socio-economic and education backgrounds the opportunity to get outside – and go to work protecting, enhancing, and restoring our most prized environmental resources as they learn. These vital programs are attracting and shaping the next generation of conservation stewards in order to ensure our precious natural spaces are still there for future generations. 

At Trout Headwaters we’ve witnessed this up close, working with The Corps Network, AmeriCorps, and conservation corps across the U.S. to train amazing young people helping to restore our water resources. Some of the feedback we’ve received over the past several years has been nothing short of humbling and inspirational.

Our nation needs to continue funding the education and conservation work of these motivated young people – and to look ahead with Corps leadership to the urgent need to address climate.

To learn more about some of this public-private partnership, visit Waders in the Water.