May 15, 2024
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Applications now open for 2022 Youth Conservation Corps at Midewin

The team will help with land restoration projects where Joliet Arsenal was active

By Denise M. Baran-Unland
Midewin Horticulturist Jennifer Durkin and Kala Soto Martinez take a close-up look at compass plant at the USDA Forest Service’s Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. Students can apply through March 14 to be part of the 2022 Youth Conservation Corps for eight weeks this summer at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie.

Midewin Horticulturist Jennifer Durkin and Kala Soto Martinez take a close-up look at compass plant at the USDA Forest Service’s Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. Students can apply through March 14 to be part of the 2022 Youth Conservation Corps for eight weeks this summer at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. (Photo provided)

Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie in Wilmington is now accepting applications for its 2022 Youth Conservation Corps.

The event will be held for eight weeks this summer at Midewin. The YCC team will help with projects that help restore the land where the Joliet Arsenal was once active. Projects will include trails maintenance and management of invasive species. Students on the YCC team will earn minimum wage and participate in educational field trips.

Acting Prairie Supervisor Linwood Butler said in the release that the program is an “excellent opportunity” for youth to learn and contribute to efforts to “restore land and increase natural habitat for prairie species of all kinds, including pollinators.”

“We are excited about the 2022 season and the hope for a new team to be focused and engaged in rewarding and meaningful projects,” Butler said in the release.

Applicants must be at least 15 years old at the start of enrollment. They also must not reach age 19 before completion of the program. Deadline to apply is March 14. A letter of recommendation from a teacher must accompany each application.

To apply and for more information, visit tinyurl.com/6rma6895.

Send completed application forms to SM.FS.Midewin_RSVP@usda.gov or USDA Forest Service, Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, 30239 Highway 53, Wilmington, Illinois, 60481.