NORWICH – The Place’s Headwaters Youth Conservation Corps (HYCC) has announced that it is currently accepting applications for environmental conservation projects for the summer of 2015. Eligible projects must be of public benefit and can include but are not limited to trail maintenance, invasive species removal, dam maintenance, landscaping, tree and shrub planting, woodlot management, and wetland reconstruction. If chosen, project sites will be provided with a trained work crew of young adults to complete the desired project/s.
HYCC is an AmeriCorps program that has been providing environmental conservation services to the community since 1999. AmeriCorps members work as part of work crew during the summer to complete environmental conservation projects throughout Chenango County and surrounding areas. The HYCC crew receives skilled training in woodlot management, soil erosion mitigation, Leave No Trace, trail construction, as well as other specialized training based on project need. Past projects have included building raised garden beds at Cook Park and the Rogers Environmental Center, maintaining 15 miles of trail in Chenango County, and building raised walkways for the Finger Lakes Trail and Whaupaunaucau State Forest.
“This is our 16th summer of operation, and we are looking forward to providing another successful summer of service to the community” said Marjorie Grap, the director of the HYCC program. “We encourage all of our community partners past and present to submit a project proposal for consideration for the 2015 summer season.”
To apply as a project site, please contact Marjorie Grap at (607) 336-9696 x106 for an application or visit www.theplacenorwich.com to download an application. Projects must take place between June and August. Non-profit organizations, municipalities, government agencies or landowners enrolled in governmental conservation programs are all eligible. A minimal fee for service is required. Application received by April 15th will receive priority.