Three members of the Lopez Island Conservation Corps were awarded full scholarships to attend the 2011 Sustainable Trails Conference in Asheville, NC. 

Crewmember Molly Kohring and program leads Amanda Wedow and Charlie Behnke competed nationally for this award.

They have received three out of the five scholarships available to members of youth conservations corps. 

So what is it that makes LICC stand apart nationally? 

The organization serves as a nexus for local organizations and the environment, working to provide youth age 14-18 with opportunities to affect real change.

 The program gets participants out of doors to practice sound stewardship, expand environmental awareness and knowledge of place.

The group also offers first time employment opportunities. Youth develop new skills and muscles, make new friends, and give back to their community. These standards are personified in the LICC motto: “Serve, learn, laugh, sweat!”

The Sustainable Trails Conference will expand the team’s awareness of sustainable trail design, installation, and maintenance. 

There will be a diversity of presentations and workshops such as low impact trail design and construction, crew safety, the right tool for the right job, engaging volunteers, and the latest in trail science and research. The knowledge these three bring back home will directly benefit their crews, trail users, and the ecosystems they work in. 

The LICC is preparing for their fifth season as a youth summer program. Crews will begin work in June and continue through August. Crew members are paid a per diem stipend and also receive community service hours for their time. There are short and long term positions available, ranging from a one day appearance to several returning years of service as exemplified by Kohring. For more information, please contact Amanda Wedow and Charlie Behnke at l.i.c.c.team@gmail.com.