Seasons of Stewardship: Winter Highlights and What’s Next for the Youth Conservation Corps

Winter Highlights from the YCC Program

The Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) has wrapped up another successful winter program in partnership with Salish Wildlife Rescue, formerly known as Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.

Now in its third year, this winter program brought together 10 dedicated YCC crew members from San Juan and Lopez Islands. Over the course of the season, the crew contributed more than 150 collective hours to hands-on conservation work. Their efforts included clearing trails, repairing animal enclosures, removing noxious weeds, and planting 40 native trees across the Salish Wildlife Rescue campus.

Beyond the physical work, participants deepened their understanding of native plants and wildlife while learning how to support more resilient habitats throughout the San Juan Islands. It’s been a season full of growth, learning, and meaningful impact.

Spotlight on Youth Leadership

This winter also highlighted some inspiring individual contributions. Lopez Island High School senior Avery Danforth has been working with YCC through his work study program and senior project.

Throughout the school year, Avery has spent his Tuesday afternoons supporting winter programs, collecting climate data on local phenology plots across Lopez Island, and helping inventory YCC gear. He is also collaborating with the San Juan Preservation Trust to survey old-growth stumps and snags at the Beecher Preserve as part of an ongoing forest management plan. His work represents the kind of curiosity and commitment that drives long-term conservation efforts in our community.

Looking Ahead to Spring

YCC programming continues to grow with exciting partnerships this spring. Students from Spring Street International School will join YCC for stewardship projects on San Juan Island. This collaboration will combine classroom learning about local environmental challenges with hands-on restoration work. One highlight will be a large-scale Scotch broom removal effort with 6th grade students on June 2, an important step in restoring native ecosystems.

Meanwhile, the Lopez Island Family Resource Center After School Program is partnering with YCC to offer a spring break conservation camp. Students will explore public lands across Orcas, San Juan, and Lopez Islands, including Lime Kiln Point State Park, Turtleback Mountain Preserve, Iceberg Point, and Odlin County Park.

Participants will also enjoy educational tours at Salish Wildlife Rescue and The Whale Museum, further connecting them to the region’s unique ecosystems and conservation efforts.

From winter restoration projects to springtime exploration, YCC continues to empower local youth to care for the lands and wildlife of the San Juan Islands. Stay tuned for more updates as the season unfolds!