Training local youth in conservation

The Valencia Soil and Water Conservation District is training local youth in conservation, made possible by funding from the state of New Mexico Youth Conservation Corps (YCC). As a grantee, the district must provide education to complement hands-on learning in the field.

At the district’s Whitfield Conservation Area, YCC youth have learned about wildlife habitat, post-fire restoration, gardening, first aid, teamwork, life skills and more from both district staff and board members.

As part of this year’s YCC communications classes, the youth practiced a variety of written exercises, including composition, critique, editing, and writing as a team. YCC crew members wrote about what drew them to working at Whitfield. These are excerpts from their writing.

Dulce Bautista: “I joined the district’s YCC crew last year for a better understanding of the environment surrounding me. Becoming a YCC member taught me how to work with others and created bonds among our crew that felt like family. I loved my job and returned for another season this year.

“Having been a YCC member twice has positively impacted me through knowledge and experience, networking and long-lasting bonds. I am grateful for everything I have learned and for the amazing people with whom I have the privilege of working. I truly hope to return for a third season.”

Gabriel Gurule: “The first time I heard about Whitfield, it was portrayed as a place to learn and expand one’s knowledge about conservation. I thought I could learn more about the preserve and gain experience working in conservation. I wanted the chance to work outdoors doing manual labor. I also wanted to develop leadership skills. Joining the YCC at Whitfield has provided me real experience in conservation and an opportunity to gauge my interest in pursuing a career as a park ranger or in conservation.”

Reagan Hatch: “When I first started at the district, I was just focused on getting a job. But after about two weeks at Whitfield, I realized how much I enjoyed seeing nature change. Knowing I was helping the natural environment grow gave me a sense of real progress. Working there was easy because everyone was so kind and made the place feel welcoming. This experience helped me grow as a person and educated me about interesting topics relating to nature.”

Mackenzie Fergusson: “I joined the YCC crew at the district because the pay was good, and the hours were flexible. I learned about plants and animals that I didn’t know anything about before. I also learned first-aid skills, like cardiopulmonary resuscitation, defibrillators and the Heimlich maneuver.

“It was good working with other kids, even though most of them were older than I am. It was a good first job! I think working again at Whitfield is very likely for me.”

José Bautista: “I joined YCC with the district to expand my knowledge of various types of plants and soils. Working at Whitfield got me hooked on nature! My goal is to become an architect, and I want to learn about landscaping, too, so that I can easily combine nature with my building projects.”

Mikaila Chavez: “Last year, I joined YCC because I wanted a job and a chance to learn about topics that could guide me to a future career. Each time at Whitfield, I learned new things and experienced amazing bonds with the other crew members. YCC became such an important experience in my life that I returned for another season. Having been a YCC member twice has helped me discover that I want to study environmental engineering, andI plan to go to New Mexico Tech. I hope to return next year and learn more to help me prepare for my career in environmental engineering.”

Juztine Diaz: “I joined the YCC program at Whitfield because I wanted to give back to the land that has always meant so much to me. Growing up in Belen, I’ve seen the importance of preserving our natural spaces, and this program gave me the chance to make a real difference, protecting the environment and ensuring future generations can enjoy the beauty and wildlife that has shaped my own life.

“Some jobs just don’t inspire people.I didn’t want to dread going to work anymore. I can truly say since I’ve started here at Whitfield I have not once complained about going to work because I love conservation!”

Of note, after completing a YCC season with the district, Juztine was hired as the district’s conservation program assistant, thanks to funding from a Land of Enchantment Legacy grant.

Finally, watch this space to learn about the district’s upcoming paid apprenticeships.

(Teresa de Cherif, the vice chairwoman of the Valencia Soil and Water Conservation District, thanks district staff and Board Chairman Abel Camarena for introducing the YCC members to the many possibilities nature provides.)