|
A one-day program led by natural resource professionals that opens students to nature through hands-on exploration, discovery, stewardship and play. The program builds awareness about the environment and natural resource careers.
 Stewardship Days
The Trustees of Reservations (TTOR) staff lead students in stewardship projects to
inspire them to respect themselves, work with others and care for the natural environment. Students become aware of the importance of environmental stewardship and are encouraged to become a steward.
GICP Induction
After experiencing a Learn About Forests and Stewardship program, YouthBuild students elect whether or not they wish to continue in the Green Industry Career Pathway program. Those YouthBuild students who elect to continue in the GICP program participate in the remaining GICP program events. For the GICP Induction participating YouthBuild students join together for a day of teambuilding, awareness raising and official recognition of their commitment to the GICP program to get them ready and exciting about the upcoming programs.
 Winter Exploration
Students visit the TTOR site closest to them for the first time in the winter and learn about winter ecology, winter tree identification and proper dress and safety precautions for working outdoors during the cold, winter season.
Groundskeeping Introduction (2 days)
Students spend two days at a site managed by The Trustees of Reservations working with natural resource professionals to learn and practice skills applicable to the responsibilities of a groundskeeper. The first day is spent with hands-on activities related to groundskeeping such as tool sharpening and tool demonstrations followed by a second day where the students used what they learned in the first day to complete a groundskeeping project. Projects included clearing and restoring a rock wall and pruning trees.
Landscaping Introduction (2 days)
Students spend two days at a natural site working with natural resource professions to learn and practice skills applicable to the responsibilities of a landscaper working in a public setting. The first day is spent exploring different types of landscaping positions and the responsibilities of each in addition to creating a work plan for the project they will do when they return for the second day. Projects included raking, enhancing the parking lot at a natural site and clearing/burning trees and branches around a heavily used campground.
Forestry Introduction (2 days)
Students spend one day at a natural site learning about urban and community forestry and the importance of soil and water quality in urban and rural forests. Time is spent reviewing tree identification skills, taking tree measurements and testing the soil compaction. For the second day of the forestry introduction students participate in an urban stewardship project in their city. City arborists, YouthBuild staff and other natural resource or community professionals join YouthBuild students in their effort to make a lasting impact on their urban forest.
Learn More About Forests™ (3 day overnight experience)
Students participate in a three day, two night camping experience at Eagle Eye Land Trust in Peru, MA. The program is designed for participants to spend an extended time in nature while learning more about the green industry and the forest, connecting with and having fun in nature, participating in leadership development activities and meeting new people.
GICP Graduation
Students who have participated in the GICP program attend this event to display what they have learned and be recognized by The Trustees of Reservations’ staff and Eagle Eye Institute for their commitment and dedication to completing the program.
|
