A day in the life of a Conservation Corps crew

Ever wonder what it's like to be on a Conservation Corps Field Crew? This video follows the Fergus Falls crew in Minnesota from starting the truck in the morning, through the workday and into a night of spiking (camping).
Field Crews serve outdoors restoring habitat, managing natural resources, and occasionally responding to natural disasters or community needs. Interested in joining a crew? Find open opportunities here conservationco...
About Conservation Corps Minnesota & Iowa: At Conservation Corps Minnesota & Iowa, youth and young adults grow as environmental stewards and leaders while giving back to the community through meaningful service.
Learn more:
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Filmed and produced by Sean Fleming.

[@matthewmcclanahan708]

I am a host project coordinator at Minnesota Valley NWR-WMD. Our CCMI crews have done essential conservation work on literally hundreds of acres of Waterfowl Production Areas, National Wildlife Refuge lands, and lands owned by the MN Valley Trust (which will eventually become NWR lands). It's hard, rigorous work, but crew members have also expressed that it's extremely rewarding. These young people are gaining essential skills that will set them up for success in their education and careers. Skills such as operating a chainsaw, tractor, skidsteer, and knowing how to mix and apply herbicides are foundational to doing real-world conservation and are essential to getting professional jobs in wildlife conservation. We are extremely grateful to have these young people working alongside us. Without CCMI, we wouldn't be able to do the work that needs to be done on refuge and district lands. Thank you CCMI, and also to Minnesotans for the taxpayer dollars that fund the Conservation Partnership Legacy fund that pays the lion's share for our CCMI crews each year!

[@famulu3794]

I did this back in 1987. So many great memories, skills and experiences. My favorite memory was learning to work as a crew. And fighting the largest forest fire of the 20th century in Northern California. It set the tone of my future self.

[@AwkwardAwesome]

CCM has probably been one of the best choices ive made in my life.

[@glennmatthews758]

Hey, I’m actually gonna join the CCC in Montana, I leave in about a week, going up to St Croix st park, I was wondering if there’s any helpful tips you can float my way? I’ve been camping outdoors all over the Rockies my entire life, but any advice you have would be really apprecited

[@abshirali2284]

@@glennmatthews758 how’s it going?

[@glennmatthews758]

@@abshirali2284 fucking love it dude. They didn’t have enough people so I got my 8 bed cabin ALL to myself. Currently sitting on the front porch listening to FOB and eating pistachios while we wait for safety training. I’ve literally never felt more human in my life.

[@Beast9894]

@@glennmatthews758 Still going well?

[@sherbert17]

Hi! This video was really helpful as a person considering applying for New Hampshire CC! Thanks!

[@sherbert17]

@Aya A. hi! Omg! Yeah i did! And then i interviewed and got a spot!! Good luck on yours! The interview was super chill! Just be yourself and don't worry if you need to take a beat to collect your answer!

[@abshirali2284]

@@sherbert17 I have a interview too wish me luck

[@chickenlegman5460]

@@abshirali2284 did you get the job?

[@abshirali2284]

@@chickenlegman5460 I got the offer but I declined it. The Outdoors are really my thing, so I found a job in my area of expertise (government). I’ve had friends who signed up and got the job and they all recommended it. If you are into conservation, this is definitely for you.

[@chickenlegman5460]

@@abshirali2284 that's unfortunate but it is what it is

[@shivapanday5775]

Jo

[@roysmith5293]

If your using round up for invasive species your doing more harm than good for the land