The Rocky Mountain Conservancy-Conservation Corps (RMC-CC), in partnership with Rocky Mountain National Park, has successfully completed a series of effective climate resiliency projects during the 2024 season. This collaboration, bolstered by a grant from the National Park Foundation (NPF), focuses on mitigating the effects of climate change within the park’s diverse ecosystems. The National Park Foundation’s Service Corps program provides grants to parks, park partners, and community organizers to support crews across the country as a meaningful way to engage young adults in national parks. Through an array of restoration and preservation projects, service corps members form deep relationships with each other and parks, explore outdoor careers, gain practical field skills, and develop confidence as leaders.
“We’re just completing the 21st season of our Corps where we hosted a diverse group of fantastic young people from 20 different states,” said Conservancy Executive Director Estee Rivera. “Each year we measure the success of the program, not just in trailwork and valuable projects completed, but also in how much our crew members have learned about working in a team, themselves and our natural environment. Support from the Conservancy’s donors and the National Park Foundation are key to this program’s success and excellence.”
For over two decades, the RMC-CC has been dedicated to conserving and protecting the natural and cultural resources of Rocky. This year, the Conservation Corps has furthered this mission by tackling critical issues such as the reintroduction of native plant species to their traditional habitats and the removal of invasive species that have spread due to wildfires, human recreation, and a warming climate.
The 2024 season saw the RMC-CC Vegetation Crew engage in extensive habitat restoration projects. These included the treatment of 143 acres of invasive exotic plants, the replanting and repotting of 125 species, and the maintenance of elk exclosures in the Kawuneeche Valley to aid wetland recovery. These actions are vital in addressing the changing landscapes brought on by climate change, particularly in areas affected by the devastating wildfires of 2020.
In addition to the work of the Vegetation Crew, the Rocky Mountain Conservancy’s High School Leadership Corps (HSLC) played a significant role in the park’s climate resiliency initiatives. Over two separate 11-day sessions, high school students from across Colorado participated in hands-on projects that highlighted the impacts of climate change on the park. These projects included the creation of burn piles for fire mitigation, invasive species removal, and trail restoration in areas scarred by the 2020 East Troublesome Fire.
“Service Corps is one of the best investments we can make to inspire the next generation of park enthusiasts,” said Lise Aangeenbrug, NPF’s Chief Program Officer. “Whether crews are restoring critical habitats, preserving historic structures, or helping with infrastructure improvements, these hands-on experiences give young adults a chance to envision their future in national parks – as rangers, conservationists, even visitors – and encourage them to care for these shared treasures.”
Rocky Mountain Conservancy has been the nonprofit partner of Rocky Mountain National Park since 1931, and the mission of the National Park Foundation is to support all 430+ park sites through funding and impact programs like Service Corps. Collaborations like these help ensure Rocky Mountain National Park will continue to be a magnificent place to enjoy for generations to come. To learn more about Rocky Mountain Conservancy-Conservation Corps or get involved, visit www.RMConservancy.org.