Beginning August 28, 2009, visitors and avid hikers will have improved trails to look forward to, thanks to a group of 20 hardworking teens from Northwest Youth Corps, who are building new trails on the Glacier Basin trail in the Mt. Rainier National Park

In November 2006, the Park had record rains and flooding. Massive amounts of water washed away feet of topsoil, leaving countless boulders and river rock bare. Today most of the first half of the 3.7 mile Glacier Basin Trail is an obstacle course of logjams, landslides and long stretches of river rock.

Luckily part of this Trail is being reconstructed, thanks to Northwest Youth Corps crews eager to take on the challenge. Undaunted by steep hills, the teens are using loppers, rock bars, sledge hammers, and mattocks to make a difference for the community and the environment.

The NYC crews were especially picked for this challenging project because of NYC’s experience with using hand and power tools in isolated backcountry conservation settings, and reputation for high quality, productive crews.

Crewmembers involved in this project will also have the opportunity to earn a non-taxable education stipend of $1,225 for their five weeks of work, plus the chance to live in some of the most beautiful parts of the Pacific Northwest, travel, make new friends, get into shape, and earn high school credit.

More than 13,000 youth have participated in Northwest Youth Corps since 1984. Teen’s ages 16-19 wanting the NYC experience are encouraged to apply for NYC’s fall program which lasts five weeks, and begins September 12. To enroll, teens should fill out an application as soon as possible at http://www.nwyouthcorps.org or call: (541) 349-5055.

Established in 1984, Northwest Youth Corps is a non-profit organization whose mission is to create leaders through teamwork, education, and outdoor conservation work experiences. NYC is the region’s largest and oldest outdoor conservation and youth education program, and serves youth from all backgrounds. For additional information, contact Northwest Youth Corps at phone (541) 349-5055, or visit www.northwestyouthcorps.org.