The 2013 Milwaukee Conservation Leadership Corps Program successfully completed its eighth year, with 60 Milwaukee city youth completing this six week service program. These local high school students and recent graduates committed themselves to conservation service projects in Milwaukee’s parks and nature areas, becoming an integral part of SCA’s mission of building the next generation of conservation leaders by engaging in hands-on service to the land.
The 58 students were divided into 6 crews, each led by two adult crew leaders. Three of the crews had Apprentice Crew Leaders who attended the same training as the crew leaders and were between the ages of 18-21. In total, members completed 3,345 hours of conservation service and education.
Each crew participated in weekly environmental education activities as well as a recreation trip during the last week of program. The program concluded August with a graduation ceremony at the Lake Park Pavillion with a keynote from Jennifer Mattes of Johnson Controls, Inc. Without the support of Johnson Controls this program would not be possible.
One of the members recognized this year include First-Year Raquel Love who joined SCA with very little exposure to the outdoors. At first she was apprehensive to be working out in the woods but she quickly realized how much beauty there is in the natural world. More than any other crew member, Raquel took the lessons she learned at SCA to heart. She overcame some of her fears, like touching a spider, and developed a phenomenal work ethic. One of the greatest things about Raquel was that she always took pride in her work.
“The chance to meet the mayor and everyone at Johnson Controls meant so much to me and I can’t even explain how proud I am for making it this far. I can say this experience has changed me a lot and I will be graduating with a new mindset!” – Raquel Love, Milwaukee First Year
Khadija Hassan was also recognized in her second summer participating in the MCLC program. She was very quiet at first but throughout the program she really came out of her shell. SCA helped her to foster an interest in the natural world. After working with SCA she now wants to major in Environmental Sciences at either Alverno or UW-Steven’s Point.
“Now that I did this job and succeeded at it, I feel like I can handle any job. Not to mention this job did help me decide what I want to major in, which is Environmental Sciences!!!” – Khadija Hassan, Milwaukee Second Year