Conservation work gives young people skills and values they can carry into adulthood.
WILMOT — A group of teenagers from around the state have been patroling the high grounds of Mount Kearsarge, doing needed trail maintenance while learning skills and values that will aid them as adults.
They are members of the Student Conservation Association, an organization dedicated to protecting and restoring national parks, marine sanctuaries, cultural landmarks and community green spaces in all 50 states.
The SCA’s mission is to build the next generation of conservation leaders and inspire lifelong stewardship of the environment and communities by engaging young people in hands-on service to the land.Earlier this year, the N.H. corps sent 30 student members to Bear Brook State Park in January. In late April, members began conservation work throughout the state.
For the past two weeks, a nine-member team has been working on Mount Kearsarge. They’ve been clearing brush from the paths, making sure the drainage ditches stay clean, and generally making sure the trails are in good shape.