Park Stewardship Youth Summary Report 2014

PARK STEWARDSHIP
YOUTH PROGRAMS
SUMMARY REPORT | 2013
THE PARK
STEWARDSHIP
PROGRAM
of the Golden
Gate National Parks Conservancy strives to deliver
meaningful and impactful programs to youth while
providing skills, experiences, and memories
that will last a lifetime. Through the students’ work
and contributions, the parks—and the lessons learned
here—truly are
“forever.”
In words and images, this report summarizes the
programs we offered in 2013 and highlights the
reflections and adventures of the youth we
served.
I came to the conclusion that I want part of what I do to
be science related and involve working in outdoors.
I want to find a career that allows me to help the
environment, be an agent of change, and do
things that line up with my values.
Thank you for
–Hilary Buffum, LINC 2013
supporting us on this journey
LINC
CAMPING
LINKING INDIVIDUALS TO THEIR NATURAL COMMUNITIES
16
The LINC summer program is an in-depth,
immersive park experience that introduces youth to a wide variety
of outdoor experiences and service-learning opportunities in our
local national park. During this six-week summer program, youth
engage in a diverse array of workshops, projects, and outdoor
adventures while building career and leadership skills.
PARTICIPANTS
6
WEEKS
For LINC-Camping, students began their summer
experience with a four-day camping trip to Yosemite National Park,
followed by a variety of service and learning experiences in the
Golden Gate National Parks Service projects included propagation
of native plants, repair of park trails and habitat restoration for
endangered species. These were complemented by field trips which
included kayaking at Lake Merced, a ropes course at Fort Miley and
a tour of Alcatraz.
Youth participants play an active role
not only in transforming the landscapes
around them, but also in transforming
their own perspectives as members of an
engaged youth community. As they
challenge one another to make
connections between realworld environmental and
social justice issues, they
discover their ability to
affect change within
their own lives and the
world around them.
This program has opened my eyes
on a new view on nature, earth, our
role and impact, and what it takes
to build a community and family.
–Bernice Gao
$1000
EDUCATIONAL AWARD PER STUDENT
ETHNICITY OF STUDENTS
25%
50%
12%
7%
6%
HISPANIC/LATINO
ASIAN/PACIFIC ISLANDER
CAUCASIAN
MULTI-RACIAL
AFRICAN AMERICAN
Because of all the
activities and challenges
faced in this program,
I believe in myself and
know that I can achieve
anything I work towards.
–Jessica Tung
Service Highlights
Trips and Workshops
Student Feedback
Restored historic sailing vessels at
the San Francisco Maritime National
Historical Park
Learned about sustainable
agriculture at Slide Ranch, a
working organic farm
100% of students plan to return
to the park on their own
Re-graded and leveled 100 meters
of trail at Dias Ridge
Created adobe bricks at the Presidio
archeology laboratory
Reduced the fire danger on Angel
Island by removing downed woody
debris
Experienced a kayak trip on Lake
Merced, hosted by the Department
of Recreation at San Francisco State
University
Polished bone fragments and
ceramic artifacts at the Presidio
archeology laboratory
Applied compost and pruned the
historic flower gardens on Alcatraz
Island
I have a support group of
people now that I know
will always help me and
that is really comforting.
As corny as it sounds,
the right people will love
you no matter what, and
I think LINC helped me
finally realize that.
–Betty Cheong
I’ve become more
aware of my Bayview
community and how we
are suffering the impacts
of industrial waste and
racism. Environmental
justice is the basic right to
clean air, non-toxic zones,
safe places for play, and
the same environmental
and educational
opportunities.
– Bernice Gao
LINC really did link me to
my natural community,
and I want to stay linked
for the rest of my life! –Michelle Wong
I became more aware of
my community and what
kind of natural resources
I have around me. Trips
to local gardens like at
Heron’s Head Park were
an eye opener for me
because I live so close! –Michelle Chen
Collected grass seeds for the
revegetation of the Muir Beach
flood plain
Created unique ceramic stepping
stones for the Presidio Native Plant
Nursery Garden
Engaged in a behind-the-scenes
tour of Alcatraz
Explored WWII-era underground
structures at Battery Townsley
Received specialized training
on resume writing, career
development, the federal job
application process, and job
interview techniques
Organized, planned, and
implemented an adventure trip to
the Russian River
88 % of the participants indicated
that they will bring family and
friends to the park with them
94% expressed interest in turning
their summer experiences into a
job
100% are interested in returning
to the program next year
The top three activities for LINCCamping included the Yosemite
trip, Ropes Course, and Angel
Island Overnight and Service
Project.
LINC
BACKPACKING
LINKING INDIVIDUALS TO THEIR NATURAL COMMUNITIES
This summer, the youth of LINC-Backpacking got a taste
of high adventure with a kickoff backpacking trip to the Granite
Chief Wilderness. Over the course of the six weeks, the students also
had the opportunity to kayak on Lake Merced, hoist the sails on the
schooner Alma, and push their limits at the Fort Miley ropes course.
With service as a key goal of this program, youth participants worked
at high-priority restoration sites—enriching the park and their own
understanding of natural resources. Through a hands-on curriculum
designed to grow career, teambuilding, and leadership skills,
students finished the summer equipped to launch their futures.
LINC has taught me that you have the most fun and
rewarding experiences when you step out of your
comfort zone and try new things.
–Nora Killian
17
PARTICIPANTS
6
WEEKS
$1000
EDUCATIONAL AWARD PER STUDENT
ETHNICITY OF STUDENTS
24%
24%
23%
29%
HISPANIC/LATINO
ASIAN
CAUCASIAN
MULTI-RACIAL
The LINC program was a
one-of-a-kind experience
for me. The time we
spent exploring the park
made me fall in love with
nature all over again.
-Dara Ng
As a result of this program,
I have grown an undying
respect for nature. I have
also learned that even
though our modern society is becoming more and
more urban, there is and
always will be a place for
nature. –Sam Zaroff
Service Highlights
Trips and Workshops
Student Feedback
Performed endangered
species habitat restoration
in San Mateo, Marin, and San
Francisco Counties
Learned “leave no trace” backpacking skills
in the Granite Chief Wilderness
100% of students plan to
return the park on their own
Experienced a special kayaking trip in
collaboration with the Department of
Recreation at San Francisco State University
100% of the participants
indicated that they will bring
family and friends to the park
with them
Assisted with trail work at Dias
Ridge in Marin
Donned waders to remove
invasive cattails in California
red-legged frog ponds
Learned about sustainable agriculture at
Slide Ranch, a working organic farm
Engaged in a behind-the-scenes tour of
Alcatraz
Restored Battery Smith-Guthrie
Received specialized training on resume
by painting over graffiti and
writing, career development, and job
weatherizing rusted doors
interview preparation
Transplanted coyote bush and
Learned about the ethnobotany of
cared for the chickens at the
California native plants and concocted
Oceana Nursery
medicinal salves using those plants
Usually I stay home
during the summer and
do nothing outside.
Joining LINC changed
everything because
I started to help my
community and I had a
lot of fun.
–Alejandro Portillo
This program inspired
me and gave me
optimism about the
potential of my peers
to face new challenged
and connect with each
other. –Hailey Gavin
[LINC has taught me] to
be more accepting of
people and myself. We’re
all different; we each
have our own story and
our reasons.
–Stephanie Lee
Planned an overnight camping and service
trip to Angel Island State Park
Planned and organized a day hike to Bass
Lake in the Point Reyes National Seashore
88% expressed interest
in turning their summer
experiences into a job
65% are interested in
returning to the program next
year
The top three activities for
LINC-Backpacking included
the trip to Granite Chief, Ropes
Course, and Angel Island
Overnight.
SUMMER
YOUTH
INTERNSHIPS
The Summer Internship Program provides
an in-depth summer job experience for those youth who have
participated in, or graduated from, either the LINC or IYEL programs.
This past year, Park Stewardship teamed up with the Crissy Field
Center who took the lead on organizing and placing students in
these summer positions.
These internships are designed to provide students with handson job experience in a variety of fields supported by enthusiastic
mentors. Whether it be trail construction in San Mateo,
environmental education with Aim High, interpretation at Angel
Island or Restoration at Muir Beach, these youth were supported by
passionate staff who challenged them to try new things, take risks
and become leaders.
Many thanks to the Crissy Field Center who helped to organize
and run this internship program.
REFLECTIONS
My internship this summer really helped me grow as a person.
This internship helped me realize
how challenging physical work is and
pushed me to the best of my abilities.
- Carlo Barrueto, Trails Stewardship
Intern and LINC graduate
The people I worked with taught me so much. I enjoyed every day of
my internship. My experiences and the people I worked with during
my 6 week internship have helped inspire me to pursue a career in
environmental studies.
-Nadeen Hanhan, Presidio Park Stewards Intern, LINC graduate
It’s crazy to think that I have lived next to such a fantastic park all my
life, yet until now I barely knew about its history and restored sites.
This internship has really allowed me to experience and understand
these things on a much deeper level.
-Sofia Trogu, Presidio Park Stewards Intern, LINC graduate
42
SUMMER INTERNSHIPS
21
MENTORS
6
HOST AGENCIES
BAY AREA WILDERNESS TRAINING
CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS
GOLDEN GATE NATIONAL PARKS
CONSERVANCY
MARINE MAMMAL CENTER
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
PRESIDIO TRUST
REFLECTIONS
Though I was only with Marin Park Stewardship for five weeks, what I
learned was awe-inspiring, humbling, and motivated me to
pursue a life connected to the environment.
-Cecilia Sweet-Coll, Marin Stewardship Intern, LINC graduate
This internship gave me an increased eloquence in expressing my
thoughts; hilariously entertaining coworkers with deep insight on
world issues; priceless knowledge on plants that might just save my
life one day if I get marooned on an island; thicker bonds with eager,
open-minded, highly intellectual volunteers; and most importantly, the
belief that I CAN make a dent within the greater movement of habitat
restoration and that I DO belong amongst a community of likeminded individuals.
-Edie Zhang, an Francisco Stewardship Intern, LINC graduate
The Marin Park Stewardship internship gave me the chance to go
beyond doing field work and provided the opportunity to
experience what it would be like to work with an conservancy
organization after college.
-GG Gunther, Marin Stewardship Intern, LINC graduate
This internship has given me skills I will use throughout life, insight
into habitat restoration, and lasting connections to the people I
worked with.
-Colton Juliano, San Francisco Stewardship Intern, LINC graduate
Beyond giving me a new perspective on a period of U.S. history,
this internship has also greatly influenced how I view interpretation
and how my interests in life can be tied to the parks system. This is really
neat, and something that I hadn’t considered before.
-Kristen Sinclair, Angel Island State Park, LINC graduate
This internship demonstrated to me that it is possible to pursue a
career that both appeals to me and does something good for my
community.
-Wilson Loi, NPS Inventory and Monitoring Intern, IYEL graduate
I learned a lot over the summer, but one thing that I had to do was be a
public speaker. It really helped my self-confidence and self-esteem.
-Yeyetsi Vargas Gonzalez, Alcatraz Night Tour Intern, IYEL graduate
Intern
Abby Newbold
Alex Odgers
Alijah Hutchinson
Alondra Segovia
Anny Ho
Carlo Barrueto
Cecilia Sweet-Coll
Christopher Norman
Colton Juliano
D’Quan Stewart
Dylan Cai
Dylan Tang
Edie Zhang
Edmond Chan
Fernanda Gonzales
Gretel (G.G.) Gunther
Hovhanes Hovhanessian
Jackson Vanfleet Brown
Janelle Lin Kung
Jane Marie Gunn
Jenna Rose Fiorello
Joshua Romero
Kathleen Wong
Ken Leung
Kristen Sinclair
Laura Alvarez
Laurens Kuypers
Luis Uriel Salas
Luciana Moreano
Mauricia Garcia
Nadeen Hanhan
Nariman Ibragimov
Nathaniel Ng
Sambhav Jain
Sandy Wei Chen
Sofia Trogu
Tommy Pritchett
Wilson Loi
Winnie Wong
Yeyetsi Vargas Gonzalez
Placement
Presidio Trust/NPS, Presidio Park Stewards
Camping in the Presidio Program
Aim High
NPS, Community Programs
Crissy Field Center, Urban Trail Blazers
NPS, Trail Crew
Park Stewardship Program, Marin
Bay Area Wilderness Training
Park Stewardship Program, San Francisco
Crissy Field Center, Urban Trail Blazers
Angel Island State Park
Crissy Field Center, Urban Trail Blazers
Park Stewardship Program, San Francisco
Parks Conservancy, Finance Department
Fort Funston Native Plant Nursery
Park Stewardship Program, Marin
Marine Mammal Center
NPS Inventory and Monitoring
Crissy Field Center, Health & Wellness
Crissy Field Center, Urban Trail Blazers
Crissy Field Center, Urban Trail Blazers
NPS, Cultural Resources
Crissy Field Center, Urban Trail Blazers
Crissy Field Center, Heath & Wellness
Angel Island State Park
Crissy Field Center, Urban Trail Blazers
NPS, Trail Crew
Parks Conservancy, Alcatraz Night Tours
Crissy Field Center, Summer Camp Media
NPS, Trail Crew
Presidio Trust/NPS, Presidio Park Stewards
Angel Island State Park
Crissy Field Center, Summer Camp Media
Park Stewardship Program, San Francisco
Presidio Native Plant Nursery
Presidio Trust/NPS, Presidio Park Stewards
Angel Island Visitor Services
NPS, Inventory and Monitoring
Crissy Field Center, Summer Camp Art
Alcatraz Night Tours
Mentor
Jason Lisenvy
Grace Malango- Blake
Elizabeth Reiff
Fatima Colindres
Sam Tran
Barnaby Fisher
Naomi LeBeau
Zak Kline
Eric Klein and Yakuta Poonawalla
Sam Tran
Ben Fenkell
Sam Tran
Eric Klein and Yakuta Poonawalla
Scott Flesher
Meghan Steinharter
Naomi LeBeau,
Courtney Lamar
Eric Wrubel
Rene Tucker
Sam Tran
Sam Tran
Marcus Combs
Sam Tran
Rene Tucker
Ben Fenkell
Sam Tran
Barnaby Fisher
Elana Garfinkle
Sambhav Jain
Barnaby Fisher
Jason Lisenvy
Ben Fenkell
Charity Maybury
Eric Klein and Yakuta Poonawalla
Ely Huerta Ortiz
Jason Lisenvy
Ben Fenkell
Eric Wrubel
Marijanna Shurtz
Elana Garfinkle
Yu Feng Huang
Crissy Field Center, Urban Trail Blazers
Sam Tran
Zach Gelman
Camping in the Presidio Program
Grace Malango-Blake
TEENS
ON
TRAILS
The Teens on Trails program offers
high school students the chance to step outside
their schools and learn in the Golden Gate National
Parks’ natural classroom. The program provides
teens with opportunities for service, learning, and
outdoor adventure in conjunction with the parks’
trails program. We work to create experiences that
will inspire students to return to our constellation of
programs—and become regular stewards of their
local trails and open space.
In 2013, the Trail Stewardship
Team and the Golden Gate
Trail Crew worked with 138
volunteers during the Teens
on Trails events and 119
of these volunteers (or
90%) were young adults.
The tasks given to these
teenage volunteers
were challenging, but
they accomplished
each one with
enthusiasm and
determination!
It seemed that everyone had a great
time. The youth were amazing and I
was blown away by their efforts!
- Ryan Branciforte, Transit to Trails
119
YOUTH VOLUNTEERS
4
WORKDAYS
MLK DAY | PRESIDENTS DAY
CEASAR CHAVEZ DAY | VETERANS DAY
100,000
SQ. FT. OF SAND AND TRASH CLEARED
PROVIDING EASY ACCESS FOR ADA USERS,
BICYCLISTS AND STROLLERS
OCEAN BEACH PROMENADE
25,000
POUNDS OF DIRT HAULED TO MITIGATE
MUD POOLS AND DRAINAGE ISSUES
COASTAL TRAIL - LANDS END
1
BOARDWALK MAINTAINED
IMPROVING ACCESSIBILITY AND
PREVENTING DETERIORATION
SUNSET TRAIL - FORT FUNSTON
48
YOUTH PARTICIPANTS
IN ALTERNATE TRANSPORTATION
PROGRAM IN COLLABORATION WITH
TRANSIT TO TRAILS
SCHOOL
YEAR
PROGRAMS
The Park Stewardship Program provides two to
four service learning projects per week for local schools and youth
organizations during the school year. These hands-on programs
include hiking local trails, restoring park habitat, learning basic
ecological concepts, and camping outdoors (often for the first
time).
The goal of these introductory programs is to provide
opportunities for ongoing involvement to those students
who connect with their experience and want to take
it to the next level. At the same time, these
programs seek to improve the parkland
while working to connect the next
generation of stewards to their local
national park and adjacent open
space.
Community and educational
partnerships, maintained and
enhanced throughout the
school year, are instrumental
in connecting youth with
Park Stewardship programs
and activities.
Youth Participation
-2013-
3,141
TOTAL YOUTH VOLUNTEERS
10,329
TOTAL VOLUNTEER HOURS
OCEANA
HIGH SCHOOL
NURSERY & GARDEN PROGRAM
It’s been a vibrant year of partnerships
and programming at the Oceana High
School Nursery and Garden!
This past year the summer partnership with Pie Ranch (through its
Homeslice Program) was extended into the school year. Through
this program, youth leaders participated in activities within the
nursery and garden such as chicken care, transplanting, and
weeding. This year the team worked with five students from
Oceana High School each week, teaching them about the general
process of small-scale farming, habitat restoration, and native plant
nursery work. The youth also spent a significant amount of time on
independent projects that resulted in them leading workshops on
topics that interested them, like nutrition and GMOs.
The combined nursery and garden program offers a weekly dropin program each Wednesday afternoon. This past year, an average
of 20 students turned up each week to lend a hand (the peak was
50). For the park, students helped to grow plants for Mori Point and
restore endangered species habitat atop Milagra Ridge. In addition,
the Stewardship Team took a group of 20 students on a week-long
backpacking trip to Los Padres Dam during their “interim” period.
For most of them, this was the first time they
had ever been backpacking!
468
HIGH SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS
1,326
VOLUNTEER HOURS
28
STUDENT PROGRAMS
400
GRAMS OF SEED COLLECTED
6,668
PLANTS GROWN
2
HILLSIDES PLANTED AND WEEDED
MORI POINT & MILAGRA RIDGE
Programmatic Partners
Philanthropic Partners
Like a light
Aim High
Ryan Jones Program Fund
who helped us tend the flames of these programs. As we turn to a new
Alcatraz Night Tours
Brian O’Neill Youth Leaders Fund
Angel Island State Park
Anonymous
Bay Area Wilderness Training
S. D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation
Build-On
FedEx
Camping in the Presidio
Gap Foundation
City College of San Francisco
National Fish & Wildlife Foundation
Marine Mammal Center
Martin Luther King Academy, Marin City
National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS)
Tha
he
fo
Pacific Leadership Institute (PLI)
Richmond Beacon Center at Washington High School
San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park
San Rafael High School
The National Park Service
The Crissy Field Center
The Presidio Trust
The NPS Cultural Resource Program at Golden Gate
The NPS Interpretive Division at Golden Gate
The NPS Inventory and Monitoring Program at Golden Gate
The NPS Trails Crew at Golden Gate
Women Helping All People, Marin City
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