Creating the Next Generation of Conservation Leaders

CWF’S New Canadian Conservation Corps

ONE OF THE KEY MESSAGES that resonated throughout the summit from younger participants was the importance of engaging them in discussions and involving them in conservation action so that they can help shape the solutions for their generation. They stated that they often don’t feel represented in current conservation efforts and would like to better understand how they can participate.

In keeping with that spirit and intent, CWF has created a new program called the Canadian Conservation Corps (CCC). Through meaningful service learning, young adults will develop diverse skills while learning about themselves and the impact that they can have on the natural world. At the same time, they will be making a real impact in their home community and in communities across Canada.

As part of the Canada Service Corps announced by the Prime Minister on January 16, 2018, the Canadian Conservation Corps aims to support young Canadians to get involved in their community through service opportunities while at the same time gaining valuable skills that will benefit them in life and work.

Over the next two years, the CCC program will recruit and train 90 participants reflecting diversity in terms of geography, culture, education, experience, ability and engagement. This will enable a twinning component, where youth from different regions can learn from each other.

THE PROGRAM HAS THREE PARTS 1. An expedition in an unfamiliar region of Canada that will help participants learn about themselves, their peers and the community at large.

2. A field work stage where participants will team up on the Canadian landscape with environmental experts in three broad categories: habitat creation and restoration, wildlife management and/or environmental science.

3. A community outreach and service stage in their home communities where participants will inspire their peers and younger youth to improve their environment through service projects.

In 2018, there will be five youth groups joining the Canadian Conservation Corps at different times of the year with a wilderness journey featured in each team launch. The goal is to offer personalized mentorship, so groups of 10 will be created, half from experienced levels of community service and half novices from underserved areas of the country.

The adventure begins this February in Huntsville, Ontario with a week of training including goal setting, team building and first aid. Then the youth head outside on a wilderness journeys which include dog sledding and winter camping. There will be more wilderness journeys during the year in other parts of Canada that will include sea-kayaking, canoeing and back-packing.

Following the wilderness journeys, the participants will receive in person and online training in skills such as conflict resolution, outdoor leadership and community project planning. Participants will be assigned to a conservation partner for a three to four month field placement. Field placements are long term assignments that will include a variety of experiences such as helping with terrestrial, freshwater or marine conservation projects.

Following the first two stages of the program, participants will develop and deliver conservation action projects in their home communities, inviting their peers and younger members of the public to join them.a