2015 End‐of‐Season Portfolio

Rocky Mountain Conservancy – Conservation Corps 2015 End‐of‐Season Portfolio Estes Crew

On the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park, the Estes Crew proved instrumental in ensuring the Rocky Mountain National Park trail system continues to be both sustainable and safe for visitors to use by completing several maintenance runs on commonly used trails, including the Pear, Finch, and Sandbeach Lake trails in Wild Basin, the Bierstadt Trail along Bear Lake Road, and the Lawn and Black Canyon Trails through the Mummy Range. As the season progressed, they began working on projects specifically related to flood affected areas. This included restoring the tread on the Cow Creek Trail which was significantly eroded during the September 2013 floods and resurfacing one of the accessible trails around Lily Lake to insure ongoing access to the area for all visitors. Furthermore, the crew spent a few days working with a Student Conservation Association crew replacing the bridge structure on the North Longs Trail, which was destroyed by a landslide during the 2013 flood event. In addition to their work with the trails division, the Estes Crew also worked with the restoration end exotics crews of Resource Management planting over 4500 native species and spending several days working to remove non‐native plant species from RMNP.

Rocky Mountain Conservancy – Conservation Corps 2015 End‐of‐Season Portfolio

Bryce Goldade ‐ Crew Leader

Hometown: Olathe, KS School/major: Olivet Nazarene University; Environmental Science, Geological Science Career goals: anything aiding in the environment, protection of public lands, or going another path, providing wells and water access for those who cannot access these Likes/hobbies: I like learning, running, hiking, soccer, ferris wheels, and guacamole.

Quote: “My future has definitely been impacted from this program, as I definitely feel that I will now follow a path towards promoting sustainability and conservation.”

Jeremy McDowell Hometown: Huber Heights, Ohio School/Major: Hocking College/ Ecotourism and Adventure Travel Career Goals: I would ultimately like to end up at an Ecolodge overseas or elsewhere in the sustainable travel industry. Likes/hobbies: edible and medicinal plants, hiking, reading, and traveling.

Quote: “This summer was definitely the best of my life so far. I have made so many priceless memories and worked on some of the most breathtaking trails I have ever been on. If I could give one piece of advice to the crewmembers next year, I would suggest taking in every moment. The summer goes by so fast and if you don’t stop to smell the roses, it will be gone in the blink of an eye.”

Miranda Thompson Hometown: Louisville, KY School/Major: Murray State University‐ Wildlife Biology and Conservation Career Goals: Ideally I would work for an environmental non‐profit that focuses on science, education, and stewardship. Bridging gaps between people and the environment (and help break down political boundaries that keep the environment from being a serious concern for everyone). Likes/Hobbies: Playing sports of any kind, anything that involves running around outside, photography/videography, going to museums and taking obnoxiously long reading everything, skiing, and kayaking.

Quote: “Working for the Conservancy this summer has been a beyond amazing experience for several reasons. It gave me clarity on what I want to do with my life for the next several years, it was my first time experiencing in the field everything that I learn about in school as a Wildlife Conservation major, and most of all it was an opportunity for much personal growth. From my short time working with the conservancy and conservancy members, I have grown to highly respect this organization and everything it stands for. I know that after I leave this program I will try to pass on the values of stewardship and education to all those around me.”

Rocky Mountain Conservancy – Conservation Corps 2015 End‐of‐Season Portfolio

Chandler Eaton Hometown: Springfield, Mo. School/Major: William Jewell College, studying political science and chemistry Goals: work as an environmental advocate Likes/Hobbies: backpacking, reading and playing piano

Quote: “The Rock Mountain Conservancy ‐ Conservation Corps has been the most unique and life‐changing experience. The opportunity to work, live and play in Rocky Mountain National Park has opened my eyes to new passions and future opportunities.”

Andrea Dumais Hometown: Boulder, School/Major: University of Colorado Boulder, double major in environmental studies and geography Career goals: My dream job would be where I can help people and the environment. I want to connect people with nature so they realize the importance of protecting it. I could see myself as a park ranger or involved with environmental education. Likes/hobbies: I love to hike, camp, ski, play soccer, and just spend time outdoors. I also enjoy reading and traveling.

Quote: “One day, we were working with revegetation at Tuxedo Park along Bear Lake Road. A new shuttle stop had been put in, so we were planting in the disturbed area so native vegetation could grow back. A family hiked by with three kids, and I offered to help them plant some yarrow. The kids were really excited to dig in the dirt and help me plant. The parents told me they were looking forward to bringing the kids back in a few years to look at the yarrow. I realized that those small actions can make a huge impact on a kid’s future.”

Derek Moon Hometown: New Albany, Oh School/ Major: CU‐Boulder / environmental engineering Career goals: have a job lined up when I graduate/ be well qualified for a starting position in environmental engineering or in applied ecology Likes/hobbies: sports, reading, writing

Quote: “From working in the RMC‐CC I now appreciate nature more than I had before. Spending most of my time in the RMNP was great because of the park’s beauty. The RMNP allows people to truly experience the and I believe that the existence of National Parks and US Forest land is a wonderful thing. In fact, I now encourage people to go hiking or visit the park because it is a good way to escape the city or clear your head for the day.”

Rocky Mountain Conservancy – Conservation Corps 2015 End‐of‐Season Portfolio

Clearing downed trees from the trail near Finch Lake Showing the next generation the importance of restoration

Resurfacing the accessible Lily Lake Trail Managing invasive Hoary Alyssum in Moraine Park

Repairing the flood‐affected Cow Creek Trail (In‐progress and Completed) Rocky Mountain Conservancy – Conservation Corps 2015 End‐of‐Season Portfolio Rawah Wilderness Crew

The Rawah Wilderness Crew spent most of their season back up at the Stub Creek Work Center, located on the northern edge of the Rawah Wilderness Area within the Roosevelt National Forest. Since last year’s crew had a strong focus on removing downed trees from the trail, this year the crew had a stronger focus on maintaining and restoring tread throughout the trail system and left the trees to be taken care of by the Poudre Wilderness Volunteers. This work took them out to over 58 miles of trail, which is over 75% of the entire trail network in the region. Over the course of these miles the crew maintained and installed more than 1300 drainage structures to divert water off trail, repaired 5 stream crossings, resurfaced nearly a third of a mile of trail, and constructed several retaining walls to prevent trail erosion. Furthermore, the crew rehabilitated sensitive, high‐impact areas above tree line by clarifying trail corridor, decommissioning social and braided trails, and removing a few dozen illegal fire rings. This work helped to mitigate visitor impact and promote responsible future use.

Rocky Mountain Conservancy – Conservation Corps 2015 End‐of‐Season Portfolio

Courtney Ross ‐ Crew Leader Hometown: Plover, WI School/Major: University of Wisconsin‐Stevens Point/ Biology with and emphasis in Botany and minors in Resource Management and Conservation Biology Career Goals: Work for a federal or Non‐profit organization in environmental education, plant research or continue trail work Likes/Hobbies: Yoga, dance, backpacking, traveling, climate change activism

Quote: “‘Wilderness is not a luxury, but a necessity of the human spirit.’ – Edward Abbey. Escaping the busy, fast‐paced life of a college student, I found myself rejuvenated & refreshed upon the season’s completion. Not only did it lift my spirits, but I gained knowledge and an experience that I will never forget.”

Gus Waneka Hometown: Loveland, CO School/Major: Colorado State University/ Biological Sciences with minors in Biochemistry and Microbiology Career Goals: Biological Research Likes/Hobbies: I like to make art, play music, run, hike, hangout and understand the natural world

Quote: “Working with the RMCCC has allowed me to develop an intimate relationship with the Rocky Mountains. I will always remember the friends I’ve made and the experiences I’ve had. I am grateful to the RMCCC for giving me such an awesome opportunity.”

Brian Eachus Hometown: Waterloo, IA School/Major: Recently graduated from Luther College with a double major in Biology and Environmental Studies Career Goals: Attend Graduate school in the near future and pursue a career in wildlife conservation or management Likes/Hobbies: I enjoy hiking, backpacking, kayaking, playing ultimate frisbee, and generally anything that lets me get outside

Quote: “The idea of wilderness needs no defense. It only needs defenders” – Edward Abbey

Rocky Mountain Conservancy – Conservation Corps 2015 End‐of‐Season Portfolio

Tom Enright Hometown: Brookfield, WI School/Major: University of Wisconsin‐Madison/ Biology and Spanish Career Goals: Likely attending Medical School and aiming to provide medical care to marginalized populations in the US or abroad Likes/Hobbies: I enjoy running‐ I run for the club track and field team and UW‐Madison and also regularly compete in marathon races. I also enjoy fly fishing, playing football, basketball, and volunteering in nature preserves and hospitals

Quote: “My expectations were met and exceeded in a multitude of ways this summer. Working on a trail crew as part of the Conservation Corps afforded the opportunity to grow both personally and interpersonally as a team member, a leader, a friend, and a steward of public lands.”

“I knew what stewardship meant in principle prior to working this summer, but working with the Conservation Corps educated me on how practicing an ethic of stewardship manifests itself into action.”

Johnny Iglesias Hometown: Miami, FL School/Major: Miami Dade College/ Sustainability and the Environment Career Goals: Work for the Everglades National Park doing Resource Management Likes/Hobbies: Fishing, Bouldering, Slacklining

Quote: “Every trail has a history that carries the blood, sweat and tears of those who have worked on it. While names are unknown by the daily hiker, their work lives for generations to come. Being a part of RMC‐CC has woven me into a part of history that will be appreciated by the men and women who follow in our footsteps.”

“’Ain’t no point of getting out of bed if ain’t livin’ the dream’ ‐ Sturgill Simpson. I’m living the dream.”

Desiree Otis Hometown: New Paltz, NY School/Major: SUNY Oswego; History/political Science Career Goals: Environmental/Land management Policy Likes/Hobbies: Hiking, climbing, horse backriding, cross country skiing

Quote: “The time I have spent working with RMCCC has allowed me to further my passion and knowledge of public lands and develop a strong sense of outdoor ethics, motivating me to become more active in land management policy.”

Rocky Mountain Conservancy – Conservation Corps 2015 End‐of‐Season Portfolio

Bucking out a downed tree on the Link Trail Building a retaining wall on Roaring Creek Trail

Before and after shots of a newly treaded section of trail on the Upper McIntyre Trail

Moving a tree from the McIntyre Trail Decommissioning an illegal fire ring near Blue Lake Rocky Mountain Conservancy – Conservation Corps 2015 End‐of‐Season Portfolio Shadow Mountain Crew

The Shadow Mountain Crew works on the western slope in the surrounding Granby. The Shadow Mountain crew works directly alongside the wilderness trails crew of the Sulphur Ranger District. This year most of their work helped to restore access and maintain sustainable trails, and educate hikers along the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, which travels 3100 miles from Mexico to Canada along the continental divide. A portion of this trail travels through the Indian Peaks and Never Summer Wilderness areas of the Sulphur Ranger District and had been suspect to deferred maintenance for several years. To restore connectivity of the trail the crew removed over 700 downed trees from Knight Ridge; to maintain sustainable trails, the crew rehabbed a significantly eroded and braided section of the trail near the Devils Thumb by building check dams and retreading eroded areas; to educate hikers, the crew split completed backcountry patrols along sections of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail. In addition to their work on the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail, the crew also helped construct several sections of turnpike on the popular Columbine Lake Trail to reduce damage on wetland areas below the lake.

Rocky Mountain Conservancy – Conservation Corps 2015 End‐of‐Season Portfolio

MegEllen Kimmett – Crew Leader Hometown: Clinton, CT College/ Major: Saint Michaels College: Environmental Studies of the Humanities, Minor: Education Career goals: Educate the youth about the outdoors through conservation work and environmental writing Likes/Hobbies: running, hiking, meeting new people, learning new languages, laughter, mountains, snowboarding, swimming in the ocean, crafts, Terry Tempest Williams, pickles and salmon

Quote: “This summer in Colorado has been an art of understanding the importance of reaching my highest potential, not only by gaining knowledge, but also attaining sympathy.”

Elias Baer Hometown: Little Rock, AR College/Major: Lyons College, English and Philosophy Career goals: I aspire to do and physical in the outdoors Likes/Hobbies: Read, Fish, Hike, Etc.

Quote: “This has been one of the most enlightening experiences of my life. For the first time I have had the opportunity to work closely with people from all over the country, with all sorts of backgrounds. We have all learned from each other. It’s beautiful.”

Jordan Carper Hometown: Whitefish, MT College/Major: University of Montana, Organismal Biology and Ecology/ Mountain Studies Career goals: Become an Environmental Engineer! Help make clean, fresh water available to all humans; Reduce GHG, fossil fuels; Invent Green Fuel Source; Reduce the rate at which the planet self‐destructs; Reduce Anthropogenic influence to natural resource degredation; Own my own environmental/bioengineering firm. Likes/Hobbies: Ultimate Frsibee! Skiing Powder! Playing Ukulele! Eating and Picking Huckleberries!

Quote: “My summer spent working for the Rocky Mountain Conservancy Conservation Corps has been one of the most unique and rewarding personal and professional undertakings of my life.”

Rocky Mountain Conservancy – Conservation Corps 2015 End‐of‐Season Portfolio

Rachel Dorencz Hometown: Aurora, IL College/Major: University of Colorado Boulder Career goals: I hope to work in the parks and recreation field teaching ecology or natural history programs to kids/students Likes/Hobbies: Row with crew team, run, read, and explore the outdoors

“This has been one of the best summers of my life. Everyday I am totally out of my comfort zone and learn something new. Thank you for making this experience possible.”

Amy Sullivan Hometown: Lakeville, Minnesota College/Major: University of Minnesota ‐ Twin Cities, Earth Sciences Career goals: Geological research and/or public education with regards to geology Likes/Hobbies: Rock climbing, playing and listening to music, hiking, looking at cool rocks, riding bikes, cooking and baking, reading.

Quote: “I am so glad to be spending my summer here. Whether I continue on with a public lands career or do something completely different, I will always make use of parks and forest land, and this summer is teaching me how to appreciate the lands and the people who work in and support them.”

“Working on the RMC‐CC is not just about supporting a National Park or even just doing trail work. Its about providing an experience for young people like me to learn about stewardship and provide a service that we all consider to be important. It’s about bringing people from all over the country together for a common cause and an opportunity for growth.”

Blake Crossland Hometown: Denver, CO School/Area of Study: Colorado State University‐ Natural Resource Management Major (Minors in Global Environmental Sustainability and Conservation Biology) Career Goals: Work in Colorado preferably with the National Park Service or National Forest Service Likes/Hobbies: Backpacking, hiking, waterskiing, stand up paddle boarding, downhill/backcountry skiing, team sports (especially baseball and lacrosse)

Quote: “Doing trailwork for the Conservancy, though rigourous and exhausting, is extremely rewarding and open your eyes to some of the most beautiful areas in the northern Colorado Rockies.”

“Not only has the RMC‐CC given me practical trail work skills and a glimpse into what it means to work for public land agencies, its given me life‐long friends & a better appreciation for the environment we live in.” Rocky Mountain Conservancy – Conservation Corps 2015 End‐of‐Season Portfolio

Bucking out a tree from the Knight Ridge Trail Resetting a wilderness bridge on the Bowen‐Baker Loop

Building new sections of turnpike on the Columbine Lake Trail Constructing check dams on Wolverine Bypass Trail

Completing a backcountry patrol in the Building buck and rail fencing Rocky Mountain Conservancy – Conservation Corps 2015 End‐of‐Season Portfolio Red Feather Crew

The Red Feather Crew returned to Dowdy Lake Bunkhouse this year after being relocated to Fort Collins in 2014 on account of high priority flood work and damage to the bunkhouse in Red Feather Lakes. Due to this temporary change in location and focus, the Red Feather Lakes are had not seen much, if any, maintenance since the September 2013 floods. This left many trails still eroded, and even flooded, from the excess of rain and newly sprung springs and wetland areas. Because of this, the crew spent most of their early season constructing turnpikes and elaborate drainage structures to allow visitors to still use these trails while maintaining the ecologic integrity of the resources surrounding the trail corridor. In the first few weeks, the crew built more than 400 feet of turnpike, which raised the trail above the riparian zone and allows water to drain underneath. In addition to this work, the crew helped the Larimer County Conservation Corps Recovery Crew and USFS trail crew construct a new trail through a significantly washed out section of the North Fork Trail in Glen Haven, Colorado. This trail provides access to areas in Rocky Mountain National Park and is popular amongst locals looking to walk their dogs. Since 2013, this trail has been closed due to flood damage; however, with the help of the Red Feather Crew, the USFS was able to reopen this trail to hiker traffic in late August of 2015.

Rocky Mountain Conservancy – Conservation Corps 2015 End‐of‐Season Portfolio

Tommy Egland ‐ Crew Leader Hometown: Carlton, OR School/Major: The University of Montana/ Exercise Science Pre Professional Career Goals: I have recently become interested in Cardiac Rehabilitation and working with older individuals and trying to better their as it is. I am also interested in a potential future in outdoor education. Likes/Hobbies: I am an avid snowboarder in the winter and really enjoy anything that gets me outside and active.

Quote: “My experience with RMC‐CC has been one of the best I could have asked for. It has really helped to form my love of the outdoors.”

“The past summer has been one that I will remember forever. The people I met and the experiences I had were one of a king and I will always have a special bond with them.”

Galen Elisha Hometown: Arvada, CO School/Major: Colorado School of Mines/ Engineering and Physics Career Goals: I want to work on Solar Panels Likes/Hobbies: I like to read and write

Quote: “In the future I will be working on alternative fuels to aid the environment from human influence and while doing this work I will certainly site the Rocky Mountain Conservancy‐ Conservation Corp, summer 2015, as a supreme source of inspiration to both me, and to my work.”

Maggie Bolger Hometown: New London, NH School/Major: St. Lawrence University, undeclared Career Goals: To work in public and environmental health

Quote: “I thoroughly enjoyed my time working with the Rocky Mountain Conservancy. I was able to experience and explore Colorado's natural beauty on and off work, as well as learn about leadership, teamwork, trail work and all that the park and forest service do. I feel lucky to have been a part of such a wonderful program this summer.”

Rocky Mountain Conservancy – Conservation Corps 2015 End‐of‐Season Portfolio

Dominic Rickicki Hometown: Bolivar, NY School/Major: Paul Smith's College. Environmental Studies Career Goals: Inspire others through creative writing and education. Likes/Hobbies: Rock Climbing, Fly Fishing, Writing, Reading, Making Burritos.

Quote: “This summer was a cornerstone in my life, I will be forever grateful for the things I have learned and the people that I met along the way. From the challenging of my confidence early in the season, to the lessons I learned in the end I will never forget this experience.”

Cortney Dodge Hometown: Williamson, NY School/Major: SUNY Geneseo, biology major Career goals: I'm interest in doing research in conservation biology with a possibility of pursing a Ph.D Likes/hobbies: I really enjoy sailing, hiking, gardening, biking, computer science, playing pokemon, drawing, and painting.

Quote: “There is pleasure in the pathless woods, there is a rapture on the lonely shore, there is a society where none intrudes, by the deep sea, and music in it roars; I love not man the less, but nature more.” – Lord Byron

John Lunzer Hometown: Spokane, Washington School/Major: Colorado School of Mines/Geological Engineering Career goals: Work in hydrology for ten years and become a guide Likes/Hobbies: Fishing, hiking, backpacking, camping, climbing, biking

Quote: “Working with the RMC‐CC was truly a life changing experience and I would do it again in a heartbeat. Truly a summer to remember.”

Rocky Mountain Conservancy – Conservation Corps 2015 End‐of‐Season Portfolio

Constructing a turnpike on the Lady Moon Trail Working on rebuilding the washed out North Fork Trail

Before and after of an expanded wilderness stream crossing

Bucking out trees on the Killpecker Trail Rocky Mountain Conservancy – Conservation Corps 2015 End‐of‐Season Portfolio Boulder Crew

The Conservancy Corps also works with the Boulder Ranger District managing the Indian Peaks Wilderness and Roosevelt National Forest just south of RMNP. The Boulder crew helped the USFS in this area continue to restore trail systems damaged by the flood. Most notably this included building several new structures along the Buchanan Pass Trail out of the Camp Dick Trailhead out of Peaceful Valley. To help restore this trail and improve its resiliency to future flood events, the crew reset several culverts to improve their efficiency, constructed boardwalks and turnpikes to raise the trail above sensitive wetland areas and allow water to drain beneath, and replaced a wilderness bridge to insure access and safety to recreationalists. In addition to this work, the crew helped the district with improve visitor access to trails out of the Brainard Lake Recreation Area by clearing corridor through a blowdown and improving markers on snowshoe trails and replacing outdated signs throughout the region.

Rocky Mountain Conservancy – Conservation Corps 2015 End‐of‐Season Portfolio

Reid Grinspoon ‐ Crew Leader Hometown: Weston, MA College/Major: Harvard, history and science Career goals: I hope to one day be a physician Likes/Hobbies: I love hiking, backpacking, running, skiing, and reading

Quote: “I love working with the RMC‐CC, I cannot imagine a better way to spend my summer then outside, working alongside my incredible peers to help improve Colorado’s public lands.”

“This summer was an incredible experience. It doesn’t get better than living, working, and playing with an amazing group of peers in some of the most beautiful public lands in America.

“The Rocky Mountain Conservancy Conservation Corps program is truly special. It has given me two of the best summers of my life, as both a Rawah crewmember and the Boulder crew leader. It has introduced me to some of the coolest people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting, and it has allowed me to experience true adventure in some unbelievably beautiful places. It has made me a better leader, a more experienced woodsman, and a more competent steward of our public lands. I love this program, and will certainly miss it next summer and for many, many years to come.”

Annie Makuch Hometown: Branson, MO College/Major: University of Arkansas, biological engineering Career goals: Water preservation and clean energy projects Likes/Hobbies: Reading, travel, crafting, hiking

Quote: “The best part of this summer was not just being outdoors in the great wilderness of Colorado, but the relationships I formed and the leadership skills I will forever carry with me.”

Andrew Martin Hometown: Casper WY College/Major: University of Montana ‐ BA in Geography w/ option in regional and environmental planning, GIS certificate Career goals: City or Park planning, or GIS technician Likes/Hobbies: Fishing, climbing, soccer, hiking, snowboarding

Quote: “I love the rain, I love the mosquitos, I love sleeping on the ground, all because I love where I am at and the people I am with.”

Rocky Mountain Conservancy – Conservation Corps 2015 End‐of‐Season Portfolio

Dana Chafetz Hometown: Cherry Hill, New Jersey College/Major: Mechanical Engineering at Northeastern University Career goals: To apply engineering to conservation Likes/Hobbies: Rock climbing and drawing

Quote: “Doing work with Rocky Mountain Conservancy has opened my eyes to these beautiful places and the work that goes into preserving them."

Chivithaya Xiong Hometown: Erie, CO School/Major: Geophysics/ Geophysical Engineering Career Goals: Become a seismologist, work around volcanoes and monitor earthquakes. Hopefully I can make history somehow Likes/Hobbies: Fishing, hunting, soccer, volleyball, snowboarding, traveling

Quote: “This has been one of the best summers I’ve ever had.”

James Donald Hanks Hometown: Zanesville, Ohio School/major: Zane State College/Wildlife Conservation Career Goals: I want to have a career that allows me to protect our natural resources or enhance the publics attitude and ethics with nature. that may include being a park ranger, outdoors business owner, or wildlife biologist. Likes/hobbies: I enjoy rock climbing, birding, skateboarding, snowboarding, and hiking! Anything abstract and different is my deal!

Quote: “I’ve never had an excuse to live and work outdoors this much, and the feeling it gives me is revitalizing.”

“A conservation corps crew allows you to step outside, make long lasting friendships, camp, and have fun while helping mother nature.”

Rocky Mountain Conservancy – Conservation Corps 2015 End‐of‐Season Portfolio

Completing a turnpike on the Buchanan Pass Trail Installing stringers for a boardwalk on Buchanan Pass Trail

Clearing a stump from a snowshoe trail at Brainard Lake Digging drains on the Buchanan Pass Trail near treeline Rocky Mountain Conservancy – Conservation Corps 2015 End‐of‐Season Portfolio Kawuneeche Crew

Alongside the historical preservationists in the Park, the Kawuneeche Crew helped restore two historic buildings in Rocky. First up was the Civilian Conservation Corps mess hall at Lake Irene. This structure was built in 1926 to help house and feed crews working to complete Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park. The RMC‐CC crew worked to completely replace the roof with new cedar shingles, restore old rafter tails and log ends on the buildings structure, and repaint the entire exterior of the building. The crew’s second project was the Little Buckaroo Barn in the Kawuneeche Valley. This lesser known structure was a part of one of the original homesteads in the valley, the Little Buckaroo Ranch, and is preserved due to its unique design, which combines the Louisiana‐style Cajun barns to fit the needs and conditions of Colorado. To ensure the continued preservation of the structure, the crew replaced and reinforced the roof, stabilized the interior of the barn, and replaced damaged siding. In addition to this work, the crew also helped out with a variety of other projects including repainting picnic tables, replacing siding on Moraine Park Cottages, and installing steps at a Bear Lake Road bus stop.

Rocky Mountain Conservancy – Conservation Corps 2015 End‐of‐Season Portfolio

Margaret Johnson ‐ Crew Leader

Hometown: Chapel Hill NC College/Major: University of North Carolina at Asheville Biology Conservation Biology Career goals: undecided Likes/Hobbies: Running, baking, reading, biking, coffee, knitting, music, hiking, cooking pizza

Kristina Kurelja Hometown: Bloomsberg, PA School/Major: Indiana University of Pennsylvainia/ Biology Education Career Goals: I have primary interest in becoming an environmental educator. I would love to share my passion for the outdoors with others to spark their own interests in environmental protection. I also love wildlife, so incorporating wildlife management into my future career , research wise, would be another beneficial option for me. Likes/Hobbies: I am extremely passionate about the outdoors and making sure it lasts for denerations to come. Along with that I love hiking, kayaking, canoeing, camping, fishing, hunting, outdoor photography, and many other outdoor activities. I also love to write and read and greatly enjoy meeting new people and getting to make new friends, even better. Aling those lines I love to talk and reach others about the things I love.

Quote “Never in my life have I had the opportunity to be exposed to so many kindred spirits for environmental protections as working for the RMC‐CC. It is truly inspiring to be immersed in such a community, knowing our common goal will be the benefit of not only our global environment, but also generations to come.”

Logan Douglas Hometown: Sidney Nebraska College/Major: Charon State College/ secondary education Career goals: Become a teacher or police officer Likes/Hobbies: Hunting, fishing, camping, football and, water sports

Quote: “This experience is something I will remember forever.”

Rocky Mountain Conservancy – Conservation Corps 2015 End‐of‐Season Portfolio

Dhante Stroud Hometown: Bisbee AZ School/area of study: New Mexico State University, Environmental Science. Career Goals: to preserve the natural environment and enhance standards of living worldwide through sustainable efforts. Likes/hobbies: reading, poetry, the outdoors, good food and good friends.

Quote: “Having worked with conservation groups before, I assumed my experiences with RMC‐CC would be like all of the others; however, working with the Conservancy has not only further my conservation knowledge and efforts, but also helped me define myself as a person and an environmentalist with a brighter outlook on the future.”

“These mountains, the Rockies, have made a beautiful impact on my sense of self and my role as an environmentalist.”

Joseph Ray Cordova Hometown: Denver, Colorado School/Area of Study: Sheridan high school Career Goals: Support my family Likes/Hobbies: Sports, Comedy and Nature

Jenna Mulligan Hometown: Durango, CO College/Major: Gonzaga University studying Journalism and Spanish Career goals: I'd like to go into written journalism with a focus on education policy and/or environmental issues and advocacy. I'd love to do nonfiction travel and adventure writing as well! Likes/Hobbies: Skiing, traveling, road biking, reading everything, drinking copious amounts of coffee.

Quote: “Working in the Park has led me to see how much care is put into the land, which makes me love this place even more. Being part of that stewardship has really connected me with RMNP.”

Rocky Mountain Conservancy – Conservation Corps 2015 End‐of‐Season Portfolio

Replacing rafter tails on the Little Buckaroo Barn Epoxying new log ends on the CCC Mess Hall at Lake Irene

Installing a new roof at Little Buckaroo Barn Cutting new siding to be installed on Moraine Park Cottage

Replacing the cedar shingles at the CCC Mess Hall Cleaning out the Little Buckaroo Barn