Want to know what it’s like to be a RMYC trail crew member? Look no further than the following Session Testimonies complied from Conservation Corps crew members (age 18 and older) over the course of the summer 2024 season, revealing a few thoughts they had about themselves, being outside and the whole RMYC experience. This installment: words of wisdom from Conservation Corps crews executing weed mitigation work around Lake Dillon in White River National Forest.
Session Testimonies:
“I’m happy I decided to be a part of RMYC this summer. I hope to gain experience when it comes to conservation work learn how trails are maintained. My crew has been almost like a second family for me, from cooking “glizzy” sludge or playing card games late at night. One of my favorite experiences has been just hanging out with everyone on the weekends. I also really enjoyed a lake day my crew had, where I felt inspired to draw (which I never really do…).”
“I decided to be a part of RMYC to get some experience with forestry and conservation-related work. I’ve also been enjoying all the amazing views we’ve seen, whether for work or the off weekends. On one of our days off we went to a lake, where I made a drawing with a sharpie and some charcoal that I found. My favorite place I visited is Leadville, and my favorite meal is chickpea tacos.”
“I loved working with the horse council in Carbondale. We got to clear corridor and create new trails for beginner riders on BLM land. Now more beginners will now be able access these trails. It was strenuous work, but our project partners were great; they helped us clear and improve the trails even in bad weather. They were super nice and brought us fresh grapes and cookies when we had breaks. After this work week we drove to Moab and got stuck in traffic for three hours due to a mudslide blocking the highway. Our crew got restless, so we broke out the hackysack and started playing in the rain in the middle of the road. It lifted our spirits and soon we were on the way to camp. Cowboying in Moab was a surreal experience; every night we could see lighting storms in the distance that would light up the sky and landscape. Working with RYMC has been such a different job experience than any other I’ve ever had. Being with yourself and your crew 24/7 creates a lot of room for self-improvement and reflecting. I can see how I’ve changed as a person, becoming mentally and physically stronger but also able to work better with my crew and help resolve conflicts.”
“We had an amazing project and a great project partner, Stephen: conquering lands over weeds. We became the fastest and best at spraying weeds. No tree or rock could stand in our way of performing perfect grid work over fields/mountains without trails. We protected native lands from being overrun by invaders from distant lands that could kill the environment. We were also some of the only ones to explore certain areas and even found a random suitcase that could’ve held anything. Fortunately, we didn’t open it and instead contacted the authorities. It was a unique experience that you’ll never see a college course on. I now have extensive knowledge on seven noxious weeds and even more on land, animals, and plants!”
“Things I was worried about before starting the season vs. my thoughts post-Rendezvous: 1) Forgetting headphones—Music in the van is played out loud and I prefer going au natural on hikes and during work anyway; 2) Lack of personal time—As it turns out I recharge very well with a little van time and journaling at night; 3) Fear of boredom—You’re with people 24/7, chances are you will be entertained by one of them if you don’t have other means of entertainment (i.e. books, cards, games, etc.); 4) Pooping in the woods—It happens; it’s not pretty and I may never get used to it but it’s really not the end of the world; 5) Not having the right gear—We all went in not knowing what to bring, but luckily it’s easy to pick up things you need; otherwise, you just make do and know what not to do next time.”
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