Urban Conservation Corps of the Inland Empire
The San Bernardino National Forest Association Urban Conservation Corps is a workforce development program that offers young men and women the chance to serve on the National Forest and become employable citizens through hard work in environmental conservation.
There are two components to the program. The Urban Conservation Corps targets young adults, ages 18-25, from Inland Empire and National Forest communities and the Urban Youth Conservation Corp targets ages 13-17.
Under the program, young people build workforce skills by participating in meaningful conservation projects that promote greater stewardship for our natural world. In addition to increasing job readiness in a way that prepares them for a more successful entry into the workforce, these young people also help the Forest Association in its work to create a healthier forest.
In its three years of service, the Corps has provided over 50,000 hours of conservation and environmental services. In that time, the Corps has also changed the lives of over 200 young people.
Typical on-the-job duties include:
Natural Resource Enhancement: Tree planting, stream clearance, erosion control, timber stand improvement, trail construction and maintenance, seed cone collection, and wildlife habitat improvement
Landscaping: Plant identification and propagation, planting, sprinkler and irrigation installation, and nursery operations
| The Urban Conservation Corps is funded by the US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and City of San Bernardino as well as private sector donors and work contracts with other non-profit partners. In addition, the program receives funding under the federal government’s stimulus program and is proud to be a part of President Obama’s economic recovery efforts. |  |
To date the service to the community and National Forest and communities includes:
- Liter abatement in Lytle and Mills Creek
- Installing protective fencing on the National Forest
- 300 miles of trails maintained and restored on the National Forest
- 500 pounds of recyclables collected
- 1,000 pounds of litter collected
- 7,000 trees planted
- 300 miles of habitat maintained and restored on the National Forest
- 200 urban trees pruned and planted
Major accomplishments of Corpsmembers include:
- Earning high school diplomas
- Enrolling in higher education programs
- Enrolling in the military
- Passing GED exams
- Securing new employment