For more than three decades, the California Conservation Corps (CCC) has brought diverse young adults in their late teens and early 20s to Yosemite to spend a season restoring trails, learning about environmental stewardship, and developing important work and life skills.

This 2016 CCC crew focused on restoration projects in the Tuolumne River watershed. During their season in the park, the crew completed important repairs and rehabilitation in the Grand Canyon of the Tuolumne, Pate Valley, Rodgers Meadow, and more. Working alongside Yosemite experts, crew members honed a variety of practical restoration skills, such as building terrace steps and retaining walls, rebuilding damaged sections of trail and using riprap to help prevent erosion.

Along the way, participants learned how high-quality trails help protect natural resources and provide visitors with safe access to the wilderness. They also learned about themselves: “This was an unforgettable experience,” one 2016 participant wrote. “I found I have certain level of toughness and responsibility.” Another crew member shared that the “simple” backcountry life had led to close friendships and improved self-awareness.

Your support helped fund important improvements on Yosemite’s beloved trails while helping to shape the next generation of park stewards. Thank you for supporting your park!