Created only three years ago, the Lopez Island Conservation Corps (LICC) harnesses the power and enthusiasm of youth while engaging in sustainable community partnerships to encourage healthy choices, appreciation for nature, personal development, environmental education, and exposure to natural resource protection. The LICC consists of individuals 14-18 years of age, and over the course of many events, the group has logged over 800 hours of service. In the summer of 2008 alone, the group maintained over five miles of trail in remote island settings, helping to improve habitats, defend native plants, open trails for public use, and protect marine mammals and waterfowl from litter and plastics. With the complete involvement of the local rural community, the youth benefited from positive teamwork and a collective sense of ownership over the land. The LICC served as a nexus point for local organizations to work together towards providing youth opportunities to affect real change. Bringing together senior centers, food stores, Parks Departments, the Bureau of Land Management, local volunteers and families, LICC has done more than just motivate youth; it has rallied an entire rural community into finding value in a new organization that protects their local environment. The LICC demonstrates that even small groups of highly dedicated volunteers can make a huge impact.

OUTSTANDING YOUTH VOLUNTEER GROUP – Lopez Island Conservation Corps

Deputy Secretary of the Interior, David Hayes, accepting the award, Wild and Scenic River Specialist for the Bureau of Land Management, Joe Asher, and Group Leader, Josh Cook, joining them, Director of Take Pride in America, Lisa Young.