Citizen Science, Outdoor Classrooms & A Civilian Climate Corps

Greetings Youth Corps Friends and Family!

It’s been a while since we updated you on the goings-on of our program, but we’ve been toiling away at studying for our HiSet Exams and working on a few projects: Urban Gateway, Warren County properties, and plantings with the NJ Audubon. The time just keeps going by faster and faster. Soon, we’ll be starting a new cohort and the process begins anew.

““Merrill Creek is thrilled to serve as a living laboratory for this innovative program. We feel fortunate to partner with Youth Corps of Phillipsburg and NJ Audubon to improve climate and ecological literacy in Corps members at a time when this type of education is so critically important.””

— Tanya Sulikowski, Environmental Specialist - Merrill Creek

As the warmer weather becomes cooler and days become shorter, our opportunities for outdoor work and classroom time will be less and less - but recently we conducted an exercise outside that was the culmination of time, weather - and patience. It also established a working relationship with the folks at Merrill Creek Reservoir - we’re really excited about that.

Months ago, I was having a conversation with our friend John Parke from NJ Audubon about how NJYC of Phillipsburg had greatly benefitted from the partnership formed between us through all the plantings we’d done together. I had mentioned that I would like for our Corpsmembers to have more opportunities for more technical applications relative to restoration work we were doing - specifically engaging our students in activities that scientifically assess the water bodies we were working in and around.

John came through in a big way! He was able to purchase some scientific equipment - data loggers - after securing funding via The Lower Delaware Wild & Scenic Management Council (www.lowerdelawarewildandscenic.org) These funds supported New Jersey Audubon’s Water Quality Monitoring through a NJ Youth Corps of Phillipsburg Partnership with funding from the National Parke Service (CFDA: 15.962 – National Wild and Scenic River System). We deployed the data loggers back in July and this past week we retrieved them, downloaded the data, and then interpreted the numbers. We were pleasantly surprised by what we found. Watch the video for more!

“...our data confirmed the water body was healthy””

The data revealed that the profile of the creek’s temperature and dissolved oxygen levels are suitable habitat for trout production - and that the habitat surrounding the water body was contributing to the overall health of the creek. The day was accentuated by doing some macroinvertebrate sampling - another parameter of assessing water quality. CM’s were able to wade into the stream, look under some rocks and see what kind of critters were in the creek. They were able to see the correlation between healthy waterbodies and healthy organisms. That fact - learning about that symbiotic relationship between the land and the water - was an important takeaway from the exercise. It was a wonderful teachable moment: Not only did it get our Corpsmembers out of the classroom and into the field (Corpsmember Gina: “it was cold, but I liked being out in the creek!”), but it also got them outside of the preconceived framework of their thinking toward how we interact and affect the world around us. It also provided our program partner with actionable data - our data confirmed the water body was healthy! This information could now better inform Merrill Creek personnel as to how they might proceed going forward with restoration work. Most importantly though - it provided environmentally affirming experiences. In the words of Corpsmember Miguel after doing a macroinvertebrate sampling, “Those bugs are cool.”

“NJ Audubon is very grateful to have worked with the NJ Youth Corps of Phillipsburg and the staff at Merrill Creek on this project because not only were the students able to see first-hand how natural vegetative cover helps maintain water quality conditions, but they were also able to get hands-on training and education to be citizen scientists evaluating what it takes to support healthy biological communities!”

— John Parke, NJ Audubon Stewardship Project Director - North Region

Staff & CM’s looking for macroinvertabrates

We are so excited about this project and the promise for future applications that it holds for our Corps. You may have heard lately about a Civilian Climate Corps - and this small project demonstrates the possibilities of what a modern version of a CCC can accomplish. As the youth we work with pursue their education through our program, we see this kind of work as a mutually advantageous relationship - it is service-learning manifested - the learning is in the doing.

As the vision of a Civilian Climate Corps starts to come into focus, we at NJYC of Phillipsburg are uniquely positioned as a Corps that is already doing this kind of work. Working with a community-based approach, being mindful, and involving a broad cross-section of our community is an incredibly powerful way in which we can transform not just the landscapes in which we do this work, but also in changing the hearts and minds of those doing the work. We’re excited about opportunities before us!

Big thanks to John Parke of NJ Audubon and Tanya Sulikowski of Merrill Creek Reservoir for your support and dedication to our Corps!

More next week, until then-

Michael

9/11 - Reflecting on 20 Years

Greetings YC Friends and family-

Tomorrow will mark the 20th Anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. It is hard to process the time passed, lives lost, and how much life has changed in that time.

The news of that day twenty years unfolded in such an odd way. Listening to the news radio in as I went to get a van to bring a crew out to clear the Morris Canal towpath trail - I heard initial reports of an ‘event’ at the World Trade Center - and without too much detail, I dismissed it and went about assembling tools and gathering the crew.

We left for the worksite, listening still to the news. As we sat waiting for our van to be fueled, the realities of what was happening in New York and Washington began to bombard our senses. Still, we pressed on - committing to the work of the day.

By the time we arrived at the worksite, all our attention was held captive to the sounds of reports on the radio. There we sat in our van, transfixed and unable to tear ourselves away from the news, each person processing the events in their own way. Some CM’s were visibly upset, others silent and somber. The images burned in my memory from that day are seen through the rearview mirror of the van, as I watched the reactions of my CM’s faces as their world changed in an instant - mine too. Some CM were crying, others had their faces pressed to the glass of the windows, looking to the sky for planes. I could never let them know how terrified I was at the time.

Recognizing the threat we were facing, we made the decision to return to the office and send students home. Some stayed around the office, lingering - and because the nature of the internet at the time (we still had dial-up), and that we had no television to watch - we still listened to the radio - offering our own theories and speculation as to what was happening, what was to happen. We kept the office open until directed by the state office to close - and by 3:00 pm - I locked up and went home. It had been some 7 hours or so since the events unfolded - and I had not yet seen any imagery from the day’s events - while most of America had been watching since the beginning - and there I sat stunned and horrified staring at the TV throughout the night - wondering how we could ever resume some semblance of normalcy ever again.

“Service to a higher cause can do that for you. It feels like a duty to maintain this place for everyone - and in doing so, feels like healing.”


”

Over the next few days and weeks, I began to clip articles, save newspapers and assemble stories in what I can only imagine as some sort of traumatic response - clearly, I was having a hard time processing things - the lives lost, the first responders sacrificing themselves in service, the seemingly endless mosaics of pictures taped to chainlink fences of the missing, families seeking any word on their loved ones - it was all so desperate and tragic. However, there was a grace and comfort I felt by seeing the sense of community and closeness we all felt in those weeks and months after. Getting back to work gave us some sense of normal, a return to routine. It was in that return that conversations we held as to what we could do to help - and aside from the donations to first responders and publicly expressing our support for the families of victims, we were at a loss to how to cathartically work through our grief.

In the ensuing months, one of our worksite partners, the NJ Tree Foundation had put forth a concept of planting a tree for every NJ victim of the attacks in a living memorial called the Grove of Remembrance at Liberty State Park. Through the vision and leadership of Lisa Simms, NJTF Director - the grove could provide a public space for reflection. Situated directly west of the southern tip of Manhattan, Liberty State Park was uniquely situated to take in survivors and the injured and served as a staging area in the rescue and recovery mission. It is a place of great significance relative to 9/11.

View fullsize

The crew 18 years ago above, yesterdays crew below.

As part of an army of volunteers, NJYC of Phillipsburg was just one of many to participate in the planting and subsequent maintenance of the Grove - and we’ve been back many times over the years. Being on the eve of such a significant milestone, we felt compelled to revisit and serve for the day there. The work was confined to spreading mulch in the beds around the planting. Most, if not all of our CM’s were not even born at the time of the events, so while they do not have the emotional connection of having lived through the events we did, they can understand the meaning and significance of the memorials.

We marveled at the growth of the trees, reflected on the passing of time - and because of the lack of people around, felt a feeling of solemnity as we walked around and in the Empty Sky memorial - a first time for most CM’s - I even found myself getting choked up while talking to them - finding it hard to tamper down the emotions I was feeling talking about the events of that day.

What I did expressly feel was a sense of peace and comfort revisiting and working in this place - service to a higher cause can do that for you. It feels like a duty to maintain this place for everyone - and in doing so, serving feels like healing.

Since I served in AmeriCorps in 1998, I have been in the service of others. It is by far the most rewarding work I have done. Being in service to others is the mechanism that changed the course of my life, and filled me with gratitude - as service to others is its own reward. Mahatma Gandhi said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others”. Truer words for me, have never been spoken.

““The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others”.”

— Gandhi

So - as you take your moments to pause and reflect tomorrow - consider also taking time to serve others. I can personally attest to the powers of service to others- it is a humbling, emotionally fulfilling, and healing process. You won’t regret it - in fact, our community, country, and the world need it from you.

Yours in Service-

Michael

#9/11 #ServiceToOthers #AlwaysRemember

a video from our day of reflection and service at the Grove.

CorpsMember Spotlight

Greetings YC Friends and Family!

We’ve been pushing through our latest cohort, and we’re seeing the warmer weather start to cool off. Growing season is starting to slow down and this morning there is a hint of the coming fall.

We are just past the halfway point in our latest cohort, and the Corpsmembers are now preparing to take the first sections of the HiSet Exam in a few weeks. They have been working hard in the classroom to master their subjects, and are building confidence toward their academic goals.

While they have been working, our Transition Team (TT) members have been working too. Transition Team members are in Stage Two of the NJ Youth Corps experience, getting some additional help on workplace readiness skills, academics, and leadership of the current cohort. We rely heavily on the TT members to set the example for our current members - showing them the ropes, and leading by example. It is a good way to develop leadership skills - and get some needed additional supports from the NJYC staff.

CorpsMember Spotlight - Sanaya H.

One TT member deserves the spotlight this week. Miss Sanaya H. - ‘Naya’ to everyone at the Corps. Naya started with the last cohort and completed the NJYC program successfully, but needed some additional assistance in mathematics - as she did not pass that section on her HSE exam. Admittedly frustrated she was not able to graduate and walk for her diploma in June, Naya picked herself up, and got right back to working on her goals of obtaining her diploma.

““I’m a lot wiser today than I was before I came to NJYC.””

— Sanaya H.

Working with staff, Naya took opportunities when available to brush up on her math, and after a few weeks of studying, took the math section again - only to be disappointed with her effort - she didn’t pass again. Now facing the last of three attempts for the math sub-section, the pressure was really on her. She was not discouraged, but admittedly concerned. Even if she passed the math section with the bare minimum score, she would still need one additional point to meet the overall total score. The pressure was on. Soon, she got right back to work.

Last week Naya nervously walked into the office, feeling a little apprehensive about taking the math section again. After a pep talk from staff and few deep breaths, she sat down at the computer, closed the office door - and gave it one last try. She waited patiently for the online proctor to start the exam and with the ensuing quiet, we knew she had started the test and was underway. We spent the next 90 minutes on pins and needles - until we heard the familiar sound of the creaking office door of the ‘testing center’ opening - out of which Naya would emerge with her tell-tale smile - she had passed - just squeaking it out with the minimum required score - but ever optimistic, Naya was relieved - “At least that’s behind me now!” she said.

Even with this accomplishment, it came with the additional responsibility of obtaining that last extra point she would need to pass overall. So, on Thursday this past week - Naya came in to retake the reading portion of her exam (her strongest subject) - and to no one’s surprise, she emerged with that same smile - happily reporting she passed with a higher score than her previous reading test - going from a 9 to a 10 - and had now earned her HSE diploma!

Sanaya and Crew Leader David Smith, celebrating moments after passing her test!

Sanaya has reflected on her experience at Youth Corps - a brief interview with her conducted by Chris Mugavero (‘Mr. Chris’), our Transitions Coordinator revealed some of her insights:

Mr. Chris: How did you hear about NJYC?

Sanaya: “My older cousins came to YC. When my home burned down, I moved to Phillipsburg, and my aunt told me about NJYC.”

Mr. Chris: How have you grown while at NJYC?

Sanaya: “I’m a lot wiser today than I was before I came to NJYC. I came to the realization that violence isn’t the way to solve problems, also, I can now see a future for myself.”

Mr. Chris: What was the hardest thing about NJYC?

Sanaya: “The hardest thing for me was moving from student to Transition Team member. I had to learn how to adapt to more challenging roles & responsibilities.”

Mr. Chris: What is your favorite NJYC memory?

Sanaya: “It would be my first workday at NJYC at Walter’s Park. I loved working with my fellow Corpsmembers, as well as the NJYC staff. When I went home that day, I knew I was going to enjoy it here.”

Mr. Chris: What are you most proud of?

Sanaya: “The fact that I didn’t give up on myself, or NJYC, and decided to continue to pursue getting my diploma.”

Way back in March when I first met Sanaya at her interview - I could tell she was motivated, serious, and intentional. I’ve interviewed a lot of young men and women over the years but had an especially good feeling about her. Her smile is infectious, her energy is boundless - she is fierce! Hardworking from the jump, she displayed natural leadership when the opportunity arose - We could all tell this young woman was going places. It was hard work to corral her energy on some days, but she was always respectful and appreciative. Sanaya plans on enrolling in college soon, we are confident that she will be successful in whatever she sets her mind to. She is a perfect example that hard work and determination lead to success - even if you hit some roadblocks along the way.

Please join us in congratulating Sanaya on this monumental occasion!

Until next time - be safe, stay well!

Michael

Here we go again!

Greetings YC friends and Family!

It’s hard to believe we just wrapped up a cohort and are beginning the same intensive process all over again. While the process occasionally feels Sisyphean - our Corpsmembers always have the ability to make the staff’s effort meaningful, thereby culminating in a positive experience for all.

We hit the ground running with our 82nd class on July 6th - bringing in a new cohort. The first days are always a little lopsided - with staff bringing the energy and recruits bringing a lot of skepticism. But in short order, a system of routine - and all the hiccups that come with it - started. It was encouraging to see this group dynamic form.

Class 82 got to work in the classroom by performing their usual assessments, but also did a lot of team building activities - from simple ‘get-to-know-you’ stuff to exploring communication styles and even testing the newly formed bonds they were shaping in designing a better system to drop an egg without breaking it. Check out the video capturing these moments here, or just click the image of the video below.

Catch a glimpse of the activities included in Orientation

Once inducted, the Corpsmembers begin the rhythmic cycle of academic days and service days. It can be more challenging than you think - but the day-in-day-out routine works for our youth. Their first day of service was spent out on Warren County Parkland - specifically Bread Lock Park (BLP) along route 57 in Stewartsville, NJ. A premiere site along the historic Morris Canal Greenway, Lock 7 West became known as “Bread Lock” because the store at the end of the lock sold goods to boatmen passing through back in the mid-19th century, including homemade bread and pies. While still buried, the remains of the lock itself speak to the historical significance of this site as part of the larger Morris Canal Greenway. Today, a short section of the canal has been cleared and offers a lovely walk where you can see the prism that once held water and towpath traveled by mules pulling the boats along. Visitors can also enjoy the nature and exercise trails around the perimeter of the park, as well as the Historic Learning Center. NJYC of Phillipsburg has been maintaining BLP as part of our larger fee-for-service contract with the Warren County Department of Land Preservation. You can check out the work the crew did on their very first service day here or by clicking the video image below.

In developing our service projects over the years, we’ve been trying to increase the program’s capacity to serve our community while developing more technologically demanding, in-demand skills for our Corpsmembers to apply. This past week we took a big step toward that goal. Working with NJ Audubon and our new friends at Merrill Creek Reservoir, we installed data loggers along a section of Upper Merrill Creek to record temperature and dissolved oxygen (DO) levels. These loggers were installed at the headwaters of the creek and two other locations downstream. In a few months, we’ll come back, retrieve them, and then download the data. The data will reflect certain dynamics that will inform us as to potential restoration efforts that might be implemented along the waterway. Check out the video of the installation process here or click below on the video link.

Overall, it has been a busy month - and we’re already 1/4 the way through this cohort! Looking ahead to August, we’ll be updating you on some work we’ll be doing along South Main Street in Phillipsburg - with support from our NJDOT Urban Gateway Enhancement Grant and funds from the NORWESCAP Community Development Team - we look to make an impact downtown!

We’ll also look to share our preparations for our 9/11 Day of Service & Remembrance, update you on the progress we’re making toward our current cohorts’ academic goals as well as some highlights from following up with former YC Alumni!

click to go to the Warren County Civid-19 website

Lastly - we want to remind everyone to be safe out there. The current uptick in reported cases of COVID-19 in our region means more than likely an impact that the more infectious and easily transmissible Delta variant may be on the rise. We encourage you to visit the Warren County website for more information on current protocols, vaccination sites, etc. We have found the County website immensely helpful in guiding our team in implementing safe practices and protocols throughout the pandemic and we appreciate the resources they provide - check them out!

Until then, be safe & stay healthy!

Michael

Update from White Lake!

NOTE: This weeks’ blog space is taken over by White Lake Preserve Manager Aaron Rosado -

Hey everyone, Aaron here - Greetings from White Lake!

Happy Summer! Here at White Lake, we are feeling the full effects of the season!

(An Eastern Tiger Swallowtail fanning out its wings on a Wild Bergamot)

The lake, meadows, and along the trails are all lively with a plethora of flora and fauna! However, not every plant and animal you see is a native species. In fact, a good amount of what you notice will actually be considered invasive species.

(A common invasive plant,  Multiflora Rose, is seen in a meadow where it shows early stages of Rose Rosette Disease, a viral rose disease spread by mites.) 

The problem with invasive species is they disrupt ecosystems. Invasive plants and animals can thrive and spread aggressively due to the lack of native predators. This can result in detrimental consequences, like causing damage to habitats or “replacing” native species.

(The highly invasive Phragmites is seen taking over the lakeshore. It has already made its presence around the perimeter of the lake)

(The highly invasive Phragmites is seen taking over the lakeshore. It has already made its presence around the perimeter of the lake)

Preventive actions can be taken on invasives, such as spraying herbicide, physical removal, and constant vigilance. For example, when taking out an aquatic vessel, be sure to clean and inspect for any plant matter on your kayak, paddle board, and oars before going out on the water. The same should be done with fishing equipment, hooks, baits, and lures.

(Native Butterfly Milkweed is seen hosting a couple of  bumblebees. Butterflies, bees, and birds are examples of pollinators, organisms that help the transfer of pollen so flowering plants can reproduce.)

So, the next time you walk outside, try and see what plants and animals are native and which are invasive.  The more you know, the more you can help in joining us in reducing invasive spread and promotion of native species! 

See you out on the trails (or the lake!) -

Until then-

Aaron

"Could we 'BEE' any busier?"

Greetings Friends!

View fullsize

While we did not watch the Friends Reunion show, we hope you read the title of this week’s post in Chandler Bing’s sarcastic tone….it was a busy month of good news. From seeing our pollinator meadow starting to bloom to obtaining high school diplomas, to receiving news of being awarded a $32,000 NJ DOT grant and having our NJYC grant renewed; a lot has been happening!

In June we observed National Pride Month, Great Outdoors Month, National Trails Day, and National Pollinator Week. We also celebrated with an in-person, outdoor graduation ceremony for every diploma earned through the pandemic. It was a busy month! Here’s a look at what we did:

Service Learning Project Highlights

June began with our last cohort of FY21 wrapping up. The crew was firing on all cylinders - starting the month off with our National Trails Day project, building and installing some puncheons along a section of the Morris Canal Greenway Trail in Hackettstown. The puncheons will allow hikers to traverse the landscape without getting their feet wet and muddy. Check out the video we made of our event here or by clicking the image the right.

View fullsize

In preparing for Pollinator Week, on June 17th, we worked alongside program partners NJ Audubon on a native plant installation outside of the Mars Wrigley facility in Hackettstown. This project was the 2nd stage of a planting that began last year. (See here for that video.) This year’s planting included donations from the Xerces Society - a science-based nonprofit organization that protects wildlife through the conservation of invertebrates and their habitats. NJ Audubon secured a grant from the Xerces Society for the planting materials. See a video from our planting here or by clicking the link above!

Speaking of Pollinator Week - check out the progress our pollinator meadow has made in the past year since we installed it! We compiled some footage from last year to this year - check it out! The growth since last year is impressive, and we’ll be thinning plants come the fall for propagation and future plantings.

Mission Accomplished!

Cohort 3 - the final cohort of FY21 completed the Stage One portion of the NJYC program on Friday, June 25th. (Succesful completion is obtained by maintaining 85% attendance overall, completing a 16-week Employability skills curriculum, and completing 140 hours of Service Learning Projects) We celebrated the collective achievements of Class 81, a group that averaged 156 hours of service per CM (140 hours is required to meet our benchmark), and earned 8 diplomas! You can see their happy, smiling faces here or by clicking on Jaden’s handsome face above. They all now begin Stage Two of the program, with eight of the CM’s securing employment, and two of them accepting placement of the Transition Team (formerly the Full-Time Crew).

Graduation!

On Tuesday, June 29th we were finally gathered to host our official Cap-and-Gown Graduation Ceremony - but boy, was it a scorcher! We picked the hottest day of the year, and amid the sweltering heat, we celebrated every diploma earned throughout the pandemic. Check out the video from the event here or click below.

‘NEW’ NJ Youth Corps programs!

It was a crazy pace to finish off the program year, but there is no rest for the weary. Fresh with the news of being awarded the NJYC program grant for FY22 - we now have 13 NJYC programs throughout NJ! Join us in welcoming Leaders4Life (Newark), JEVS Human Services (Atlantic City), and United Way of Greater Union County (Elizabeth) as new NJYC program entities! Welcome to the NJYC family!

We here in Phillipsburg have already started with a new cohort in Orientation for FY22! We began on Tuesday, July 6th, and will induct the newest cohort this coming Friday, July 16th. Hard to believe we’re starting a new group when it feels like the last one just began!

And so the cycle repeats.

Even as we start our 82nd class of Corpsmembers, there is excitement and anxiety in the air as we get to know our new recruits. we will keep you posted on them in the next post - so until then-

Be well, and stay cool!

Michael

Follow us on our socials:

Buzzing right along....

Greetings Friends!

We’re now almost 3/4 way through our current cohort, and things are moving right along. Warmer weather is starting - meaning lots of opportunities to be outside, and we haven’t wasted any of those opportunities. When possible, we’ve been conducting our classes outdoors - even conducting a Forklift Training right outside our building at our picnic area!

View fullsize

Ms. Thea and her famous good luck frog shoes!

Last week, Ten (10) members of NJYC Phillipsburg took the first of the 5 subtests that they need to pass to earn their high school diploma. We are happy to report that nine (9) passed! We received this report from our instructor Ms. Thea that she typed up waiting patiently outside the testing center at Morris County VoTech while wearing her stylish, good luck ‘frog shoes’:

“For over two decades I have been assisting and supporting hundreds of Youth Corps members on their journey to earn their high school diploma. Every three to four months, I assure anxious Corpsmembers that they are very capable of passing the exams required to earn their high school diploma and every three to four months I beam with pride when they do exactly what they and probably others, had doubted...they pass the test. Many people falsely think that taking the high school equivalency test is an easy way out, but no less is expected of HSE candidates than their traditional high school counterparts. The rigors of the exam often change to reflect current secondary education level expectations. Did you know that GED testing started as a service ONLY for veterans returning to civilian life after leaving high school to serve their country during WWII? In a 1946 study of 1500 veterans to 1500 non-veterans at the University of California in Los Angeles, it was determined that veterans performed better because of their maturity and stronger motivation. The very same could be said of our students, it’s their strong motivation to move toward a brighter future that pushes them to succeed; though some of my former students may tell you that it’s all in the lucky frog shoes!”

We look to have more good news to report soon, as CM’s will be testing more in the first full week of June. For now, they have a lot of motivation and encouragement from their first successes - wish ‘em luck!

View fullsize

CM’s with resident Bill Benz and Comeback Cafe’ owner Clayton Mitchell

On the Service Learning Project front - we’ve been busy as well. Keeping things looking ‘ship-shape’ was a theme. Corpsmembers spruced up the historic district along the S. Main Street corridor - trimming along sidewalks, pruning street trees, picking up litter, and planting flowers. It was incredibly gratifying in a way that our more remote service projects are not - we got waves, shout-outs of appreciation - and were able to interact with residents and business owners, informing them about the NJYC program, and networking in a really positive way. Corpsmembers planted a donated tree, learned about some employment opportunities from a local restaurant, and were treated to some ice cream at the end of the day.

click above to see the video!

---

View fullsize

Corpsmembers at the Oxford Furnace - with thier new friend.

View fullsize

images of Oxford Furnace

Corpsmembers also pitched in at Shippen Manor and the Oxford Furnace in Oxford, NJ. The furnace and adjacent property were in need of some TLC - we removed older damaged split rail fencing around the perimeter of the property, and removed other accumulated debris from the site. We even made a new friend with a milk snake the CM’s discovered!

View fullsize

at the Karen Nash Memorial Butterfly Garden.

We even got an afternoon of work in at the Karen Nash Memorial Butterfly Garden - working with Ms. Diana Dove, CM’s were able to clean out some planter beds to make room for new growth, and learned about native species of plants and the benefits they provide all pollinator species.

Speaking of pollinators - Thursday, May 20th, 2021 was #WorldBeeDay - and we made sure to make it out to the hive to thank our girls for all their hard work. In the news, we saw that Angelina Jolie decided to celebrate in a particularly interesting way. We love our bees, but have to tip our cap to Ms. Joile for her determination in making that kind of statement!

We got out to our hive this past week to check up on our hive and *knock wood* things were looking good. Corpsmember Will (seen below) while inspecting the hive even got to see the queen!

View fullsize

View fullsize

Lastly - yesterday was the final workday for our Transition Team member Kai Wilson. Kai began NJYC in November 2020. He completed Stage 1 of our program in March, obtaining his Diploma - and then continued our Stage 2 Transition Team, working on Service Projects and setting a good example for incoming Corpsmembers. Kai has secured work with a landscaping firm, and no doubt his NJYC experience will come in handy. Kai’s friendly disposition and positive attitude were infectious, and we will miss seeing him every day - but we are so proud of him for all he’s done since starting here 7 months ago! Best of luck, Kai!

Next week we will update you on our gardens - and hopefully, begin in starting to share the stories of our current CM’s - how they came to NJYC, what their experience has been like, and where they see themselves going. We think it will be interesting - our CM’s always have a lot to say!

Until then - ever forward-

Michael

News from White Lake

Greetings from White Lake Natural Resource Area! The busy season is beginning here at White Lake.

View fullsize

(A Snapping Turtle is seen walking near a wetland area, possibly on its way to lay eggs.)

 With nice weather, comes visitors; hikers, anglers, kayakers, dog-walkers, birders, and... beavers?!?

View fullsize

A beaver dam blocks the only outlet to the Paulinskill River

That’s right! Beavers have been spotted at White Lake before, whether it is evidence of them, (beaver lodge within reeds or fallen trees with shavings near it) or actually seeing them! 

There are pros and cons when it comes to beaver dams, in some cases they can improve the ecosystem by creating wetlands and acting as a filter for toxins.  In other cases, they can negatively impact the surrounding environment by slowing the flow of water, building up silt, or flooding the surrounding area. For White Lake, there is only one outlet, so it is important to keep it clear to prevent flooding.

View fullsize

Same outlet but with the beaver dam dismantled.

View fullsize

a side by side comparison.

If you are visiting, keep an eye out for the beavers. They are often seen at dusk! Be safe and hope to see you soon!

-Aaron 

Hitting our Stride.

Greetings Everyone!

View fullsize

Sanaya, Livy and Nicholas spruced up the sign at Bread Lock Park this week!

Another week in the books - literally and figuratively. CM’s are plugging away in the classroom preparing for taking their first few HSE tests next week, and they’ve also been logging hours on Service Projects. This past week CM’s worked mowing and trimming at Bread Lock Park & Port Warren (plating some flowers at the former) and maintained the South Main Street Gateway site. Check out their work at the latter location here.

View fullsize

Josh (l) and Will (c) visited us!

This past week was Teacher Appreciation Week - and we hope you reached out to your favorite (past or present) to thank them for all they do. I read a quote recently that said “a teacher is one who makes themselves progressively unnecessary”. - and while we at YC would love nothing more than to see our students graduate and be so successful that they are too busy being successful to stop by and see us - we do enjoy their visits. This past week Will M. & Josh B. stopped by to let us know how they were doing (Will is in college and Josh just bought a home!). AND we learned that Tevonne D. is in the United States Army now - we could not be more proud!

View fullsize

Specialist Tevonne Dorsey (3rd from r.) marching in formation in Fort Jackson, SC.

Next week we look to update you all on how ur CM’s fared taking their tests, show you some work we’re doing along South Main Street, and update you on our project plans for National Trails Day coming up in June.

Until then- stay safe & be well -

Ever Forward-

Michael

View fullsize

This crew!

Another busy week!

Greetings again friends!

Another week in the books - We are almost 1/2 way through this cohort already! it never ceases to amaze us how fast time flies at NJYC!

View fullsize

CM Sanaya made friends with a snail this week in the garden.

View fullsize

Corpsmembers have been working hard in the classroom and staff are working hard to schedule them to take their exams in the next few weeks. Soon the air at our offices will be filled with some anxiousness - but we are confident in our CM’s abilities even when they are not.

Click to see the video from our work last Saturday!

Last Saturday, we joined with NORWESCAP’S Office of Community Development and community members to participate in their 3rd annual Community Day of Action. See the video from our day here.

This past week we worked at Shippen Manor, removed debris from the Warren County Parks Foundation’s clean up event at Florence Kuipers Park, mowed at Plane 9, Spruced up one of the Welcome to Phillipsburg signs, and even planted our gardens at the Stine Farm.

View fullsize

Next week we’ll be continuing our gardening work, will catch you up to speed on our pollinator habitat, and hopefully have some news on some grant opportunities we recently applied for. Until then, stay safe and healthy!

Ever forward-

Michael

View fullsize

outside our offices in Walters Park, a maple seedling takes root in the cavity of a chestnut tree.

First Steps. Deep Breaths.

Greetings Friends -

Another week in the books - this cohort is going by really quickly!

This past week we got a lot done - and for most of our crew, it was the first time doing the types of work undertaken. People began weed-whacking that never did before. People used zero-turn mowers that never did before - it wasn’t easy and it wasn’t without some hiccups, but they all did a great job!

We worked at Bread Lock Park mowing, The Stine Farm weeding the Pollinator Garden, we maintained the Strykers Road trailheads and trail from Rte. 22 to 519, and did a litter sweep there - as well as at the Gateway Site along South Main Street in Phillipsburg. Add in some tool & vehicle Maintenance and a sidewalk chalk mural to celebrate Earth Day - and you can see it was a busy week. Rather than write about it, we’ll let the images speak for us. Roll that beautiful team footage!

More next week as start to plan for Arbor Day - and report out on the Community Day of Action with NORWESCAP.

Ever forward - until then-

Michael

Hoppin' to it!

View fullsize

the manicured lawns at Bread Lock Park

Greetings Friends!

Another week in the books for Class 81- and they got a lot done!

View fullsize

The Crew trimming the steep slopes at Shippen Manor in Oxford, NJ

Mowing season began and the properties at Bread Lock Park, Port Warren and Shippen Manor saw their first cuts of the year - We have been maintaining these parks fr some 12 years now, and are very proud of the work we do!

View fullsize

The trail at Port Warren

While working at Port Warren, Corpsmembers have been busy cutting, trimming, and brush-cutting the perimeter of the upper fields to establish a loop trail. Coming in at just under a mile (.89) - this new trail will provide additional hiking activities and some beautiful viewsheds. All we need to do now is add the blazes! (see pics below)

View fullsize

Nicholas & Cody thin the seedlings for optimal growth.

At the Stine Farm, CM’s were busy preparing the garden beds for planting. We cleared out the beds, added some topsoil to build the beds up - and now we wait for the threat of frost to pass. Back at the YC offices in Walters Park, our growing cart was working its magic, and CM’s were thinning the plants to prepare them for planting/sale.

Next week we’ll be focusing on Earth Day and the 3rd Annual NORWESCAP Community Day of Action. Check out what we did last year by clicking here. NJYC will again be working in Shappell Park - and the park has really been transformed over the past year. A refurbished gazebo, improved landscaping and now a designated outdoor dining area - the park is becoming the center of the downtown business district. Join us on Saturday April 24th, 2021 from 8:30 am to 11:30 am! Kudos to Phillipsburg Parks and Recreation, NORWESCAP Community Development, and the Phillipsburg Downtown Association for bringing the resources and energy to improve downtown!

More next week - we look forward to getting out hands dirty!

Ever Forward-

Michael

View fullsize

Crew clearing the loop trail at Port Warren.

Getting things Growing!

Greetings Friends!

Another week has passed in our last cohort of the fiscal year - and while spring is on the march outside, we have started planning our gardens inside.

View fullsize

the Morris Canal Greenway Trail from the O’Dowd Farm to Bread Lock Park, 2 miles.

View fullsize

Working on the perimeter trail at Port Warren.

We also got some trail work done by clearing the perimeter trail at Port Warren Park. CM’s are establishing a 1-mile trail around the perimeter of the cornfields there and while doing so are learning about land use issues, and balancing the need for farmland preservation while promoting outdoor recreation activities.

We were out at Bread Lock park this week clearing downed trees at the Bread Lock Park trail that stretches from BLP to Richline Road. This section of the Morris Canal Greenway Trail actually extends approximately 2 miles from BLP to the O’Dowd Farm in Stewartsville.

While it feels great to be back into a ‘normal’ rhythm, it is not without hiccups -but we are hitting our stride. Over the next few weeks, we will be celebrating Earth Day and planting some trees in Walters Park for Arbor Day. Looming large on our calendar is the NORWESCAP Community Day of Action on Saturday, April 24th, 2021. It will be an event that brings out the best in all of Phillipsburg - and we hope to be present in good numbers to do some work in Shappell Park.

More next week - have a great weekend!

Michael

View fullsize

From obstacle to amenity: downed trees are turned into makeshift benches along the Morris Canal Greenway Trail at Bread Lock Park.

News From White Lake!

Greetings from White Lake!

It has been quite the winter (and quite a year!), but, now that Spring is here and the snow has melted, things are becoming a little more lively around the park. 

(A Piebald White-Tail Deer spotted on the Green Trail in mid-February. Piebald is a genetic abnormality, causing a lack of pigmentation in the deer’s coat.)

The shrills of the Red-Winged Black Bird can be heard almost every morning, swallows can be seen flying above the fields, and the redbuds are making themselves apparent in the once bare Red Maples… yes, indeed Spring is here.

Recently three of our fields have been mowed for a late-winter cut, which helps alleviate the growth of invasive plants; mugwort, multi-flora rose, and ailanthus (just to name a few). In addition,  we have continuously cleared all trails, allowing safe access throughout, and have just had NJ Fish and Wildlife stock our 60-acre lake with Trout!

(A view of White Lake from the Blue Trail, this was one of the fields that was mowed.)

(A notice from NJ Fish and Wildlife informing Anglers of a recent date change for the 2021 Fishing Season.)

With the warm weather just around the corner, White Lake will be the place to go for a number of outdoor activities such as; hiking, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and birding

We look forward to an awesome season and will keep you all posted with what’s happening around the lake! Remember to social distance, be safe, and see you soon!

-Aaron