Chesapeake Conservation Corps' Newest Members Introduced

EDGEWATER, MD — The Chesapeake Bay Trust has unveiled its newest class in the Chesapeake Conservation Corps, a program created by the Maryland Legislature to invest in the state’s

young people by providing valuable job skills training while promoting the green economy in Maryland.

The program matches young people ages 18-25 with non-profit and government organizations for one-year terms of service, focused on improving local communities and protecting natural resources.

“The Chesapeake Conservation Corps is a great program – combining skills-based, hands-on learning for Maryland young people with an opportunity to improve our environment and clean up the Bay,” said U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen in a statement. “I’m proud to join this year’s ‘Passing of the Golden Shovel’ Ceremony to highlight the work done by the Corps and its participants. I will continue to support crucial efforts, such as these, to restore and promote the health of the Bay.”

Since the program began in 2010 with an inaugural class of 16 members, the Corps has nearly tripled in size due to its popularity among young people pursing environmental occupations and the organizations that host Corps Members each year. It has become a premier launching pad for green careers and a reliable resource for environmentally focused organizations who are recruiting the next generation of environmental professionals.

During their year of service, Conservation Corps Members will gain valuable on-the-job experience as they work to advance environmental conservation, K-12 education, energy efficiency programs, sustainable agriculture practices, and a host of other environmentally focused initiatives. On Aug. 20, 37 Corps participants met their 32 host organizations at Camp Letts in Edgewater to learn more about their job responsibilities for the upcoming year.

Funds for the program are provided by the Chesapeake Bay Trust, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the U.S. National Park Service and Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE), among others.

"Young people are the future of conservation. The partnership between the National Park Service and the Chesapeake Bay Trust continues to successfully engage and prepare the next generation of Chesapeake stewards, and they in-turn inspire and help us achieve our mutual conservation goals together,” said Wendy O’Sullivan, superintendent of the Chesapeake Bay office of the National Park Service, in a statement.

Of the 37 selected participants, eight will work in Anne Arundel County, four in Prince George’s County, three each in Baltimore City, Frederick, Howard, Montgomery and Talbot counties, two each in Allegany, Calvert, Kent and Worcester Counties, one in Washington County and one in Pennsylvania.