259 Teens Graduate from Maryland's Conservation Jobs Corps

After completing a six-week summer jobs program, 259 teens gathered at North Point State Park's trolley pavilion Aug. 2 for a graduation ceremony.

The disadvantaged teens graduated from the Maryland Conservation Jobs Corps, through which they completed projects that helped restore Maryland state parks while receiving green jobs experience and nurturing an appreciation for nature, according to a statement from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

This summer, Maryland Conservation Corps members, Maryland Park Service staff members and Conservation Jobs Corps crew chiefs led projects and provided mentoring for jobs corps crews at Assateague, Gunpowder Falls, Patapsco Valley and Susquehanna State parks, as well as the Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary and the Gwynns Falls Trail Park, according to the statement.

Throughout the course of the program, participating teens cleaned and improved park trails, removed invasive species, planted trees, installed trail signs, built deer and turtle enclosures and performed many other basic landscaping and construction jobs.

"Those who participate in the CJC program learn a lot and seem to gain a newfound awareness of nature," Maryland Park Service Superintendent Nita Settina said in the statement. "And, as in past years, we are so thankful that the added manpower helped complete work in state parks that would have cost the state more than $2.5 million."

During the program, workers were also able to enjoy recreational activities, including kayaking, camping, hiking and other outdoor activities "that teach important skills and foster a personal connection with nature," according to the statement.

Since its inception in 2008, CJC has graduated about 1,800 disadvanatged youths ages 14 to 17, proving them with skills that will prepare them for many different careers and a "lifetime of healthy outdoor recreation," officials said.