History

A Brief History of the Larimer County Conservation Corps

In 1986 The Larimer County Workforce Center created a summer youth employment program called Operation Brightside with support from the local Anheuser-Busch brewery. Within this program youth participants made repairs and home improvements for elderly and disabled residents of Larimer County, Colorado. In 1993, Operation Brightside was reconceived in 1993 as the Larimer County Youth Conservation Corps (LCYCC) to address two key issues: the persistent challenges youth face in securing employment and gaining work experience; and to maintain local parks, open spaces, and natural lands for the enjoyment of the community.

In order to further our conservation efforts, the Larimer County Youth Conservation Corps was accredited by the Colorado Youth Corps Association (CYCA), which has allowed us to obtain fee-for service contracts with land management agencies and granted us access to the larger conservation corps network. In the summer season, we operate three programs which approach youth development from different angles within natural resources including land conservation, forestry, and sustainable agriculture. In the winter we operate a residential water and energy conservation program.

In 2012, the LCYCC has updated its mission and its name to the Larimer County Conservation Corps, (LCCC). In the next few years, we hope to expand our summer program to serve more community members and work on habitat restoration projects. In 2013, the LCCC will be celebrating its 20th year as a conservation corps.

Our Program and Goals

LCCC accomplishes these goals by implementing a variety of employment programs which operate throughout the year to emphasize individual development, community building, and conservation.  The goals of our organization are:

  1. To promote self-sufficiency in youth and young adults through skill development for personal and professional growth 
  2. To increase participants’ knowledge and awareness of community and environmental issues through education and service learning
  3. To complete meaningful and long-lasting conservation projects in Northern Colorado that benefits our environment and community

By promoting self discovery and growth, corpsmembers leave the corps as confident leaders, work ready, and invested members of the community.