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YCC CrewThe Youth Conservation Corps has completed many important tasks each summer including trail maintenance, posting signs, habitat and wildlife monitoring, and completing many other tasks that helps maintain its status as a great place to visit.

Volunteers provide their skills and energy in a variety of ways, working with refuge staff and other volunteers as part of a team.  You'll gain knowledge about the refuge, our purpose and projects, as well as the many wildlife species that make their homes here.  

 

Volunteers at Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge can participate in a wide variety of visitor services and biological programs. Some of our activities include prairie seed collection, wildflower gardening, wildlife surveys, environmental education, interpretive programs, planning and hosting events, greeting and assisting visitors at our headquarters reception desk, trail maintenance and litter pickup. If you are interested in volunteering, please complete and send us an application.  If you have questions, or wish to speak with the staff, call the refuge at 763-389-3323.

 

Complete this application and send it to the Volunteer Coordinator by email: sherburne@fws.gov or regular mail:  Sherburne NWR, 17076 293rd Ave, Zimmerman, MN  55398.  We'll be in touch with you to schedule a time when you can come for an interview to discuss work that interests you, and how best to match your skills and talents to our programs.

 

Natural Resources Volunteer Application (PDF) 

The Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) is a paid summer position for students ages 15 to 18. The YCC program is a well-balanced work-learn-earn program that develops an understanding and appreciation in participating youth of the Nation's environment and heritage. YCC offers gainful summer employment to youth in a healthful outdoor atmosphere.

Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge hires a YCC crew every summer season for eight weeks from early June to early August. The program compensates the participants at the Federal minimum wage. We advertise and take applications around late-March. Applicants are Not eligible if they turn 19 prior to the end of the program in August and must be 15 by the starting date in June. 


Projects include but are not limited to:

  • Nature trail construction and maintenance
  • Building, sign, grounds and equipment maintenance
  • Weed and invasive control
  • Environmental education
  • Biological monitoring
  • Learn about careers in the Fish and Wildlife Service and the conservation of natural resources
 
Participants will do hard physical work and may be exposed to biting insects, poison ivy, adverse weather and difficult working conditions. Some jobs may not be fun or may be a bit monotonous, but in the end most participants enjoyed the experience overall and are glad they had the opportunity.

For more information or questions contact the YCC Coordinator at 763-389-3323 or sherburne@fws.gov. 

 
Last Updated: Feb 24, 2016
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