The YouthBuild, Natural Resource Crew, and Youth Garden
crews built additional shed space, constructed a roof for a chicken coop,
harvested winter kale, mulched multiple beds, turned some imposing compost
piles, dug up and replanted perennials, assembled and varnished garden plot
signs, and mowed and weedwhacked the one-acre community garden during the
five-hour work party. Corvallis Environmental Center Garden Manager Deanna Lloyd expressed her appreciation to the crews, stating that “it would have taken us weeks to accomplish what you all have done in one day. SAGE and our community really benefits from all the hard work you put in.”
The youth crews all are part of the Oregon Youth Conservation Corps network, and enroll approximately 35 members between the ages of 16-24 throughout Linn, Benton, and Lincoln counties. Though each program has a different focus, all programs include opportunities for completing high school, building work-readiness skills and preparing for employment and college.
CSC YouthBuild AmeriCorps is based out of Linn County, and
is a pre-apprenticeship program designed to help students earn their high
school diplomas or GEDs, and gain occupational skills and work experience by
building, repairing or renovating houses for low-income families.
Natural Resource Crews, based out of Lincoln County, provide
youth with extensive science and environmental education through projects
focused on natural resource conservation and habitat restoration. The crews
complete conservation projects in natural areas throughout Lincoln County,
partnering with organizations such as The Nature Conservancy, OSU Hatfield
Marine Science Center, Oregon State Parks, US Forest Service and local
watershed councils.
The CSC Youth Garden crew, based out of Benton County, is
responsible for caring for the CSC Youth Garden at the corner of 2nd and
Western in Corvallis. The youth tend over 40 raised beds without the use of
herbicides or pesticides. The sustainably raised produce is sold at the
Corvallis Farmers’ Market throughout the year at their market booth.
The CSC Youth Crews look forward to working with the
Corvallis Environmental Center on other projects, as well as other
community-building activities throughout the year.
For more information on Community Service Consortium’s Youth
Programs, visit
http://communityservices.us/education/detail/category/youth-programs/.
Community Services Consortium (CSC) is a state-designated
Community Action Agency serving Linn, Benton and Lincoln counties with housing,
nutrition, economic stability, and educational assistance programs since 1980.
To support our Youth Programs or any of CSC’s poverty-fighting programs and
services, visit our website at www.communityservices.us. Donations may be made
through our website or mailed to our main office: Community Services
Consortium, 245 Broadalbin Street, Suite 2A, Albany, OR 97321.
