Rocky Mountain Youth Corps transforms community through urban forestry

During a recent government meeting, Ben Thomas, Executive Director of the Rocky Mountain Youth Corps, presented an update on the organization's ongoing urban forestry initiatives in partnership with the town of Taos. Although Thomas was unable to attend in person due to illness, he highlighted the significant contributions of the Youth Corps, which is funded by the United States Forest Service and the New Mexico Youth Conservation Corps.

The Youth Corps is actively working to implement the objectives of the 2020 tree plan adopted by the council. With multi-year funding, the organization has recruited and trained crews to engage in various activities, including tree and canopy surveys, tree plantings, invasive species removal, and public outreach. Thomas noted that the crew has been collaborating closely with the town's parks department, completing their fifth week of work on various projects.

Assistant Crew Leader Barney Walsh elaborated on the crew's accomplishments, which include planting trees at the Youth and Family Center and performing maintenance tasks in Kit Carson Park. The crew has pruned approximately 80 trees, alleviating some of the workload for the parks department and allowing them to focus on more technical tasks.

Crew members shared their personal experiences, expressing gratitude for the opportunities provided by the Rocky Mountain Youth Corps. They emphasized the positive impact of their work on the community and the valuable skills they are gaining through the program.

The presentation underscored the importance of community engagement and environmental stewardship, showcasing how the Rocky Mountain Youth Corps is fostering both personal development and ecological health in Taos. The council members expressed their appreciation for the crew's efforts and the positive changes they are bringing to the area.