Traditionally, summer vacation is a time to kick back and relax, but for YouthWork crews, it is a time to lace up their steel toed boots and get to work serving their communities while building their futures.

This year YouthWork Industries, an Americorps program of Child and Family Services of Northwestern Michigan, in partnership with the Keweenaw National Historical Park, Ottawa National Forest, Hiawatha National Forest, and the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, tackled a number of projects dedicated to historic and natural preservation in the Copper Country and beyond.

In exchange for their work, Americorps members receive a living stipend, and an education award that can be applied to a number of continuing education options such as college or trade school. They also learned new skills and gained professional experience.

Local crews worked in conjunction with the Keweenaw National Historical Park and the Ottawa National Forest, completing projects that helped preserve the important history of the northern U.P. Project sites included the Village of Calumet’s historic downtown district, Quincy Mine, Coppertown U.S.A., Houghton County Historical Society, Ontonagon County Historical Society, Painesdale, Carnegie Museum, Champion #4 Mineshaft, Hanka Homestead, and Camp Nesbit.

Crews also had the opportunity to travel to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and Isle Royale, where they removed old, and rebuilt new, boardwalks and staircases and renovated trail systems. These projects were completed in a low impact way, preserving the natural condition of the lakeshore, while enhancing visitor access.

Crew members leave the program with enhanced confidence in themselves, new skills, experience working as part of a team, resources for further education, a deeper appreciation for the rich history of the Copper Country, and pride knowing that their contributions will be enjoyed by future generations.

YouthWork Americorps Partners benefit by receiving high quality work at a significant value, and having essential projects completed that otherwise might have either gone undone, or been significantly delayed.

The community also benefits as materials are purchased from area businesses; and the area gains a more skilled

workforce.

The historic and natural conservation efforts are enjoyed by locals and tourists for many years to come.