The CLIMB Conservation Corps
The CLIMB Conservation Corps (CCC) is a conservation workforce that engages motivated young adults, ages 18 and up, to complete challenging and impactful environmental and service projects throughout Mississippi. Projects may include, trail construction & maintenance, habitat improvement, hazardous fuels reduction, re-vegetation, invasive species treatment, and local environmental service projects.
Conservation Corps Crews
We currently have two crews funded by The Corps Network; a crew that is funded through NOAA and The Nature Conservancy (GulfCorps) and an AmeriCorps Crew. While all of these crews may be different, the goals of the programs are still the same; to engage young people in meaningful work along the Mississippi Gulf Coast while bettering themselves and their environment.
Crews may also complete technical and/or specialized projects, depending on project partner needs, including disaster relief if the opportunity arises. Each crew consists of four members and a crew leader. Do you feel you have what it takes to be a crew member or crew leader?
Program Focus
Our programs focus on workplace based learning, life skills development, conservation service work, appreciation of diversity, civic responsibility, and career development. The Conservation Corps also provides an opportunity for members to learn about the local environment, environmental issues, and get introductions to recreation and resource management careers as well as professionals in the industry.
Conservation Corps crews work with local, state, and federal organizations on projects as well as other non-profit organizations. This gives members a wide exposure to different sides of the conservation struggle.
Impact
Climb’s Conservation Corps has worked over the past five years through a couple of funding options. The program started as an AmeriCorps program with a handful of members working in Weeks Bayou. This small program was enough to receive the notice of The Nature Conservancy (TNC). Climb began working in conjunction with TNC serving as the pilot program for their multi-million dollar fund covering the five Gulf Coast states. This program, Gulf Corps, is now in its fourth year of operation with the fifth year to start in July 2021.
As of last year (2020), in Mississippi alone, Gulf Corps members served more than 19,931 hours, planted over 46,000 plants, removed 8,710 Apple Snail egg masses (an invasive animal that hinders the ecosystems it inhabits), treated over 25 acres of land for invasive species of plants, and enhanced 178 acres of wetlands along the 1,145 acres of uplands conservation. This program has, in the last three years, employed over fifty youth which led to more than 29 gaining post program employment.
