The Outdoor Leadership Corps (OLC) program is a paid workforce development initiative in partnership with Great Rivers Greenway (GRG).
This program allows crew members to engage in skill building through restoration projects and other professional opportunities The crew includes four Restoration Assistants and one Assistant Crew Leader. Under the guidance of the Community Programs Supervisor and Conservation Education Instructor, this crew works to maintain, restore, and beautify the landscapes along greenways throughout the greater St. Louis area while also investing in their futures. We have a great crew this season and wanted to share more about them with all of you!
Pictured left to right: Fletcher (Community Programs Supervisor), Henry Simmons RA, Amber Taylor RA, Olivia Dove (Conservation Education Instructor), Quinn Swope RA, Judas Raniero RA, and Sam Bowers ACL.
You can learn more about Outdoor Leadership Corps here!
Return - Sam Bowers: Assistant Crew Lead
1. Why did you choose to be a part of the Outdoor Leadership Corps?
I have wanted to go into a green job since I was young(er), but having an ideal picture of a job and seeing how it works in real life are two very different things. This program lets me take my time to see the reality of many different green jobs and compare, see which one I like, while also having time to attend school part-time. I feel very lucky to have found this program.
2. What are you most looking forward to during your season as a restoration assistant?
Learning new 'soft' skills. This is my third season at OLC and while I have learned many of the "hard" skills (concrete activities like how to cut down honeysuckle, herbicide safety, situational awareness) the program has to offer, I'm a slow learner when it comes to soft skills (how to communicate efficiently, planning and preparation, how to be flexible).
3. What inspired you to pursue a career in conservation/restoration? Was there a specific moment that solidified your passion for this field?
A bit bleak, but our world is in terrible shape, and when I learned about it as a kid, no one close to me seemed to care or said it wasn't real. To me, it's the most important thing. I'm glad to know now that I'm not alone in that belief.
4. What hobbies or activities do you like outside of OLC?
I enjoy woodworking, gaming, playing harmonica, and some pencil/pen art when I can sit still long enough to make some.
5. The season has been ongoing for a few weeks now! How has your experience been so far?
The first time I tied my hair back in front of the crew and they freaked out. I've been growing it out for almost a year to be able to do that, so it was a very satisfying moment.
Return - Amber Taylor: Restoration Assistant