News from the EarthWays Center

Sam, you have been a Restoration Assistant with the Outdoor Leadership Corps program since Fall of 2024, and have evolved to Assistant Crew Leader! How has your impression of this workforce program changed? When I got hired in fall last year, it definitely wasn’t what I was expecting; I expected hard work cleaning green spaces in the city, and nothing else. And while that’s a big part of the program, there’s also a&nbs...

They’re fierce, dedicated, and not afraid to get their hands dirty – it's our Outdoor Leadership Corps Restoration Assistants! We’re incredibly fortunate to have a few returning participants as well as new faces.

From my past experience leading the  Outdoor Leadership Corps (OLC), the spring season is always the wild card. This stems from the fact that both the weather and the wildlife  are a lot more unpredictable. One day it could be 35 degrees with a 15-degree windchill and the next week it could be 60 degrees and sunny. The spring ephemerals could be popping right on schedule, or trees could begin leafing out a lot earlier. This spring did not disappoint and threw many unpredictable curve b...

The responsibility of coordinating and leading four cohorts of the Outdoor Youth Corps (OYC) and two cohorts of the Outdoor Leadership Corps (OLC) was confidently embraced by Fletcher, the Community Programs Supervisor, and myself, the Conservation Education Instructor. It is important to us that each participant has the best possible experience.

The Outdoor Leadership Corps (OLC) program is a paid green education and workforce development initiative in partnership with Great Rivers Greenway (GRG). The crew includes four Restoration Assistants and one Assistant Crew Leader. Under the guidance of the Conservation Education Instructor, this crew works to maintain, restore, and beautify the landscapes along greenways throughout the greater St. Louis area. We have a great crew this season and wanted to share more about them with all of you!

Personal growth, teambuilding, and friendships made along the way - these are the achievements that marked this season's Outdoor Leadership Crew who never fail to leave a lasting impact on our environment!

Meet our new Restoration Assistants making a huge impact as members of the Outdoor Leadership Corps!