Remember the jobs you had back in high school? Pumping gas, punching a cash register or waiting tables? It was hard work, but those early jobs taught you lessons for a lifetime.

For 18 years, the Lake County Forest Preserves have been providing similar opportunities for the teenagers of Lake County. But the Forest Preserves' summer work program goes one step further by building environmental education and conservation training right into the job.

In the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC), teenagers work on conservation projects in forest preserves throughout Lake County. Among the woodlands, prairies and wetlands, young men and women clear trails and erect erosion control structures. They build bridges and plant wildflowers, construct boardwalks and tend trees. All the while, they are gaining knowledge about the environment and its management. On-the-job training is regularly supplemented with classes in environmental education. First aid and CPR are also taught.

Lake County's YCC began in 1974 as the federally funded pilot of a national program. A great success, it served as a model for YCC programs throughout the nation, and continued to receive federal funding for six years. But in 1980 the federal budget axe fell, and YCC programs across the country were slated for elimination.

Lake County's knights in shining armor showed up in the form of James Kemper and George Kasbohm of Kemper Group in Long Grove. Kemper authored an article for the Wall Street Journal which called for corporate America to bail out YCC with donations for the youth's salaries. The Lake County Forest Preserves quickly appealed to him for local leadership on his idea. He and colleague Kasbohm enthusiastically accepted, and they solicited enough funds to support nine positions the following summer.

Out of their commitment grew the YCC Advisory Committee, comprised of leaders from Lake County businesses. Chaired today by Barbara Posner of Tenneco Automotive in Lincolnshire, the group holds annual fund drives, with the number of jobs available each summer dependent on the amount raised. Every donated dollar goes directly to the teenagers' salaries, with the

Young men and women gain work skills while learning about the environment in the Lake County Forest Preserves Youth Conservation Corps.

Forest Preserves providing supplies and administrative costs. Last year, more than $55, 000 was raised for 37 positions. This year's goal is to raise $64, 000 for 40 positions.

Abbott Laboratories of North Chicago has taken special interest in the program. In addition to other donations, they sponsor an entire work crew each year at nearby Greenbelt Forest Preserve. They are also well represented on the Advisory Committee by Stephen Smurthwaite, Marlow Hicks and Terry Simons.

Other Committee members are Robert Kraemer of Comerica Bank in Lake Zurich, Dr. Rolland Sandee of Waukegan, Anita Rattay of Walgreens Company in Gurnee, Tim Dempsey of Joint Efforts in Westmont and Joseph Dicello of American National Bank & Trust Company in Waukegan.

While substantial donations from Lake County's major corporations are critical to success, the YCC Committee has been impressed with the combined impact of numerous smaller donations from individuals. In addition to an outright contribution, many people donate by playing in the annual YCC Golf Outing, held each summer at a Forest Preserves' golf course. Chicago Bears Ron Rivera and Jim Morrissey host the event, and many other Bears join them.

In 1991, YCC received an Achievement Award from the National Association of County Organizations. In 1992, the YCC Advisory Committee received a Community Service Award from the Illinois Park and Recreation Association. These honors reflect the dedication and energy of the people who make up YCC — the teenagers as well as the business leaders and contributors who make the program possible.

Learn and earn in the Forest Preserves. What a great way for young men and women to enter the working world.

About the Author
Sarah Surroz is the Public Information Manager for the Lake County Forest Preserves. This article was reprinted with permission from the Spring 1993 edition of Horizons, a quarterly newsletter of the Lake County Forest Preserves, edited by Ms. Surroz.

Illinois Parks and Recreation 22 November/December 1993