FY 2017 Great Falls Youth Corps

This project addresses a number of public purposes including engaging recipients, partners, communities, and/or visitors in shared environmental stewardship; motivating youth participants to become involved in the natural, cultural and/or historical resource protection of their communities and beyond; providing ⿿real world⿝ or hands-on experience outside of the classroom of natural, cultural and/or historical resource projects; and assisting in the creation, promotion, facilitation, and/or improvement of the public⿿s understanding of natural, cultural, historic, recreational and other aspects of the City of Paterson, New Jersey, its vicinity, and Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park. The project fulfills the public purposes through successful completion of the tasks and projects listed below. Great Falls Youth Corps members will:  Participate in an orientation training, which will equip them with the knowledge that they need to participate in the program throughout the summer.  Participate in any ongoing training necessary to successfully complete the job.  Complete the Stoney Ridge Trail. Work to include: ⿢banking (leveling) three ten-foot sections of trail along the ridgeline. ⿢debris removal ⿢erosion mitigation ⿿ step repair and replacement and additional leveling due to erosion and increased foot traffic.  Begin work on the Soldier⿿s Heights (⿿Vistas⿝) trail.  Conduct clean-up and landscaping activities and assist with events and programs.  Coordinate service days (at a minimum one per summer), and promote the service activity with local residents and stakeholders.  Answer questions visitors may have about the Falls and the history of the area.  Assist with Welcome Center/ Bookstore operations.  Create programming for visitors along re-established trails.  Offer interpretive tours to organized groups and individuals visiting the Paterson Great Falls NHP and the surrounding area.  Learn about the National Park Service, NJCDC and other National Parks through the area, highlighting opportunities for a career.