This project will engage youth in managing invasive plants, restoring native habitat, and propagating native plants at cuva

The Department of the Interior National Park Service Midwest Region awarded a $166,666.67 Cooperative Agreement on August 17, 2023 to the non-profit organization American Conservation Experience (ACE) under the federal Youth and Veteran Organizations Conservation Activities program (CFDA 15.931). The project will engage youth in managing invasive plants, restoring native habitat, and propagating native plants at Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CUVA). It will also introduce youth to occupational and educational opportunities with the National Park Service. Key activities will focus on natural resource management, with some potential interaction with other park divisions such as interpretation, maintenance, law enforcement, and human resources. The National Park Service staff will provide orientation, training, and opportunities for the youth participants to engage in additional service-learning projects at other National Park sites, local parks, or properties.

In addition, the project will introduce youth to occupational and educational opportunities with the NPS. Primary activities will focus on resource management, although participants may interact with staff from other park divisions (e.g., interpretation, maintenance, law-enforcement and human resources).cuva s plant ecologist or restoration-crew leader will provide and direct daily activities for conservation interns under this project. Park staff will provide an overview and orientation to youth participants concerning the natural and cultural history of cuva, as well as to recreational and educational opportunities, including but not limited to participation in park programs and activities (for example, interpretive hikes). In addition, youth participants may have an opportunity to expand learning and complete service-learning projects at other NPS site, local parks and or other properties.