This program utilizes qualified non-profit youth- and veteran-serving organizations to carry out appropriate natural and cultural resource conservation, education, volunteer service and education…

The National Park Service (NPS) awarded Conservation Legacy (operating as Southwest Conservation Corps) a Cooperative Agreement totaling $187,543.33 under the Youth and Veteran Organizations Conservation Activities program (CFDA 15.931). The award, effective July 15, 2025, through September 30, 2027, funds youth conservation crew employment for historic preservation work at Chaco Culture National Historical Park and Aztec Ruins National Monument in New Mexico. The primary deliverables include structural assessments, mortar repointing, stone replacement, and invasive weed removal activities targeting the preservation of 30 historic sites, with the dual objectives of enhancing public safety and visitor experience while providing job training and career development in cultural resource preservation.

The program leverages qualified non-profit youth and veteran-serving organizations to address critical resource management needs on Department of the Interior lands while simultaneously building workforce capacity in conservation and preservation careers. Benefits extend to private and non-profit institutions, academic organizations, state and local government agencies, and the general public through both the improved condition of historic structures and the professional development opportunities provided to youth and young adult participants engaged in hands-on conservation work.

This program utilizes qualified non-profit youth- and veteran-serving organizations to carry out appropriate natural and cultural resource conservation, education, volunteer service and education projects on department of the interior lands through authorized national park service programs. This project employs youth conservation crews to maintain and repair ancient stone structures at chaco culture national historical park and aztec ruins national monument. Activities include assessing structural conditions, repointing mortar, replacing stones, and removing invasive weeds. The expected outcome is the preservation of 30 historic sites, enhancing public safety and visitor experience while providing valuable job training for participants in preservation careers.beneficiaries include private non-profit institutions and organizations public and private non-profit academic institutions state and local government agencies quasi-public non-profit institutions and organizations that support youth and young adult career training and development, and education in the areas of natural and or cultural resource conservation and management. Individuals families students and the general public will receive a benefit from the development and execution of these programs and projects.