Youth Volunteers for Conservation (YV4C) Plant ID and Buckthorn Removal

Join YV4C for a workday inspired by reading the deeper history of the land and learning how humans can give back to the ecosystem by acting as active caretakers of the earth. 

We are excited to work with Kiley Komro, Dane County Parks Land Steward, to explore how plants, wildlife, and people share a connected history. Volunteers will have the opportunity to play an ecosystem game, then get to work identifying native brush and clearing invasive buckthorn to prepare the soil for native planting even this spring. If there is snow on the ground, we will have a brush pile for well-rounded site day.

About Youth Volunteers for Conservation
Are you a young adult ages 15-21 who enjoys the outdoors? Join the Youth Volunteers for Conservation (YV4C) program to explore Dane County Parks while building real-world conservation skills. Participants will contribute to habitat restoration efforts and gain exposure to career pathways in natural resources across southern Wisconsin.

---

How to Sign up:

1. Step One: Create an Account in MyImpact if you don't have one (one time process)
   • Account application and waiver for 18+ click here. 
   • Account application and waiver for those under 18 click here (requires parent signature)
      
2. Step 2: Complete all waivers before signing up! These are all locate at the bottom of the page under “my profile” – find each section below and complete.
   • DCP/LFHC Transportation Permission - must click “I agree to the above statement”
   • DCP/LFHC Background Check(must be renewed yearly) - must click “I agree to the above statement”
   • YV4C Behavior Agreement – sign and submit the agreement
      
3. Step 3: Sign up for events! After you've created an account and filled out all necessary waivers, you can sign up for a shift here

---

What to Know:

• In case of cancellation, a notification will be made via email and/or phone to participants who have signed up.
• No experience is needed. All tools and training provided.
• There may be the use of small engine tools such as chainsaws and brush cutters. Please make sure you are comfortable with noise and follow safety instructions carefully. 
• Anyone over the age of 18 who would like the opportunity to learn how to use a brush cutter is welcome to do so. 
• In the event of  brush pile, fire can get extremely hot and melt certain types of fibers. Please make sure you are wearing clothing with limited synthetic fibers such as nylon, polyester, acrylic, or spandex. We will monitor the weather closely and let you know if we are planning to burn brush that day. 

What to Wear & Bring:

• Please dress appropriately for the weather.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be provided.
• Please bring a water bottle.

Ages: 15 - 21
Cost: Free

Accessibility and Language Access:
Our department is committed to providing meaningful access to our programs and resources to all individuals, regardless of primary language or ability. If you need language assistance services or an accessibility modification for this program, please submit this request form a minimum of 10 business days before the program to make the request. Please note, it is not possible for all programs to be modified.