Since 1926, Cottonwood Gulch Expeditions (CGE) has created transformative outdoor experiences that foster personal growth, build community, and inspire a lifelong connection to the natural world. In 2018, CGE created a residential summer YCC program funded by the U.S. Forest Service for young adults to participate in conservation work in a similarly immersive environment to CGE’s summer treks for youth ages 8-18. In 2024, CGE received funds from the New Mexico Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD) to create a brand-new fall YCC program for New Mexico residents to get involved in this meaningful work here in Albuquerque.

Our fall YCC will empower and inspire New Mexican young adults ages 18-25 to become leaders, conservationists, and educators over the course of 15 weeks. We seek impassioned young people who want to grow together as a cohort, spend time outdoors, engage in hands-on conservation work with community partners, learn how to engage students in environmental stewardship, and develop skills for their careers and their lives. Our fall YCC begins on 9/2/2025 and ends on 12/12/25, with paid holidays off on Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Thanksgiving, and the day after Thanksgiving; sick leave is available upon request, subject to supervisor approval.

Responsibilities

• Implement conservation projects at partner sites, including but not limited to: habitat restoration, trail construction and improvements, planting and harvesting, etc
• Participate in career and life skills training, as described below
• Work alongside CGE field staff to support conservation education programming
• Spend up to a week camping or backpacking with CGE field staff to participate in conservation work in more remote areas