Conservation Corps Training Program

Building Skills, Restoring Nature, Empowering Youth

A paid, hands‑on workforce program training Virgin Islanders (ages 18–30) to restore coastal ecosystems, reduce stormwater runoff, and build climate resilience across St. Croix.

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Welcome to the Conservation Corps Training Program

CHANT’s Conservation Corps Training Program (also known as NOAA:CRRC – CHANT VI Climate Corps Workforce Training & Restoration Implementation) provides paid, real‑world training for local young adults to tackle urgent climate and conservation challenges. Trainees learn practical field skills while completing community projects that protect shorelines, improve water quality, and support local farms and public spaces.

Through this program, CHANT connects education, employment, and environmental restoration—so participants build résumés and pride while making a visible difference island‑wide.

Project Focus:

  • Mangrove restoration and native planting

  • Sediment reduction & stormwater runoff management

  • Coastal trail development & site stewardship

  • Marine debris removal and cleanup

  • Conservation carpentry & light infrastructure builds (e.g., benches, enclosures)

  • Workforce readiness: safety, teamwork, project documentation, and public presentation

Vision

Empowered local youth leading the restoration and stewardship of St. Croix’s natural and cultural landscapes.

Mission

To train and employ Virgin Islanders in in‑demand green jobs, while delivering restoration projects that improve coastal resilience, biodiversity, and community well‑being.

Goals

  • 1

    Train & employ cohorts of local young adults (18–30) in practical conservation skills.

  • 2

    Implement shovel‑ready restoration and maintenance projects with measurable outcomes.

  • 3

    Strengthen community partners through regular service days and shared logistics.

  • 4
    Train local apprentices in building restoration techniques
  • 5

    Document & share results with photos, reports, and presentations for community learning.

Highlighted Project

  • Whale Point – Vetiver Planting & Coastal Bench Build
    Installed vetiver rows to stabilize soils, built and installed benches, and presented project outcomes with partners at UVI.

  • Good Luck Gardens – Wood & Invasive Removal
    Cleared storm‑downed wood and invasive overgrowth to reduce fire risk and improve site access for community use.

  • Kingshill Cemetery – Historic Tomb Completion
    Supported masonry finishing and site cleanup to protect historic graves and improve visitor safety.

  • Lotus Farms – Coconut Harvesting & Tree Planting
    Harvested coconuts, prepared planting sites, and supported soil‑health tasks to expand shade and windbreaks.

  • Cox Farm – Livestock Care & Pen Restoration
    Repaired pens, built a bench, restored enclosures, and assisted with daily animal care.

  • Botanical Gardens – Plant Identification & Conservation Tour
    Completed guided field identification to strengthen native/non‑native recognition and site stewardship.

  • Farm Education For All – Raised Bed Garden Build
    Assisted with design, installation, and planting of community garden beds; integrated hands‑on training in soil prep and irrigation basics.

  • Chicken Breeding Program 
    Rebuilt cages, learned flock management and nursery setup using resource‑wise feeders/waterers; trainees successfully bred 66 chicks and each took home a starter pair to raise to adulthood.

Ongoing Core Tasks: mangrove seedling care and out‑planting; erosion control; marine debris removal days; stormwater mitigation at priority sites; documentation and weekly reporting.

Sponsors & Partners

Our work is made possible through sponsors and partnerships with:

  • Funded by: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) — Award #NA24NOSX473C0114‑T1‑01
    (administered via the VI Department of Planning & Natural Resources (DPNR))

  • Community & Technical Partners: Horsley Witten Group; UVI collaborators; VIEPSCoR; Farm Education For All; Good Luck Gardens; Lotus Farms; Cox Farm; St. George Village Botanical Garden; local coastal stewards and volunteers.

CHANT is grateful to our many site hosts, educators, and community supporters who help make these projects possible.

How to Get Involved