Category Archives: 21CSC Champions of the Week

21st Century Conservation Service Corps Champion of the Week Interview: Tom Davis of the U.S. Forest Service

The Partnership for the 21st Century Conservation Corps has selected several partners who work with 21CSC programs to recognize as “21st Century Conservation Service Corps Champions of the Week.” This week, Tom Davis, Trails Specialist for the U.S. Forest Service’s Skykomish Ranger District kindly agreed to answer our questions about working with youth programs via email. He was nominated by Jeff Parker, Executive Director of Northwest Youth Corps for this recognition. Jeff says that “from remote wilderness projects to front country work in one of our nation’s busiest forests, Tom is fully committed to engaging youth and young adults in meaningful ways to help develop the next generation of citizen stewards.”

Thanks to Tom for participating and sharing his thoughts.

Tom Davis is Trails Specialist for the U.S. Forest Service's Skykomish Ranger District, Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.

Tom Davis is Trails Specialist for the U.S. Forest Service’s Skykomish Ranger District, Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.

Click here to meet our other 21CSC Champions of the Week.


How long have you been working for the U.S. Forest Service and how did you get started?

Over 25 years. I started when I was 16-years-old with the Youth Conservation Corp on the Naches Ranger District, Wenatchee National Forest. After a number of seasons I received my permanent appointment in 1990 on the Skykomish Ranger District, Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.
Continue reading

21st Century Conservation Service Corps Champion of the Week Interview: Renee Benally of the BIA’s Western Navajo Agency

The Partnership for the 21st Century Conservation Corps has selected several partners who work with 21CSC programs to recognize as “21st Century Conservation Service Corps Champions of the Week.” This week, Renee Benally, Natural Resource Specialist for the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ Western Navajo Agency’s Branch of Natural Resources, kindly agreed to answer our questions about working with youth programs via email. Thanks to Renee for her support and insight!

Click here to meet our other 21CSC Champions of the Week.

Renee Benally, Natural Resource Specialist for the BIA's Western Navajo Agency, stops for a photo at Navajo Bridge near Lee's Ferry. Renee serves as the regional youth liason for the agency.

Renee Benally, Natural Resource Specialist for the BIA’s Western Navajo Agency, stops for a photo at Navajo Bridge near Lee’s Ferry. Renee serves as the regional youth liason for the agency.

How long have you been working as a Natural Resource Specialist for the BIA’s Western Navajo Agency and how did you get started?

I have been working with the BIA Navajo Region Western Navajo Agency’s Branch of Natural Resources for 10 years as Natural Resource Specialist at Tuba City. I started my career as a research specialist at the University of Arizona’s Southwest Environmental Health Science Center where I was exposed to superfund projects and learned about environmental toxicology. This position was only for 2 years so I had to find another job. I applied for my current position due to its close proximity to my mom and it involved ways to improve the Navajo Nation at the macro-level. This is my way of contributing back to my community. Continue reading