2023 Projects

After a one-year hiatus, the Forest Service and Talking Talons Youth Leadership partnership resumed. FOSM was privileged to work with an industrious crew of 7 youth lead by Jared Moyers. Other TTYL members were Kineo Memmer, Assistant Crew Leader, Olivia Lopez, Ella Cook, Levi Gloetzner, Mari Salley, and Robbie Larrison.

Four principles were emphasized in training the TTYL crew members: safety, teamwork, work ethics and leadership. Working with TTYL provided an excellent cross-generational, collaborative experience.

Jenny giving instructions for day to Talking Talons crew
Jared and Robbie preparing tread on Challenge Trail extension

Jenny (L) with (back) Jared, Kineo, Mari, (front) Olivia, Ella, Robbie, Levi
June 1 – Talking Talons crew helps extend Challenge Trail under leadership of Jenny Blackmore, Trail Construction Project Leader
Lou Romero and Sam Beard show TTYL member how to use Silke saw
TTYL member uses wheelbarrow to haul split wood to trailer
TTYL members help split rounds and load wood into trailer
June 5 – Talking Talons crew helps process donation firewood
Talking Talons crew members carrying branches to edge of sidewalk
Talking Talons crew with one of several slash piles
Levi cleaning muck from drinker at Tree Spring
June 6 – Talking Talons crew moves slash at Tree Spring Picnic Area then cleans drinker at actual Tree Spring
Robbie and Jared carry rounds to splitter
Joe Meade and Lou Romero thank TTYL crew for their outstanding efforts
Crew leader Jared thanks FOSM for the opportunity to help with project
June 7 – Talking Talons crew helps process more donation firewood
Kineo, Olivia, Robbie, and Mari working on the tread of new trail
Ella and Levi working near the 10K-Ellis junction with Byron Garner (left)
June 8 – Talking Talons members help trail construction crew reroute 10K North Trail
Cutting steel pipe
Digging a post hole
Helping Dan Benton align a post
Carrying a steel pipe
June 12-14 – Talking Talons members helping install new gate and fence at La Madera
June 14 – Members of the TTYL/YCC crew at the completed gate
June 15 – Splitting wood in Nine-mile Picnic Area