Document text
SUNNY Temp: 56 °F Wind: CLM at 0 mph Thursday, June 5, 2003 SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map EXTRA HomeLife Magazine W3 Magazine Jobs @ Mail Tribune Tempo A & E Oregon CarZone Wellness Connection Real Estate Newspaper in Education Prime Times Outdoor Journal Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People CLASSIFIEDS Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Find Everything E SOUTHERN OREGON Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar ABOUT US FAQ What's New Advertise Home Delivery Classified Ad Contact Us Media Kit Email Story to a Friend June 3, 2003 Toby Bicknell, a member of the Natural Resources Youth Corps, puts the finishing touches on a six-month project to reduce the threat of wildfire on 20 acres in the hills above Jacksonville. Mail Tribune / Bob Pennell Kids learn lessons in reality By PAUL FATTIG Mail Tribune JACKSONVILLE — Toby Bicknell expected to be tired, sweaty and dirty when he ended his workday Monday. But he also knew he’d feel satisfied with the way his life is going. "I was doing pretty much nothing until I started this," said Bicknell, 22, of Medford. "I like coming out here and doing a hard day’s work," he added. "I like forestry work, being outdoors like this." Advertisement Bicknell is a member of the Natural Resources Youth Corps, which completed a six-month project on Monday to reduce the wildfire threat on some 20 acres off Oregon Street for the Jacksonville Woodlands Association. He is one of 20 youths in the program, participating in the project which included developing a hiking trail as well as reducing the threat of a wildfire. In the state-approved alternate education program which began six years ago, participants have the opportunity to earn a high school diploma or GED as well as gaining hands-on skills for natural resource work. A lower portion of the land is owned by the city of Jacksonville; the upper portion by the Bureau of Land Management. "We’re clearing out a lot of the manzanita and buck brush," Bicknell said, adding, "But we’re leaving some of the stuff." That includes pine, cedar, madrone, large manzanita and a wild lilac in full bloom. "They do a very good job," said Larry Smith, president of the woodland association. "They’ve worked for us for several years now on several projects. They have great quality control." The program helps the youth as well as the community, observed Rick Foertsch, program operator and a part-time instructor at Southern Oregon University. In addition to learning a good work ethic and doing hands-on natural resource work, they also pursue some form of education — working to achieve a GED or alternative high school education diploma or enrolling at Rogue Community College. "We try to provide a lot of variety and education for them," he said. "Some days the kids will be going out to hack back blackberries. On the other end of the continuum, they’ll be out learning about GSI navigation and how that is used in forest management." But an important lesson is learning how to work, he said. "They are learning what it takes to do a full day’s work: responsibility for being on time, taking appropriate breaks, dressing appropriately and safely," he said. "Entry-level workers who come in with that kind of knowledge save labor-intensive employers the basic training and turnover problem. "A lot of young people today never get a chance to learn the work ethic," he added. "They are learning it here." The hard work is rewarding, said Jacob Sargent, 20, of Medford, who joined the youth this spring after working in the fast food industry and at other jobs. "You get to learn new stuff and get some work experience," Sargent said. "I’d rather be working outside rather than inside. I like the fresh air." Scott Thompson, 16, of Phoenix, who also joined the program this spring, agreed. "This gets you outside, gets you in shape," Thompson said. Daniel Gover, 18, of Phoenix, hopes to use the training to land a job as a landscaper. "I like working outdoors with plants," he said. "It’s something I can do that is worthwhile." Reach reporter Paul Fattig at 776-4496 or e-mail him at [email protected] Printer Friendly Version Email Story to a Friend Subscribe Archive: Click to Search Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2003 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback A D V E R T I S E R S SPECIAL SECTIONS Rogue Valley Auto Finder Rogue Valley Job Finder --> Rogue Valley Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Real Estate Showcase Food for Thought Hike of the Week Wellness Connection Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Openings Prime Times