National Park Service Grant for Youth Conservation and Historic Landscape Rehabilitation at Minute Man National Historical Park

OVERVIEW

Minute Man National Historical Park wishes to provide opportunities for career development and the participation of young adults in accomplishing resource management work. In order to develop the intern’s ability in his/her chosen field, the National Park Service will provide a meaningful assignment, an environment and necessary tools, and opportunities to work in the historic Buttrick Gardens that will further the student’s understanding of the real life application of his/her academic field of study. The intern(s) will learn NPS and professional guidelines for gardening and landscape maintenance and preservation while assisting Park staff with the management and interpretation of historical resources under the jurisdiction of the NPS.

The intern will be working in the Maintenance Division to tend perennial plants in formal beds and ornamental shrubs including weeding, pruning, fertilizing, and mulching, removing invasive weeds which threaten the garden’s plants and structures. The intern will have the opportunity to collaborate with staff from the NPS Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation and professional landscaping and masonry companies who will also be working on this major garden rehabilitation project.

The work will assist with the maintenance and rehabilitation of a major, high profile historic resource enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. The work will result in increased visitor understanding of the history of the beginning of the American Revolution and in increased visitor satisfaction with park facilities and resources.

The objective of this task agreement is to support and stimulate work and/or education and training opportunities for young adults through collaborative participation in historic landscape rehabilitation and maintenance activities. The involvement of young adults in “hands on” rehabilitation activities illustrates the commitment of the NPS to the public purpose of education and to the development of responsible citizenship through community involvement and stewardship.

All of the work on this project will be done at the park, primarily in the Buttrick Gardens in the North Bridge Unit of Minute Man National Historical Park.

RECIPIENT INVOLVEMENT

1. Appoint, place, and maintain qualified individuals for the Gardening Resource Assistant position for a 12-week periods: June, 2010 – August, 2010.

2. Provide for subsistence during the tour of duty for the Gardening Resource Assistant at Minute Man National Historical Park.

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE INVOLVEMENT

1. Provide general orientation to park operations and NPS mission.

2. Provide a NPS technical representative to be on-site with the SCA volunteer to assist with specifics of the project as needed.

3. Provide a meaningful assignment to the Gardening Resource Assistant, appropriate project oversight, and direction.

4. Provide all necessary tools, equipment, work specifications and applicable rules and regulations.