Dear Neighborhood Association Members:
Many of you are no doubt in the midst of writing up proposals to Madison’s Emerging Neighborhoods Grant Program. For those of you who are seeking funds to improve neighborhood parks, community gardens, natural areas, or public rights-of-way, Operation Fresh Start’s Conservation Crews may be a valuable resource.
Fresh Start’s Youth Corps members are young people, ages 16-24, who as AmeriCorps members, serve the community by completing service projects. We are best known in Madison for constructing or remodeling energy-efficient affordable housing. However, we also have two well-trained, well-supervised, and fully equipped crews who undertake conservation and community development projects. Examples of projects that our crews can undertake are:
Parks & Recreation:
- Park Shelters
- Hiking & Skiing Trails, Bike Paths
- Boardwalks, Bridges
- Picnic Areas
- Physical Fitness Trails
- Benches Tables, Signs
- Playground Equipment
- Bocce Ball Courts
- Concrete Flatwork
- Basic Carpentry
- Kiosks
Natural Areas:
- Erosion Control
- Streambank Stabilization
- Tree Planting
- Nesting Boxes/Platforms
- Interpretive Trails
- Invasive Species Removal
- Controlled Burns
Our crews consist of 6-8 members, each fully outfitted with tools and safety gear. We have carefully trained our members in chain saw, power tool, and hand tool use. A skilled adult supervisor guides their work closely. We have vans and trailers to transport crew and equipment.
Our cost for work is $375/day for an 8.5 hour day (including travel time).
If you would like to find out more about how our Conservation Crews can help you with neighborhood projects, check out our website at www.operationfreshstart.org
Or, please contact:
Kelly Kirkpatrick
Operation Fresh Start
kkirkpatrick@operationfreshstart.org
608-244-4721