TNCC hosts Southwest Conservation Corp youth work projects.  In July 2009, eight youth aged 13-16 participated in a forest health tree tour and logging project in Mountain Village with Forester Dave Bangert. Students first took a tree tour on Jurrassic Trail - badly hit with a spruce budworm outbreak and were literally dodging spruce budworm launching out of the trees.  Later, they assisted Bangert remove dead aspen - stacking and hauling the trees while Dave was cutting.  Bangert was thrilled with the assistance since he typically operates as a one man show.  From there, the kids worked in Telluride pulling thistle, visiting local farms, community gardents - assisting with various farm projects.  Students had the opportunity to experience a variety of local work projects and came away with new skills and experience.