Simsbury Land Trust Youth Conservation Corps
Simsbury Land Trust is continually inspired by the dedication and efficiency of young volunteers. Together, we seek to answer an important question: What can I do locally to impact the environment in a positive way?
The Simsbury Land Trust Youth Conservation Corps (SLTYCC) is the answer. This dedicated group provides Simsbury youth with meaningful opportunities to engage in hands-on conservation efforts. Through activities such as hikes, educational programs, trail maintenance, invasive plant removal, and construction projects, participants actively contribute to Simsbury Land Trust’s conservation mission. This work is both physically and mentally rewarding, offering teenagers a chance to make a tangible difference in their local environment.
All SLTYCC activities are supervised by Simsbury Land Trust board members, who guide participants in learning about local trails, farms, conservation properties, invasive species management, trail work, and more. Through hands-on experience, youth gain valuable knowledge and skills while fostering a deeper connection to the natural world. Our goal is not only to make a lasting environmental impact but also to inspire a lifelong commitment to conservation and stewardship among the next generation.
If you are interested in the Youth Corp. Contact Mr. Faithfull, Jonah or Charlotte at the Earth Advocates Club at Simsbury High School or email Amanda Thompson at director@simsburylandtrust.org.
Ella Capozzi
Ella moved to West Simsbury in 2013, after living in Burlington, CT. She currently attends Simsbury High School, and will graduate in 2027. She is a part of the school’s Earth’s Advocates club, where she has participated in activities such as trash clean ups, green closet clothing drives, and educating students on the proper ways to recycle. Ella is also part of the Green Team, a small group of students and teachers aiming to make Simsbury High School a Green LEAF School. In her free time Ella practices karate, which she especially enjoys doing in the summer when she can practice outdoors. Ella has always been interested in nature, as she has wanted to be a veterinarian since the age of 4. Through the SLT, Ella hopes to share her love of nature with her fellow students, get them involved in conservation work, and provide a healthier Earth for her generation and the generations to come.
Addy Escamilla
Addy has lived in Simsbury her whole life. She is a part of Simsbury High School, and will graduate in 2027. She is a part of the Earth Advocate’s club where she and other students work to make the high school a greener place. Addy has gone on nature walks with her family ever since she was little. She has always enjoyed these walks because she can really appreciate Simsbury’s more natural beauty. Addy always tries to be eco conscious and friendly to preserve Simsbury’s beauty. She wants to help conserve her town’s stunning scenery.
Lara Hanley
Lara has lived in Simsbury her whole life and attends Simsbury High School, which she will graduate from in 2028. She enjoys kayaking, hiking, and camping, planning to one day backpack on the Appalachian Trail. As a part of the Simsbury Crew team, she especially enjoys rowing on our beautiful Farmington River every day. As a part of SHS Earth's Advocates, she hopes to make our school and community more sustainable and environmentally friendly. As a part of Simsbury Land trust, she hopes to protect our wilderness for future generations.
Sophia Shmulsky
Sophia has lived in Simsbury her whole life. She goes to Simsbury High School and will graduate in 2028. Her parents have always been outdoorsy people so she grew up camping and hiking where she developed a great appreciation for nature. She feels that there is something deeply peaceful about spending time in undisturbed wilderness. She has helped out the WMCC with trail clean-up at Hanging Mountain, and enjoys going there for outdoor rock climbing. She still enjoys camping and hiking and is eager to help preserve the local environment to allow activities like that to remain possible and beautiful. By joining the Simsbury Land Trust she hopes to help preserve this nature by helping to remove invasive plants, cleaning up trails and spreading understanding and appreciation of the environment to people of all ages.
Kailen Thompson
Kailen is a junior at Simsbury High School will be graduating in 2027. She plans on studying marine biology and has always had a passion for the ocean after growing in Florida. She is a member of the school’s Earth Advocate’s Club and Senior Patrol Leader of Simsbury’s Scout Troop 1175. Through the SLT, Kailen hopes to help maintain Simsbury’s natural beauty by clearing invasive species, removing trash from the environment, and raising awareness about environmental concerns.