Civilian Conservation Corps

Have you ever planted a little seed and watched it grow into a big plant? Or helped clean up a playground to make it nice for everyone? I feel just like that! I am a big, helpful idea. A long, long time ago, many families were having a hard time, and our forests and parks needed some help, too. A very kind president had a wonderful thought on March 31st, 1933: What if we could help people and help nature at the very same time? That’s when I was born! I am the Civilian Conservation Corps.

Soon, lots of strong young men, who were called the 'CCC Boys,' joined my team. They lived in cozy camps and got ready to work. Every morning, they would eat a big breakfast and head out into the sunshine. Their job was to be nature’s best friends! From 1933 until 1942, they planted billions of tiny trees that would grow up to be tall forests. They built safe trails for you to walk on and strong stone bridges to cross little streams. They even helped fight big forest fires to keep the woods safe for all the animals.

My work is all finished now, but you can still see it! When you visit a beautiful national park, you might be walking on a path I helped build. When you see a forest full of tall, green trees standing in a row, it might be one I helped plant. I showed everyone that when we work together, we can do amazing things. By helping each other and taking care of our beautiful Earth, we make the world a better place for you, me, and everyone to enjoy.