AUBURN — In February the Maine Conservation Corps welcomed Elise Giasson of Auburn to participate in its 2011 Trail Training Academy. Giasson is the daughter of Mike Giasson and Kim Lessard, also of Auburn. She is a 2007 graduate of Edward Little High School and has studied creative writing and gender studies at the University of Maine at Farmington.

Giasson previously served with the MCC as a team member in 2009 and a team member and assistant team leader in 2010. She will be serving as an AmeriCorps member during the 2011 season.

The MCC conducts conservation projects throughout the state of Maine, including extensive trail construction and rehabilitation. The Trail Training Academy, which prepares team leaders for the upcoming season, runs for 11 weeks and covers numerous topics including trail layout and design, stone work, team management and timber bridge construction. In addition, participants will receive training in chainsaw use and safety and will be certified as Wilderness First Responders. More information about the Maine Conservation Corps can be found at www.maine.gov/doc/parks/mcc.