Request for Proposals: Gulf Conservation Corps Restoration Program – Veteran’s Conservation Corps

Download RFP [Word] [PDF]

Applications due by 8:00 p.m. (ET), 9/16/16

The Corps Network requests proposals from qualified non-profit organizations to recruit and train veterans on forest conservation projects through the creation of a Veteran’s Conservation Corps based in the Gulf Coast states. 

The Gulf Conservation Corps Restoration Program (GCCRP), a partnership between The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and the Corps Network (TCN), works to create the infrastructure to train and mobilize Conservation Corps crews to address problems in the Gulf ecosystem. The goals of the GCCRP are to improve the long-term health of coastal habitats for native plants and animals; build the capacity of Conservation Corps along the Gulf so they can play a significant role in restoration efforts; and train young people (ages 18-26) and Veterans (up to age 30) to participate in the expanding Gulf restoration economy. 

The Veteran’s Conservation Corps will provide a “proof of concept” demonstration for key partners in the Gulf Region. Funding will support start-up and operation of a mobile crew. The crew will focus on Longleaf Pine restoration and controlled burn projects that could range across the entire Gulf.

A high priority outcome of the proof of concept project is to develop a program model match veterans’ skills and experiences with career pathways in the Gulf’s new restoration economy. 

Who Should Apply?
Applicants should be non-profit organizations located or currently working in the Five State Gulf Region with previous experience working in the field of environmental conservation. The qualified organization will also have experience in wildland fire and prescribed burn activities, including recruitment, training, and supervision of fire crews. Additionally, special attention will be given to applicants experienced in working with veterans.Preference will be given to organizations that are members of The Corps Network, but all eligible and qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

Download RFP [Word] [PDF]

Turn Your Corps’ Campus into a Certified Wildlife Habitat

It’s not hard to make your backyard, garden – or the area around your Corps’ office – a Certified Wildlife Habitat with the National Wildlife Federation. If you use sustainable practices to maintain your property, and if your outdoor space has food, water, cover and a place for animals to raise young – then you’re already well on your way to certification. 

Watch these two great videos featuring Corpsmembers of the California Conservation Corps explaining what defines a National Wildlife Federation Certified Wildlife Habitat (CWH) and how you can make your “campus, backyard or even a porch” wildlife habitat. In the first video, Corpsmember Daniel Villeux explains what is required to create a CWH. In the second video, watch some “birds” (John Griffith and his crew) show the benefit of a CWH from an animal’s perspective.

Be sure to also check out this blog post from California Conservation Corps member Karlee Jewell about how you can be a part of creating vital habitat for species in need. 

 

How to Certify Your Campus as Wildlife Habitat

 

Birds of a Feather

Attend the IUCN World Conservation Congress – Hawai‘i 2016

All the information Members of The Corps Network
need to know about attending the
2016 IUCN World Conservation Congress in Hawai‘i

 

*Download: Information for TCN Members Registering for Congress*

*Download: Information for TCN Members NOT Registering for Congress*

 

*If you’re traveling to Hawaii during the congress, please email Aryuna.Radnaeva@kupuhawaii.org so that Kupu
can make sure to get in touch with you during your stay.

 

About the Congress

The IUCN World Conservation Congress, held once every four years, will take place in Honolulu, Hawai‘i, September 1-10, 2016. This is the first time the United States has been honored with hosting the Congress.

The IUCN Congress aims to improve the management of the natural environment for human, social and economic development by engaging all parts of society to share both the responsibilities and benefits of conservation.

The 2016 IUCN World Conservation Congress is also a significant opportunity to shape the next generation of stewards. This is the first time that specific programming for youth and young leaders has been developed for the IUCN Congress. Having youth and next generation leaders take part in the IUCN Congress would be an initial step towards succession planning, conservation career pathways, and community development.

The events listed below aim to offer a meaningful experience for youth and young leaders that engages them in discussions about conservation issues and involves them in the decision-making process.

These opportunities in parallel with the IUCN Congress act as a leveraging point for youth initiatives and plans to continue the momentum of the IUCN Congress well beyond September 2016.

Download: Information for TCN Members Registering for Congress

Download: Information for TCN Members NOT Registering for Congress

Corpsmember Perspective: A Renewed Hope

By Washington Conservation Corps/The Corps Network AmeriCorps Member:
Mary Powell
May 26, 2016

The walk that we took that day was not a new route.  I have walked the trails at Nisqually more times than I count after serving here for seven months.  But seeing it through the eyes of the former chair of the Nisqually tribe was revealing.  I could see the refuge for what it was, for what it meant to a whole group of people. I have always enjoyed walking around and seeing the flocks of waterfowl, muskrats, deer, and the odd seal swimming up river.  I relish seeing them so content in their native habitat.  But seeing this land as part of a way of life had a profound effect on me. No longer was this land solely habitat for animals, or a playground for birders, it was home for a group of people to weave cedar into baskets and ceremonial clothing, to fish along the river to feed their families and trade with neighboring tribes.  Before me the land was transformed into something that can benefit people and animals together.

On April 7, 2016 two representatives from the Nisqually Tribe, Nano Perez and Cynthia Iyall visited three Washington Conservation Corps crews at the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge as an educational field trip to remind us how people occupied the landscape long before the refuge was designated. We began with a walking tour of the refuge.  The stories Cynthia told of the Nisqually people and how they used the land gave me goose-bumps.  She spoke of restorative properties of the Medicine Creek, and the bounty of salmon in the Nisqually River.

She told us about when relations between the tribe and settlers went sour.  As a relative of Chief Leschi’s brother, Cynthia told how much her people wanted to come to some sort of agreement with the federal government, but the government at the time had no such intentions.  The treaty at Medicine Creek was signed in 1854, and the Nisqually were put on a reservation upland from the river, a place they did not inhabit historically.

Seeing parks I used to play hide-and-seek in turn to housing developments, or seeing my favorite trails turn into a parking lots turned me into a rather cynical young woman.  It is hard for me to believe that people can live with nature.  When I heard Cynthia speak about how her people used to live along the Nisqually River, it gave me hope.  It is a beautiful thing to hear that people and nature can live together. Knowing that we are working to restore Native lands to the way they once were, feels as if we are honoring not only nature the way it is meant to be, but also the people who revere this site. It gave the crews a renewed sense of purpose, a new reason to get up and view our cuts and bruises as battle scars, not just another mark on our vanity.

After our walk with Cynthia, Nano took us to see one of the Nisqually tribe’s hatcheries. I never gave much thought to hatcheries outside of the fact that they help supplement the native populations. I never gave thought to how much work went into them or what they do for the environment and our economy. I had not considered all the research opportunities are possible because other people are raising and releasing fish into the ecosystem.  Seeing the giant ponds in which hundreds of thousands of juvenile salmon are kept is astonishing. To think, they had close to one million fish and only ten percent would return to spawn—it is hard to fathom. Technicians and biologists work at the hatchery, spending so much time and effort to spawn thousands of fish, and incubate hundreds of thousands of eggs, and keep predators away only to have ten percent return years later astounded me. It may not seem like much, yet the hatchery keeps going, native populations increase, and it provides jobs for the area. Watching everyone come together to benefit both humans and the environment was impressive to say the least.

For the second time on that day I was finding renewed hope that maybe the service we are doing can be for more than just the environment but also for the people. I had begun to feel stagnant in our project; it was the same invasive removal for the same area to help some native plants and animals. However, learning about the Nisqually people then and now, and trying to do what is right by not only their people but also by nature, shook me out of my funk. It reminded me why I got into this field. Cynthia and Nano helped give me renewed hope and energy for the hot, summer months, reminding me that what I am doing is important.  To me, that is a good reason to get up every morning and go outside.

While serving for the Washington Conservation Corps and AmeriCorps, it is very easy to get swept up in the mentality “It’s for the trees. It’s for the shrubs. And it’s for the animals!” However, that means that we lose sight of “It’s also for the people. It’s to help people.” I don’t think that it’s wrong to focus on the good that we do strictly for the environment, but I also think it’s important to remember the people we are helping. The mission of the WCC is to conserve and help the environment, but by extension, we are also helping people.

National Trails Day Photo Contest – 2016

National Trails Day is coming up (Saturday, June 4th) and we know a lot of you have events planned.
What a perfect opportunity for a photo contest!

 

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

  1. Host or participate in a National Trails Day event. Be sure to take lots of pictures.
  2. Post your best pictures (there’s no limit) on social media: Facebook and/or Twitter and/or Instagram. In order to enter your photo in the contest, you must tag The Corps Network (@TheCorpsNetwork) in your caption. Also remember to use #NationalTrailsDay and tag American Hiking Society (@AmericanHiking).

Deadline: you must post your pictures on social media on or before 9:00 a.m. (EDT) Monday, June 13th. We’ll announce the winner on our social channels on Wednesday, June 15th. Submissions will be judged by staff from The Corps Network and American Hiking Society.
 

WHAT’S THE INCENTIVE?

  1. Who doesn’t like a little friendly competition among Corps? Show us that your NTD project is the best! 
  2. The American Hiking Society will share some of the pictures through their social channels. 
  3. We’re always looking for great pictures for our publications, website and social media. We’ll be sure to use pictures from this contest in our annual report and other nationally disseminated documents. Plus, we’ll feature the winning picture on our new Facebook banner. 
     

SUGGESTIONS

  • Get an action shot 
  • Take a before and after picture 
  • Make sure your NTD event is registered with AHS: https://nationaltrailsday.americanhiking.org/add-event/ 
  • In the caption, tell us where you are and what you’re doing 
     

QUESTIONS

Contact Hannah Traverse, Communications Manager: htraverse@corpsnetwork.org

The Corps Network Great Outdoors Day of Service 2015


 

The Corps Network’s 2nd Annual Great Outdoors Day of Service 

Thank you to everyone who participated in The Corps Network’s Great Outdoors Day of Service in the Nation’s Capital! It was a huge success! 
 

Day of Service in the Nation’s Capital Facts

What: On Friday, June 19th, in recognition of Great Outdoors Month (June), The Corps Network hosted the 2nd annual Great Outdoors Day of Service in the Nation’s Capital. The event brought together Corps from across the country, as well as friends and supporters of The Corps Network, to participate in conservation and maintenance projects at several National Park Service sites throughout Washington, DC. The Day of Service was designed to raise awareness about the importance of environmental conservation and the role service can play in protecting America’s natural spaces. We had fun conserving our parks while simultaneously demonstrating to decision-makers in Washington the value of Corps and volunteering to the environmental conservation movement. We hope you can join us next year!

– Download the fact sheet from the 2015 Day of Service

Confirmed Speakers at the 2015 Day of Service kick-off:

  • U.S. National Park Service Director John Jarvis
  • Bill Basl, Director of AmeriCorps
  • U.S. Forest Service National Recreation Director Joe Meade
  • Tina Terrell, Director of Job Corps for the U.S. Forest Service
  • Gracie Billingsley, 2015 Corpsmember of the Year 
  • Philan Tree, National Council of Young Leaders
  • Lajuan Tucker, City of Austin Park Ranger & Texas Conservation Corps alum 

Service Project locations – 2015:

  • National Mall – Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial
  • Rock Creek Park
  • Daingerfield Island
  • Teddy Roosevelt Island

Thank You to the 2015 Great Outdoors Day of Service Sponsors & Partners


 

 

Established in 1917, Guest Services is a private, U.S.-based company originally founded to provide dining services to government agencies in Washington, D.C.

For nearly a century, we have systematically built an outstanding hospitality company based on a firm foundation of great people working with great clients to serve great customers. Learn more.

 

 

 

 

 

Though the company has grown, its mission to help visitors “See the Best First” has stayed the same. Along with a commitment to quality, Old Town Trolley combines history, fun facts, colorful anecdotes, and outstanding service to provide their guests with a memorable vacation experience. Learn more.  

 
A global leader in hospitality management & food service management, Delaware North Companies presents top destinations to half a billion guests each year. With locations on four continents, serving half-a-billion guests a year, it’s not easy to come up with a simple phrase that captures all we do. Yes, we’re world leaders in culinary and hospitality. We’re specialists in serving up what fans crave, and at making travelers and visitors feel right at home. But here’s how we’d like you to really think of us. We’re a team 60,000 strong. Our role is to work behind the scenes to create world-class experiences. And our spirit, our passion, is to go beyond your expectations. Learn more.

 

 

 

CBRE is the global leader in real estate services and investment.

Every day, in markets around the globe, we apply our insight, experience and resources to help clients make informed real estate decisions. Every year, we complete thousands of successful assignments across a wide range of markets and real estate service lines. Learn more.

Located in a quiet park-like setting, Hyatt Fairfax at Fair Lakes features healthy options for our travelers including on-site jogging trails, indoor lap pool and Precor aerobic equipment in our fitness center. Within walking distance of premium shopping, eateries and salons, we also provide a complimentary three mile area shuttle.  As a hotel near Washington DC, we also offer a free shuttle to and from the Vienna Metro Station. Learn more.

 

 

 

 

 

Founders, Brian Stowers and Ben Kieffner, developed Flow397 in response to a shared conviction to develop a socially responsible “for-profit” business with philanthropic origins. So we pondered, “Why not develop a business that tries to be both the best in the world and the best for the world”? We are committed to donating $3.97 for each item sold to charities that support our National Parks. Our iconic heritage and landscape deserve sustained preservation and support. Learn more.

A truly American idea, the State and National Parks of this country represent our naturalheritage. North and south, east and west, they stretch from the edges of our maps to the hearts of our cities, covering nearly one-third of this nation. This June, celebrate the natural wonder and outdoor spirit of America by getting outside during Great Outdoors Month™. Once you come outside, you’ll never want to go back inside. June is a special time to celebrate America’s Great Outdoors.  What started as Great Outdoors Week under President Clinton in 1998 has grown significantly under both the Bush and Obama administrations into a month-long celebration of the outdoors and all the benefits it brings – including annual economic impact of $650 billion nationwide. Learn more.

The American Recreation Coalition (ARC) is a Washington-based nonprofit organization formed in 1979. Since its inception, ARC has sought to catalyze public/private partnerships to enhance and protect outdoor recreational opportunities and the resources upon which such experiences are based. ARC organizes and conducts national conferences and meetings and disseminates information regarding recreational needs and initiatives through a variety of means, including a monthly newsletter and its website www.funoutdoors.com. ARC also monitors legislative and regulatory proposals that influence recreation and works with government agencies and the U.S. Congress to study public-policy issues that will shape future recreational opportunities. Learn more.

 

Materials from The Corps Network’s 2014 Great Outdoors Day of Service

 

Corpsmember Perspective: Let’s Move! Outside – YMCA San Antonio

Chloe Crumley is one of The Corps Network’s AmeriCorps EAP members who is serving at a local YMCA location as part of Let’s Move! Outside initiative. As a member of Texas Conservation Corps, Chloe is based out of YMCA of Greater San Antonio.

In 2015, The Corps Network joined the Department of the Interior’s Let’s Move! Outside initiative: an effort to build coalitions in 50 cities across the country to put into action the Department of the Interior’s broader youth initiative, which is focused on enhancing and expanding outdoor recreational, educational, volunteer and career opportunities on public lands for millions of youth. The Corps Network is aiding the initiative by placing TCN AmeriCorps EAP members at YMCA locations in many of the 50 cities. Each Corpsmember assists a Community Coordinator at the Y in leading a coalition of local organizations working to inspire young people to play, learn, serve, and work on public lands. Chloe’s cohort (the first 25 cities) will end in August, and new EAP members will be selected for the remaining 25 cities. 

 
 
By Chloe Crumley
Texas Conservation Corps

Let’s Move! Outside has been an adventure. I may not be scraping my knees or climbing mountains in the most literal since, but figuratively, I have done just that. It all started with our summit in August 2015 in San Antonio, which was two days after I began as the AmeriCorps member with the initiative. I only vaguely knew what the initiative was about, but I did know I love being outside, I love being an advocate for the outdoors, and I’m excited for the opportunity to reach more people in my community to find that feeling and love of nature as well.

The beginning trek. The first summit had over 50 people in attendance from over 20 different organizations in and around San Antonio. In those three-hours we were able to discuss the outdoor opportunities this city has, the volunteer chances, and how we can all work together to better our existing programs. It was a fabulous event where passionate people were able to meet others in their same field and mind set of the outdoors and youth. That summit really lifted off our initiative and got many people and organizations excited for the future.

The first cross road. Now that the initiative had some excitement, I thought moving forward would be a breeze; however, due to my own excitement of getting youth and the community involved in the outdoors, I started running before I ever knew where I was going.
When the initiative was given to us, it stated two things: 1. We want 10,000 youth volunteers in each city and 2. There are four pillars – Play, Learn, Serve, Work.
The rest was up to us.

Climbing up hill. The openness of Let’s Move! Outside that was given to us, has the benefit of truly creating an initiative that fits our city and our needs, but the downside of little to no structure has meant a longer amount of time getting our footing. For a few weeks we worked on getting more partners involved and interested while we figured out the best way to find a mutually beneficial arrangement of their role in LMO. We worked on establishing a dedicated steering committee which has been a large part of our success. Then with that steering committee, we were able to work on a mission statement, develop goals, and decide our next steps with LMO.

The view. I know we have not reached our peak yet and even though we have fallen a few times and lost partners or fumbled with program development, we are now coming across a beautiful view. A couple of accomplishments in our journey have been:

  • A new program with Parks and Recreation Youth Programs and the National Historic Missions where youth are taught about the missions and parks and then taken to the missions to complete their Junior Ranger Training
  • A weekly educational hike at Hill Country Natural Area State Park specifically for youth
  • The first ever volunteer day with The Doseum and its members to have a family friendly outdoor volunteer day
  • Having the YMCA come out to the volunteer Arbor Day and do zumba with volunteers,
  • (And my favorite) A steering committee member from East Central ISD was committed and took a group of students to Big Bend National Park to learn, discover the park, volunteer, and express their passions to their peers when they returned.

The overlook. Most recently, I have been working with community members around San Antonio who are interested in volunteering and just need some help finding places to go, so it has been my pleasure to match families and businesses to opportunities. We also just had our SECOND summit for Let’s Move! Outside where we were able to discuss our goals and what the community needs from us. The most brought up resource needed is a website with calendars, partner resources, etc. so that is our #1 priority. At the second summit,we were glad to see organizations attend who have not been a part of the initiative. It proved that there are many people who could benefit from us, we just need to continue reaching out to them. We are also excited for the expansion of some volunteer days in our city like “It’s My Park Day” and “National Public Lands Day” thanks to LMO.

An adventure it has been, but it has been incredibly worth it and I am proud to be a part of this process to engage our youth and community to #getoutdoors #letsmoveoutsideSA
 

 

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2016 Corpsmember of the Year Speeches

Every year, the Corpsmember of the Year speeches are a highlight of The Corps Network National Conference. Click below to watch the 2016 Corpsmembers of the Year tell their inspiring stories. 

 

Jasmin Angeles – Los Angeles Conservation Corps 


 

 

Timothy Gunn – The Sustainability Institute

 

Keoni Kikala – Kupu, Hawaii Youth Conservation Corps

 

Katheryne Lewis – Montana Conservation Corps 

 

Angela Noah – Northwest Youth Corps

An Interview with Len Price, a 2016 Corps Legacy Achievement Award Winner

Len Price of Conservation Corps Minnesota & Iowa was selected as a 2016 Corps Legacy Achivement Award Winner. We interviewed Len to learn more about him and his experience in the Corps movement. Click here to read Len’s bio. 
 

How did you become involved in Service and Conservation Corps?  What were you doing before?

My knowledge of the Conservation Corps did not occur until my Legislative days. In the 1990s, the Corps ( known then as MCC or Minnesota Conservation Corps) was part of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and as such was funded through the budgeting process for that State Agency. As a committee member of the Minnesota State Senate Finance Division that had jurisdiction over that budget, I heard about the program and supported its funding. In the state budget proposal for the 2001-2003 budget there was no funding offered for the Minnesota Conservation Corps. I was approached by Corps members at one of my senate Legislative Town meetings to try to figure out how to prevent the proposed cut to the funding and in essence end the Corps’ existence.

I was then Chairman of the Senate Finance Division for Natural Resources and championed the Corps funding and held the position through the Legislative process and conference committee  for the State Budget and the Corps emerged with funding to keep it intact as a 501 c 3 nonprofit and saved from extinction.

I was not reelected to the State Senate in the next election (2002), and  was asked to join the Corps Board of Directors in 2003. With a bleak outlook for funding, the Executive Director for the Corps left.  I was asked to apply for the position, was hired, and began work as the Executive Director in January of 2005. I am retiring December 31, 2015 after 11 years of service.

Prior to the ED position at the Corps (2005-2011), I was a classroom teacher at a suburban high school for 34 years (1965-1999) and concurrently a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives and Senate for 20 years (1983-2002). I have always had an interest in youth issues-employment and training. The Corps work seemed like a good fit.

 

Who are some of your heroes?  What did they do to inspire you? 

Among my heroes are my parents, both hard working Greatest Generation individuals who lived through the Great Depression and World War Two. They gave me the values and ethics that have guided my life. The late Minnesota State Representative Willard Munger gave me the inspiration and tenacity to use the legislative process to help protect and sustain natural resources. I was also inspired by President John Kennedy’s challenge, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country”. I took that to heart and became a social studies teacher.

 

Describe some of your most memorable experiences working with Corps programs.

Every day there are memorable experiences associated with the Corps and Corps’ programs. To see first hand the change in youth and young adults after their term of service or completion of a project or a days’ work provides me with great satisfaction. To give individuals a chance to have new experiences outdoors and be involved in a tactile manner; to see the personal growth, the skill changes, the attitude changes and the appreciation of caring for the environment and each other; and the improvements made to a stream, trail, shoreline, forest, landscape, or a public place and the team spirit that develops in the process provides me with a very warm feeling. As an example, I’ll not forget the day a crew of six teenagers, including two deaf corps members, successfully and safely dismantled a problematic beaver dam in the Minnesota wilderness. They carefully and strategically repositioned themselves in order to extract each carefully constructed stick in the beaver dam. They emerged from the water coated with mud, filthy and smelling like the rank water in which they toiled for about 45 minutes. The joy on their faces of such an accomplishment is etched in my mind. They wore the mud proudly like medals for the rest of the day. Together with their crew companions they had experienced a once in a life time activity. The face of the crew leader reflected the elation of a job well done…of what a successful day had become.

 

Given your experience, what is the primary piece of wisdom you could provide to Corpsmembers?

As a corpsmember, remember it is okay to ask questions, to learn new things, to be supportive of team members, and to relish the new things that you can experience. You are not alone in not knowing. Embrace the chance, the adventure and be supportive of others.

 

What is the primary piece of wisdom you would provide to staff at Corps?

As a staff person, you have the chance to influence your charges, your crew, in so many ways. You are a mentor, a role model, an authority figure, a counselor, and an influence for life. Ask participants in programs from the past and they will likely share the profound ways that you affected them emotionally. Staff in leadership positions, carry the burden of perpetuating the reputation of the Corps movement and sometimes the sustainability of the Corps mission. It is you that must take up the mantle for the future of the Corps and national service- you must be an advocate, an educator to the public, that does not know or understand what the Corps is and what impacts it has on individual lives and the social good and value-added that Corps programs produce. You must be the storyteller and the role model.

 

In the future, what developments would you like to see happen in the Corps movement?

If I were king, I would require all high school graduates and school drop-outs to serve at least one year of service in a community and service activity before they pursue post- secondary schooling or work related training. Ideally it would not necessarily need to be just in the natural resource world. It would allow time for many young people to have some world experience, grow up a bit, and help many worthy causes and the needs of communities. Exception to the requirement would be for military service. As king I would not hesitate to provide the necessary funding to make such a worthy and noble cause become reality.

 

What do you hope your legacy will be?

I hope my legacy is that I was part of caring for others and my community and that programs like Corps will be in existence for opportunities forever. Participation to that end will help us take care of public places and spaces and” restore resources and change lives”.