Impact Story: Michigan Civilian Conservation Corps Forest Health Crew

The Michigan Civilian Conservation Corps (MCCC) is a national service program operated through the Parks and Recreation Division of Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources. The program provides Michigan residents ages 18 – 27 the chance to gain hands-on experience in ecological restoration, forest health, horticulture or sign manufacturing. MCCC members have the opportunity to earn an AmeriCorps Education Award through The Corps Network’s AmeriCorps Education Award Program.

One MCCC program is the Forest Health Crew, which engages AmeriCorps members in planting and maintaining native trees, monitoring tree health, and addressing pests and diseases. Learn about some of their work below.

 

Crewmembers Zach Ostoin, Jacob de Boer, Noelani Belton and Autumn Fedorowicz inspecting EAB insect traps.

Forest Pest Training

Waterloo Recreation Area (Chelsea, MI)

At the beginning of summer 2021, MCCC Forest Health Crew members attended an outdoor, hands-on emerald ash borer (EAB) training at Waterloo Recreation Area. Crew members received specialized instruction in locating EAB-resistant trees and collecting hemlock seed to aid in the U.S. Forest Service’s hemlock protection efforts. As part of the training, the members surveyed for symptoms of invasive forest pests across this 11,000-acre park.

 

 

AmeriCorps member Dax Cilley watering a newly planted tree. AmeriCorps member Megan Leach learning arboricultural practices.

Forest Restoration Tree Planting

Belle Isle Park (Detroit, MI)

In late summer 2021, MCCC Forest Health members helped plant 55 native, locally-sourced trees across an area that experienced losses from emerald ash borer, oak wilt, and Dutch elm disease. Crew members learned about proper planting techniques and how to care for newly planted trees. Crew members also had the opportunity to learn arboriculture practices, such as tree climbing.

 

 

AmeriCorps member Travis Wilcox (left) exposes a fungal pressure pad on an infected oak tree. Evan Hunt (right) takes an oak wilt delimitation measurement at Waterloo Recreation Area in August 2021.

Oak Protection: Forest Health Survey for Invasive Oak Wilt

State-wide

MCCC Forest Health Crew members are part of the front-line protection and management of forest health in sensitive landscapes across Michigan State Parks. Crew members learn to identify symptoms of oak wilt, collect samples, and verify lab samples. Members help survey expansive landscapes.

 

 

Crew members, including Travis Wilcox and Megan Leach (left), are trained in pest identification and safe use of pesticides. Crew member Travis Wilcox (right) records datapoints about a small stand of hemlock at Silver Lake State Park.

Hemlock Woolly Adelgid Treatment

Michigan’s Golden Coast

MCCC Forest Health Crew members are part of an important statewide effort to eradicate invasive hemlock woolly adelgid, an insect that feeds on sap from trees. Surveys and treatment occurs in Michigan State Parks in priority locations along Lake Michigan. During the summer months, AmeriCorps members are hard at work treating infected trees and protecting non-infected trees. During winter months, the crew spends most of their time mapping hemlock stands and surveying and mapping infected trees.

 

Alumni Story: Karrie Arnold

Karrie Arnold served as a GulfCorps Crew Leader with the Student Conservation Association(SCA) in Alabama for nine months. GulfCorps is a partnership between The Corps Network, The Nature Conservancy (TNC), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and several regional Corps programs. It’s supported via funds from the RESTORE Act. TNC administers the program, working with Corps organizations across the five Gulf States, SCA being the Corps in Alabama. The Corps Network provides technical assistance and workforce development programming to GulfCorps members.  

While serving as a Crew Leader, Karrie completed her master’s capstone project on GIS mapping and later became a staff member with SCA, first as Program Assistant and then Program Coordinator for Alabama. She now works for TNC as the Conservation Information Manager for the GulfCorps Program. She shares her journey, words of wisdom to future Corpsmembers, and where she is today because of her Corps experience.   

How long did you serve with Student Conservation Association (SCA)? How did you first hear about the Program?

I started with SCA in September 2018, served as a Crewleader for nine months, and then transitioned into a staff position as Program Assistant. I later became Program Coordinator. I heard of the program while I was in an AmeriCorps position for Mobile Baykeeper, a nonprofit that partners with GulfCorps; they are part of the Waterkeeper Alliance. I helped with volunteer engagement there and learned about GulfCorps. 

Can you tell us a bit about your background? What were you doing prior to the program and what made you want to join?

My undergrad was in psychology and I wanted to be a counselor. I took a class on social justice issues and learned about environmental justice. It made things click for me and I realized I could do a career in both of these fields and help both people and the environment.  

I finished my psychology degree and planned to go into an MBA program but instead took additional undergrad physical science courses. During this time, I was the Sustainability Coordinator at Spring Hill College, which helped pay for my tuition. I ran the recycling program, wrote a grant to get a community garden on campus, and assisted in other green initiatives. I finished my courses and applied for my masters at the University of Illinois. While doing my masters, I picked up that AmeriCorps position.  

Karrie doing some carpentry work.

What projects did you work on while with the Corps?

A little bit of everything: different habitat types, wetlands and uplands, carpentry work like repairing boardwalks, and invasive species removal. The project I enjoyed most was for my capstone, taking elevation points in the salt marsh. My team and I were taught how to use a Trimble, which is basically a big pole with a GPS on the top of it to take elevation points in the salt marsh. Satellite images, because of the waterflow and tide changes, cannot read the elevation correctly. For my capstone project I took that data and did some sea level rise projections for the reserve we were working at. From there, they worked to see what management strategies they could do with it. 

What were some of the best parts about this program? What were some of the challenges? Do you have a favorite or most memorable experience?

The challenges were keeping people motivated as a Crew Leader. I had a co-leader to help play games as we worked and try to have fun, keeping the focus on the “why.” A big thing I enjoy with mapping is getting to see the visual of the work you’re doing, the end result, and direct impact.  

My most memorable experience was with the whole team – about 18 of us – we were doing this big invasive removal project down on Dauphin Island, which is a barrier island. It’s a bird sanctuary for the migratory birds going up and down from North to South America. The barrier island where we were working has freshwater ponds or lakes and we were trying to protect and preserve those. If those lakes go away, the birds don’t have a place to rest while migrating as they can’t drink the saltwater.  

The invasive work we were doing was helping to make sure there wasn’t further erosion so that the salt water didn’t leak in. We were in knee-deep water, chainsawing, and we had some migratory birds flying over us. It was super impactful that the species were there. It was intense, you could see your breath because it was really cold, but everyone was working together; it’s a memory I’ll always have. 

Karrie as a Crewleader, teaching at orientation.

What training, resources, and support were you provided through this program?

GulfCorps is all training – I got chainsaw training, fire training to do prescribed burning, all the field skills training, professional development, carpentry training, and I just went back to SCA to help lead a carpentry training. Also, unique to my position, I felt like I knew professional development, but it helped me as a leader to help teach those skills. I saw the impact it had on people who didn’t even have their GED or were working towards that. It helped my own skills by learning how to teach those skills. The Corps Network – who is the key partner for professional development with GulfCorps – has created such great resources for Corps and leaders to teach these skills to their members.  

What were your original goals for after the program and what resources did the program provide to help you get there?

I wanted to do city planning or related to natural resources and community work. I was trying to combine working with both people and nature. We did a career day towards end of program where you got to meet with a professional in the field you want to go in, have lunch and talk with them, and see what they do day to day. It made me realize I wanted to focus more on natural resource work. There was a ton of resources and that day really stuck with me. 

The bird sanctuary habitat after removal of invasive species at Dauphin Island.

What type of work do you do now and how did your Corpsmember experience help you get there? What skills (soft skills, certifications, etc.)did you take from this program?

I’m blessed that I’m still at the program that I started at and worked my way from the bottom up. Now I manage the monitoring program for all of GulfCorps. As a Crew Leader, one of my responsibilities was to lead the monitoring for our Alabama crews and back then, in year 2 of the program, it wasn’t all figured out. Every year since then, I have helped to formulate the program more. It’s still a work in progress in year 5, but every year we have learned to adapt the program to match member’s needs.  

Training is also a huge aspect of my job now. We have an annual orientation where all the crews come together for a big kickoff and intro training. When I first became Program Assistant with SCA, my biggest role was leading the charge for this event. TNC contracts SCA to organize and host the GulfCorps orientation. I learned a lot about planning events, was able to see trainers in action, and all those pieces have helped me understand what works for teaching people. Having been in the position of the people I’m teaching also helps. I can’t expect people to know specific tech things, like using a GPS, so I think about what I wanted to know when I started.   

What impact did this community and experience have on your story? What do you feel you gained personally and professionally?

My life is GulfCorps, I don’t know what I’d be doing now without it. I’m really thankful for all of it. I’m not originally from the Gulf of Mexico region, I’m originally from the Midwest, being introduced to different habitats and the impacts of climate change here. It’s really opened my eyes to differences in our country as well.  

Karrie in the salt marsh while completing her capstone collection activities.

Why is it important for young people to be involved in this type of work?

As far as issues like climate change, and the state of our environment worldwide, I think young people are aware of it because of social media but don’t fully understand what’s happening or appreciate what is out there. Once you’re in it you’re more willing to protect it and fight for it. A picture is worth a thousand words but when you’re actually there, it’s infinite. 

What would you say to others who are considering their next steps or a program like this? Do you have any advice?

For folks considering the program, in relation to the pay, if you can make it work for the six months or however long, it’s not the monetary value you get; it’s the amount of training and experience you get. Especially with GulfCorps, with the networking you get to meet so many partners and there’s such a high success rate of people moving into another career in conservation. You have the ability to be there with a project partner and say, “look at me, I know what I’m doing, I work hard.”  

I did a lot of the recruiting as a Corps staff member. I’d say focus on what you’ll get out of it then, instead of just the monetary value. I know me saying that comes from a place of privilege and us as Corps need to try to make it easier for all citizens to be able to join a Corps and meet their financial needs. Still, whatever you can do to make it work, I still think is worth it in the long run.  

Update from The Corps Network’s Government Relations Team – April 19, 2022

By Meghan Castellano & Danielle Owen

Read this blog from The Corps Network’s Government Relations Team on what recent updates from Washington mean for the Service and Conservation Corps community.

 

Climate Action Summit

On March 15 and 16, 2022, The Corps Network convened Corps movement leaders from several sectors for a Climate Action Summit in Washington, DC. The event focused on exploring opportunities to meet the goals of a Civilian Climate Corps by expanding and evolving the community of national service programs that do conservation work.

Among other topics, the sessions at the Summit looked at:

  • a variety of options for funding climate service projects;
  • opportunities to engage new partners;
  • priority projects to address;
  • barriers to expanding Conservation Corps;
  • and the necessity of centering equity and environmental justice in efforts to meet the goals of a Civilian Climate Corps.

Participants at the Climate Action Summit included Directors from Conservation Corps programs across the country, as well as leaders and representatives from the White House Office of Domestic Climate Policy, AmeriCorps and the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Energy, Interior, Labor, and Transportation. Presenters also included leaders from the National Park Foundation, the National Forest Foundation, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and the JPB and William Penn Foundations. The Climate Action Summit also provided an opportunity to celebrate successes in the Conservation Corps field. Among others, Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Ed Markey (D-MA), as well as members of their staff, attended and were recognized for their leadership on legislative efforts to fund national service and a Civilian Climate Corps. An Action Summit summary report will be published by The Corps Network in the coming weeks. Learn more about the event

 

Fiscal Year 2023 Appropriations

On Monday, March 28, President Biden released his Fiscal Year 2023 budget proposal. His request included around $100 million for the Civilian Climate Corps (CCC). TCN’s Government Relations Team understands that this funding inclusion was a White House directive. As a reminder, the President’s Budget does not hold weight in law but is more of a guide to the Legislative Branch on how the Executive Branch would like federal funding to be directed. The CCC funding included in the President’s Fiscal Year 2023 budget request includes:

  • AmeriCorps: There is a $20 million funding request for AmeriCorps’ Salaries and Expenses account. This is for AmeriCorps capacity building for the CCC.
  • Department of Agriculture: There is a $6 million funding request for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) as well as a request for not less than $3 million in the Recreation, Heritage, and Wilderness account at the U.S. Forest Service.
  • Department of Interior: There is around $60 million in funding requests over the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
  • Department of Labor: There is a $15 million request for the Department of Labor for a grant program related to the CCC.

 

Great Outdoors Day of Service

Mark your calendars! On Thursday, June 9, 2022, The Corps Network will host its Great Outdoors Day of Service in Washington, DC. The purpose of this special event is to celebrate service and volunteerism outdoors and raise awareness about the role we can all play in helping maintain the public lands and waters we enjoy. This annual event connects young adults serving in Corps across the country, as well as Corps partners and supporters. After pausing the event for two years for COVID safety reasons, we look forward to bringing Corpsmembers and Corps supporters together in person to complete a service project and give back to our local community. We will share further details as they become available, but in the meantime, please hold some time on your calendars to join us in DC on June 9.

Coalition Calls:
Opportunities for Member Organizations of The Corps Network

In the last few weeks, The Corps Network reached out to its membership to share opportunities to be more involved in advocacy at The Corps Network. We have two main Coalitions at The Corps Network that focus on advocacy and on information sharing. These are the Public Lands Service Coalition (PLSC) and the State and Local Projects Coalition (SLPC).  

PLSC:

The PLSC meets weekly and focuses more of its attention to non-federal public lands, such as state and local public lands, waters, and outdoor recreation sites. If you have an interest in expanding your Corps’ work on public lands but are not located near a national park, forest, or refuge, this is your opportunity to explore relationships with and strategies for state and local resource management agencies.

The PLSC has been working on creating concurrent meetings of two working groups – one focused on Agency/Administration outreach and the other focused onCorps Industry Issues, like recruiting and equitable access – on Tuesdays at 1:00 p.m. ET. A meeting of the larger group will continue to meet on Fridays at 1:00 p.m. ET to share information and discuss next steps. The PLSC does NOT require additional dues. If you would like to attend, please reach out to Danielle Owen, Director of Government Relations, for the meeting invite.

 

SLPC:

The SLPC meets monthly and considers important topics like funding for projects in urban communities, as well as Corpsmember education, workforce development, and support services. This group focuses more on project work in urban areas or on state or local public lands; opportunities to partner with AmeriCorps and/or the Departments of Energy, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, Labor and Transportation; and strategies for successfully engaging and supporting diverse Corpsmembers (who may have multiple barriers to employment). This group meets the last Thursday of every month at 2:00 p.m. ET.

The SLPC does NOT require additional dues. If you would like to attend, please reach out Meghan, Government Relations Coordinator, for the meeting invite.

The Corps Network encourages its members to take full advantage of these coalitions. The participants in these meetings bring a wealth of knowledge and share many great ideas. By working together, we have a better chance of growing and improving not only individual programs, but the entire Corps movement.

 

 

 

 

Impact Story: Alli Riebel – Utah Conservation Corps

“Working with conservation corps has helped me to become the absolute best version of myself.”

This story was adapted from Heal the Planet, Heal the Self: One Conservationist’s Journey — a profile by David Mallery, originally published by Utah State TODAY, April 5, 2022. Read the full, original article here.

Alli Riebel has served several terms with various Conservation Corps and is currently a field logistics technician with Utah Conservation Corps. Through her service terms Alli has developed conservation skills, led groups of new Corpsmembers, and served as an inspiration for those seeking to join Corps. But it wasn’t always this way for Alli.

Before joining the Corps movement, Alli struggled with her mental health and was in search of a path that would help her forward. Encouraged by an interest in the outdoors and a friend who’d served as a Corpsmember, Alli applied to a one-month term with Minnesota Youth Corps. Initially, Alli says she struggled to gain her footing. She faced challenges in the immersive Corps environment that pushed her out of her comfort zone and eventually, helped her to thrive.

After her term ended, Alli attended trade school where she became an auto technician but realized her true passion lay in conservation. She applied to Wisconsin’s WisCorps where she learned about invasive species removal, tree planting, and more, before becoming an assistant Crew Leader with the Corps.

Alli says, “I realized that I was free to travel the country, meet new people, and face whatever challenges that nature and human nature might throw my way.”

Alli’s next step was with Utah Conservation Corps. She served as a Crew Leader where she was able to lead groups of new Corpsmembers and share her passion for conservation. Today, Alli serves with Utah Conservation Corps as a field logistics technician. She manages crews, supports project management, and makes sure equipment and vehicles are working properly.

Alli hopes to continue working in the field of conservation. Her path serves as an example of a successful trajectory for young people seeking a career in conservation, and her story shows the transformative effect Corps have on the lives of young people.

Read this article from Utah State Today to learn more about Alli’s story.

Climate Action Through National Service: The Corps Network Convenes Federal, Nonprofit, and Foundation Partners to Discuss Future of Corps Programs

Event in Washington, DC, highlights opportunities to train workers, complete conservation projects, and address workforce and climate inequity through Conservation Corps programs

 

Nearly 90 years ago, faced with the Great Depression and environmental challenges, President Franklin D. Roosevelt created the Civilian Conservation Corps. By putting millions of young men to work building parks and infrastructure we still use today, the CCC saved families from poverty and gave a generation a sense of purpose.

In January 2021, within one week of taking office, President Biden signed an executive order on tackling the climate crisis. Among other measures, the order calls for the creation of a Civilian Climate Corps.

Backcountry members with the California Conservation Corps use a crosscut saw in a project with the U.S. Forest Service.

Over the past year, a growing number of leaders in federal, state, and local government have called for investment in a Climate Corps. A 21st century CCC is viewed as a tool to build America’s climate resilience by completing priority projects and providing equitable access to job training in fields like energy efficiency, resource management, and wildfire response.

“The Corps Network stands in the great American tradition of the Civilian Conservation Corps—putting millions of Americans to work in the cause of conservation. In that same spirit, The Corps Network is confronting the greatest conservation challenges of our time while also developing and diversifying the workforce,” said Chief Randy Moore of the U.S. Forest Service. “Through the Civilian Climate Corps, we anticipate dramatically increasing the scale of fuels and forest health treatments over the next decade as we tackle the effects of a changing climate.”

From March 15 – 16, 2022, The Corps Network – the National Association of Service and Conservation Corps – convened leaders from several sectors for a Climate Action Summit. The event focused on exploring opportunities to meet the goals of a Civilian Climate Corps by expanding and evolving the community of national service programs that do conservation work. The Corps Network currently has a membership of 145 Conservation Corps programs that annually engage more than 20,000 diverse young adults in conservation service projects and workforce development.

AmeriCorps members and an instructor at Fresno Local Conservation Corps installing solar panels.

“AmeriCorps has invested in environmental stewardship for nearly three decades, and we are excited to continue collaborating with The Corps Network on the future of conservation,” said Michael D. Smith, AmeriCorps CEO. “Last year, more than 15,000 AmeriCorps members provided environmental conservation and disaster response services to hundreds of communities across the nation. As we grow our conservation corps, we will continue to improve parks and public lands, increase energy efficiency, strengthen rural and urban economies, expand opportunity for young people and veterans, and create the next generation of conservation and climate resilience leaders.”

Participants at the Climate Action Summit included leaders from dozens of Conservation Corps programs across the country, as well as leaders and representatives from  the White House Office of Domestic Climate Policy, AmeriCorps and the Departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Energy, Interior, Labor, and Transportation.

Presenters also included leaders from the National Park Foundation, the National Forest Foundation, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and the JPB and William Penn Foundations.

Among other topics, the sessions at the Summit looked at a variety of options for funding climate service projects; opportunities to engage new partners; priority projects to address; barriers to expanding Conservation Corps; and the necessity of centering equity and environmental justice in efforts to meet the goals of a Civilian Climate Corps. While the original CCC of the ‘30s was not accessible and fair to all, today’s Corps enroll young people representing different backgrounds and life experiences. A theme of the Summit was the critical importance of prioritizing projects and service opportunities for communities that have experienced discrimination and disinvestment.

The Climate Action Summit also provided an opportunity to celebrate successes in the Conservation Corps field. Among others, Senators Chris Coons (D-DE) and Ed Markey (D-MA) attended and were recognized for their leadership on legislative efforts to fund national service and a Civilian Climate Corps.

The Corps Network thanks Sen. Ed Markey (left) and Sen. Chris Coons (right) with our 2022 Congressional Champion Award for their work in support of national service and a Civilian Climate Corps. The Corps Network also recognized Congressional staff members for their exceptional work: Hannah Vogel, Office of Sen. Markey; Corey Linehan, Office of Sen. Coons; Chris Fisk, Senate HELP Committee.

“I am grateful to have had the opportunity to join the Climate Action Summit and was impressed by the breadth of engagement from service and conservation corps across the country and agencies across the federal government to confront the climate crisis and its impact on our communities head-on,” said Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE.). “I look forward to working with this dedicated community, President Biden, and my colleagues to deepen our investment in these corps’ transformational work.”

A summary report with action items will be published by The Corps Network in the coming weeks.

“The Corps Network is grateful to everyone who lent ideas and expertise to the Summit. We extend deep appreciation to those who helped make this event possible,” said Mary Ellen Sprenkel, President and CEO of The Corps Network. “The Corps Community is positioned to utilize our existing infrastructure, capacity, and decades of experience as a foundation for growth. With trained leaders, a presence across the country in urban and rural areas, and a proven track record of getting quality work done safely and effectively, the Corps community stands ready to anchor broader climate action. We look forward to collaborating with our federal, foundation, and nonprofit partners to meet our mission to advance programs that transform young people’s lives and communities.”

 
 
 

Impact Story: Civic Works – New Landscape Pre-Apprenticeship Program

Based in Baltimore, MD, Civic Works offers young adults the opportunity to gain work experience by engaging in conservation service projects ranging from weatherizing homes to growing fresh produce for communities experiencing food inequity.

The Civic Works Landscape Pre-Apprentice Training Program offers hands-on technical and pre-employment training to individuals interested in working in the horticulture trade. Training focuses on identifying and cultivating plants, landscaping, and irrigation systems.

Through a partnership with The Corps Network, the program is supported by the Jobs for the Future (JFF) Apprenticeship Expansion and Modernization Fund (AEMF), designed to strengthen and expand existing pre-apprenticeship-to-registered apprenticeship pathways. Due to the success of their Community Lot Team, Civic Works was identified as a viable AEMF partner to help establish a nationwide network of pre-apprenticeships in natural resources and landscaping.

The pre-apprentices will work directly with experienced landscapers and irrigators to improve the functional or aesthetic value of an outdoor space. They may create or enhance lawns, gardens, decks, patios, and other landscape features and work on irrigation systems.

Successful completion of the three-month program, pre-apprentices will be paired with a local landscape employer and enter a Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Program overseen by the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP).

On January 31, 2022, the inaugural Landscape Pre-Apprentice Training Program cohort got off to a fantastic start, with the six -apprentices completing orientation and reviewing tools of the trade. Four of the inaugural cohort members are enrolled in AmeriCorps. A second cohort will launch in April 2022.

To learn more about Civic Works, please visit their website at https://civicworks.com

 

 

Impact Story: Sustainability Institute – Surveying & Addressing the Energy Burden of South Carolina Residents

The Corps Network is collecting short stories from Corps about their projects and the Corpsmembers that put them into action. Read our “Impact Stories” collection for a picture of the people and hard work behind the Corps movement. This story features a project completed by the Environmental Conservation Corps (ECC), a program of The Sustainability Institute in North Charleston, SC. This project engaged seven AmeriCorps members supported by The Corps Network’s AmeriCorps Education Award Program (EAP) and Opportunity Youth Service Initiative (OYSI). The Sustainability Institute partnered with Lowcountry Alliance for Model Communities (LAMC), Union Heights Neighborhood Association, and Charleston Climate Coalition (CCC) to complete this project in 13 months. 

 

Project Name:

Surveying & Addressing the Energy Burden of South Carolina Residents 

Project Description:

The Environmental Conservation Corps at The Sustainability Institute honored the great legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by furthering the efforts of the 30 organizations of the South Carolina Energy Justice Coalition in a 4-phase project. ECC officially launched the project on January 17 to recognize the MLK National Day of Service. 

In Phase 1, ECC partnered with the South Carolina Energy Justice Network, including LAMC and CCC, to collect survey responses regarding home energy costs to help identify key opportunities and challenges related to household energy use. In Phase 2, the Sustainability Institute facilitated a hybrid energy+water efficiency workshop for community members, physically hosted at Gethsemani Community Center in Union Heights Neighborhood in North Charleston, SC. In Phase 3, Corpsmembers volunteered during the North Charleston Community Resource Center’s weekly food distribution and shared the survey with interested persons. Residential energy burden surveys, personal care kits, energy+water efficiency workshop flyers, and 400+ food boxes were distributed. In Phase 4, Survey results will be collected until mid-February. The survey results will be analyzed by the University of Maryland and will provide key information on how to best provide weatherization resources, address critical home repair needs, raise awareness around energy equity, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

In the future, ECC will continue to address energy-related concerns by offering weatherization services to low-income families, leading energy+water efficiency workshops, and gathering survey data in partnership with local leaders and organizations. Together, these activities effectively address climate change and contribute to building a more sustainable city and community.  

Relevant Stats

  • 60 energy surveys were hand-delivered to local residents by Environmental Conservation trail built, # of hours Corpsmembers worked on this) Corps Service Members. 
  • Home Conservation Kits and raffle prizes were distributed to Workshop participants to increase access to energy-saving devices and information. 
  • 400+ food boxes were distributed to individuals and families in need. 
  • Personal care kits were distributed during all phases of this project. 
  • Weatherization service applications were given to local residents during each phase of the project. 
  • 1 energy+water efficiency workshop was facilitated by ECC Members and SI Staff on January 20 with two other local workshops on the calendar with secured co-sponsors. 

Corpsmember quotes: 

“As low-income North Charleston residents face a disproportionally high energy burden compared to the state average, we aimed to find out how we could help residents lower their bills and learn what common issues were found in the homes during surveying. We got to know some of the residents, learning their stories and how they watched their neighborhood change over time. Many residents did not know that they could weatherize their homes and that there were organizations out there that could help them. Equity plays a big part in our service work. Union Heights Neighborhood is a predominately Black community. Many of the residents are retired and are on a fixed income. If we’re able to help them lower their energy bills, it would take one less burden off their plates.” ~Analyssa Keo (she/her), Crew Leader, Environmental Conservation Corps 

“This project taught me the importance of committing to a community rather than a one-day limited service day to be truly sustainable and have a lasting impact, which is why I was so excited to learn that we were going to continue our multiphased project to ensure our resources were reaching people effectively. Participating in the survey also taught me how my interests in anthropology and public health could be actively applied to real-life scenarios in a way that provides a voice to an entire community. By assisting in workshop preparation, I have also learned how to reduce my own carbon footprint and the importance of energy equity.” ~Laura Joaqui-Alizander (she/her), Crew Member, Environmental Conservation Corps 

Why was this project impactful?

  • Provided an opportunity to directly engage and learn from local residents to better 
  • understand their needs 
  • Offered the Corps Members an opportunity to participate in multiple phases of the survey roll-out, including community leader engagement, survey organization and logistics, while learning about survey design and effective interview techniques 
  • Provides multiple pathways for mitigating anthropogenic climate change on a local level with measurable outcomes 

What were the project goals?

  • Distribute a minimum of 40 South Carolina Energy Justice Coalition Surveys through direct engagement. 
  • Gain a better understanding of current challenges and opportunities associated with residential energy to inform future service activities. 
  • Share tips and tricks to help low-income families save money on their utility bills and enhance the health of their homes. 
  • Teach the Corps Members best practices when interacting with the public, especially in an information-gathering capacity. 
  • Strengthen local partnerships across the pillars of sustainability. 
  • Disseminate information pertaining to the ECC’s weatherization services and history of community service. 
  • Introduce the newest members of the Crew. 
  • Honor Dr. King’s legacy 

Challenges/Rewards of this project?

Rewards 

  • Opened the door to conversations about pressing needs from the community’s perspective (Some personal accounts were difficult to hear but necessary.) 
  • Opportunity to introduce new Corps Members to local residents after months of pausing 
  • energy-related activities during the COVID-19 surges and offering direct assistance during a period of peak energy use 
  • Partnering with multiple organizations, including the Lowcountry Alliance for Model Communities (LAMC), the Union Heights Neighborhood Association and the Charleston Climate Coalition, to paint a clearer, more holistic picture of the key challenges and opportunities associated with access to and use of household energy. 
  • Train Corps Members how to respectfully engage community members and share their energy efficiency knowledge 
  • Encourage confidence-building in Corps Members 
  • Corps Members were actively involved with each phase of this project, learning about the interconnected layers of community-focused service in the process. 

Challenges: 

  • Such a collaborative project requires clear communication, careful coordination, contingency 
  • planning, patience, and ample time to prepare, execute, and assess. (~Good life lessons!) 
  • Presenting the survey in a clear manner to initiate the trust-building process 
  • Gathering this critical information about the residential energy burden of South Carolina residents involves trust-building and is essential to informing future community-focused activities. 

Update from The Corps Network’s Government Relations Team – February 8, 2022

By Meghan Castellano & Danielle Owen

Read this blog from The Corps Network’s Government Relations Team on what recent updates from Washington mean for the Service and Conservation Corps community.

Fiscal Year 2022 Appropriations

As of right now, we are currently operating under a Continuing Resolution that expires on February 18. The House is expected to vote on a third Continuing Resolution that would extend current spending levels through March 11. House Appropriations Chair Rosa DeLauro (D-CT-3), believes appropriators are close to reaching a framework government funding agreement, but will need additional time to complete the legislation in full. We expect a Fiscal Year 2022 ominous bill to be developed and passed by Congress soon. President Biden’s Fiscal Year 2023 Budget could be released sometime in March. He is scheduled to give the State of the Union on March 1, 2022.

Build Back Better Act

The Build Back Better Act, which contains Civilian Climate Corps provisions, is still in a holding pattern but we remain hopeful. While the bill passed the House, due to the rules of the reconciliation process and tight numbers in the Senate (with both parties having exactly 50 members), every Democrat needs to vote in favor of it to pass. Although Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) has expressed concerns regarding the overall text of the Build Back Better Act, he reportedly is not concerned with the Civilian Climate Corps provisions in the bill. The Corps Network’s Government Relations team continues to meet with our Civilian Climate Corps champions to get feedback on how negotiations are proceeding to ultimately bring the Civilian Climate Corps over the finish line.

Climate Resilience Workforce Act

On January 25, 2022, Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA-7), introduced H.R. 6492, the Climate Resilience Workforce Act. The Climate Resilience Workforce Act focuses on the creation of a skilled, equitable, and necessary workforce that our country needs to achieve climate resilience while creating good-paying jobs. The Corps Network’s Government Relations team met with Rep. Jayapal’s staff to discuss the legislation and they have agreed to work with us to develop it going forward. They are hopeful that it can eventually build off of the future Civilian Climate Corps.

Corps Story – Corps in Puerto Rico: The People and Meaning Behind BoriCorps

When Joe Taylor received a call about an opportunity to do a Corps project at the San Juan National Historic Site in Puerto Rico, his first thought was, “let me call my wife.”

This was a prudent decision. Under the umbrella of Franklin’s Promise Coalition, Joe and his wife, Jeanette Taylor, launched Conservation Corps of the Forgotten and Emerald Coasts in the Florida Panhandle. Jeanette is a native of Puerto Rico.

“Well, you go to your expert! You have to,” said Joe. “We do asset-based community development. You can’t helicopter in and try to fix someone’s problems and then leave. You really have to come in and engage the community in the process. That’s a priority for us. So, the first thing I would do, of course, is ask a Puerto Rican.”

The project opportunity – which was presented by The Corps Network via a request from our partners at the National Park Service – was to help restore the turf at El Morro: a fortress established by the Spanish in the 1500s. While the opportunity was interesting, the Taylors knew they didn’t want to start a crew in Puerto Rico for just one project. Hence the creation of BoriCorps: a new program based in Puerto Rico that seeks to engage local young people in conservation service and job training.

“When this opportunity presented itself to give back to the island, immediately I said yes,” said Jeanette.

The name BoriCorps is a reflection of the organization’s mission to be by and for Puerto Ricans. “Boricua” is a term for someone from Puerto Rico. The word is derived from “Borikén,” what the island was called by the Taíno, the Indigenous inhabitants of Puerto Rico. The logo for the program is a coquí, a beloved tree frog that is native to Puerto Rico.

“For us to explain what Boricua means, it’s just the essence of Puerto Rico,” said Génesis Torres Resto, a BoriCorps Crew Leader. “We take pride in our heritage and our roots. We have lots of different races in our veins. Boricua means our culture and everything we do.”

While Franklin’s Promise Coalition will work in partnership with BoriCorps and support the program for as long as necessary, the Taylors’ goal is that BoriCorps will be operated by local young people within the next three to five years.

 

The Corpsmembers and Crew Leaders

BoriCorps programming officially started in October 2021. The interview process was challenging considering the overwhelming response.

“One of the things that immediately stood out to me is that most of the young people that applied were either in college or had finished and had degrees,” said Jeanette. “These young people are very highly educated and have very diverse backgrounds. We had folks with biology backgrounds, archaeology, marine biology, history…as I started getting to know the Corpsmembers, it was clear a lot of them – even with this education – were underemployed.”

Génesis Torres Resto and her fellow Crew Leader, Karen Herrera Valencia, are examples of this. Génesis studied environmental science at the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus and is serving in the National Guard; Karen studied archaeology at the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras Campus.

A main goal of BoriCorps is to help address the lack of jobs and internships for young people on the island. The program also provides compensation that is above average for entry-level positions: the minimum wage in Puerto Rico only recently increased to $8.50/hour. The poverty rate in Puerto Rico is over 43 percent, far higher than the 2020 overall U.S. poverty rate of 11.4 percent. All the BoriCorps Corpsmembers and Crew Leaders are part of The Corps Network’s AmeriCorps Opportunity Youth Service Initiative: a program designed to provide education and conservation work experience to young people facing barriers to work and school.

“We have a lot of opportunities to study, but we don’t have a lot of opportunities to work,” said Génesis. “A young person goes to study for four years and when they look for a job related to that study, it’s a hassle because you don’t have experience. Either you work and not have the education, or you study and then you’re reprimanded for not having the experience. That’s why we are so excited about this opportunity.”

For this initial cohort, the Taylors see great possibility.

“This first group of 10 showed us there is a lot of potential to grow the program by empowering these folks because they will take it forward,” said Joe. “They’re very passionate about their island and these issues. While we will dig deeper in future cohorts with young people who have more limited resources and more limited education and opportunities, it was, I think, a smart choice to have these folks in the first cohort.”

 

The Work and Training

While BoriCorps plans to engage additional partners and start new projects in future cohorts, this initial crew is primarily focused on the turf restoration at El Morro. The site includes The Esplanade – a grassy expanse of more than 20 acres, similar in concept to the National Mall in Washington, DC. The area is a popular recreation destination. The site has suffered over the years from erosion, wear, and weeds.

The Esplanade. BoriCorps members are helping address drainage and erosion issues, divots, and other inconsistencies in the surface.

Because El Morro is part of a national historic site, there are strict protocols around this project. The crew can only dig down two inches and cannot use heavy equipment. Even still, the crew has found bits of pottery and other artifacts that they have helped inventory with the National Park Service.

While El Morro tells a complicated history of colonization and conflict, serving there is a point of pride for the BoriCorps members.

“Colonization is something that permeates every aspect of our lives as Puerto Ricans. El Morro itself is a monument to the Spanish colonial period,” said Karen. “We understand the importance of repatriation of cultural resources, not just for Puerto Rico, but it’s a movement that’s been going on for other cultures…(El Morro) is not owned by the Puerto Rican people, but Puerto Ricans have taken this space – this symbol of colonization – and made it our own, made it our pride. People go with their families and fly kites, have picnics. We took this space that was for war, and made something for recreation, something that has purpose.”

The Civilian Conservation Corps works on El Morro. Photo courtesy of the archives of the San Juan Historic Site and park historian Dr. Eric J. Lopez, PhD.

 

The Civilian Conservation Corps works on El Morro. Photo courtesy of the archives of the San Juan Historic Site and park historian Dr. Eric J. Lopez, PhD.

A main reason the park chose to partner with a Corps on this project was to limit disruption for visitors. The BoriCorps members serve on one small section at a time. When visitors come by, the crew enjoys interacting and informing the public about the restoration process and how to help maintain the site. While the crew can’t use heavy equipment, they are efficient and well-trained. They are ahead of schedule and, as Génesis noted, better informed than the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) crews that served on this site during the Great Depression.

“Technically we are having it easier since we have tools and technology they didn’t have access to…We’re hoping to transcend things the CCC did in the ‘30s and hoping to make it as historically true as we can,” said Génesis. “We’re really proud of leaving a footprint behind the CCC and bettering the Esplanade and doing it with so much love and care.”

The Civilian Conservation Corps works on El Morro. Photo courtesy of the archives of the San Juan Historic Site and park historian Dr. Eric J. Lopez, PhD.

While the work can be physically demanding, it has its benefits.

“The thing I like most about our work is we’re always on our feet. And we’re always seeing the changes that we’re creating – fast. I can go on the weekend with my family and tell them, ‘I did this.’” said Génesis.

“Also the view! We are working along the sea. Everything is really pretty. In the morning we see the sunrise. Just the whole space is so important for us culturally and everyone is really motivated,” said Karen.

All the Crew Leaders and Corpsmembers completed FEMA Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training. They’ve been trained in GIS, learned how to safely operate various tools, and completed OSHA trainings and courses in CPR and first aid. Additionally, the crew spent time with National Park Service staff to learn about the history and significance of the site.

Franklin’s Promise hopes this new venture will also open educational opportunities for their Florida-based programs. Before BoriCorps launched, a crew from Conservation Corps of the Forgotten and Emerald Coasts came to the island in August 2021 for a service-learning trip. The crew enjoyed serving on trails built by the CCC at El Yunque National Forest, but the whole experience was truly eye-opening for many of the Corpsmembers. The Taylors hope to develop an exchange program between BoriCorps and the Florida programs.

For Karen and Génesis, however, their long-term goals are here in Puerto Rico. They see programs like BoriCorps as a path for building an economically and environmentally sustainable green career sector on the island.

“I hope we can stay on the island,” said Karen. “Some of us study and then leave to work because the wages here aren’t as good. We hope that conservation is an opportunity that young people can see as work for the long run that helps us stay on the island and improve the island for us and for our future.”

Alumni Story: Shawnee Sloat-Warren

Corpsmembers often continue to serve in additional Corps programs once their original term is over. This allows them to live in new areas or continue to develop their skills in conservation and environmental work. After serving with American Youthworks, in Texas and Louisiana and getting to experience projects on various national forests and wildlife refuges, AmeriCorps Alumna Shawnee Sloat-Warren went from a career path in the medical field to conservation. We asked about her journey and where her Corpsmember experience led her.

How long did you serve with Louisiana Conservation Corps? How did you first hear about the program?

I have served for 13-14 months as a crew lead for two crews: field crew and GulfCorps. I heard about Louisiana Conservation Corps (LaCC) through serving as a crew member in Texas Conservation Corps (TxCC). I wanted to continue working in the conservation world and have a chance to live in Louisiana. It was a win-win situation.

 

Can you tell us a bit about your background? What were you doing prior to the program and what made you want to join?

Before I joined conservation work, I worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant in the medical field. I worked in nursing homes, home health care, hospice, ER, and the liver kidney transplant unit. I wanted to join after having a talk with an ER friend who said that he worked on trails when he was younger and that was his favorite job yet. I was down in the dumps trying to figure out: if I leave the medical field what would I do? I looked into conservation jobs. I applied for the position in Texas and it was the best decision I have ever made. 

 

What projects did you work on while there?

For Louisiana Conservation Corps, we worked on a couple prairie restorations in the Kisatchie National Forest. We’d cut down small trees, like sweet gum and pines, and applied herbicide to the tree stubs. We also did a pitcher plant bog restoration in Kisatchie Forest as well. We’d also cut down trees and shrubs to help make room for the pitcher plants. 

For GulfCorps, the projects we helped in were rebuilding a boardwalk in the Cameron Prairie National Wildlife Refuge [along the] Pintail Drive. We also rebuilt boardwalks and a fishing dock in Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge. We planted 21 live oak trees in the Hollister Cheniere Preserve. 

Kisatchie National Forest in Louisiana

What were some of your favorite parts about this program? What were some of the challenges?

My favorite parts are being able to work in nature, seeing the animals, and connecting with the work in a way that is so different from anything else.  The best part is getting away from the city and the people. I guess some of the challenges can be the crew not getting along or having off days, like craving a certain meal and it is too far away to get the kind of food you want.  

 

What training, resources, and support were you provided through this program?

Wilderness first aid, chainsaw training, and herbicide use. I missed out on the Red Card training, but that is an opportunity as well.  

As far as resources and support, the office staff at LaCC is phenomenal, along with TxCC. Those people are willing to try and help in any way they can. As well as the people who you connect with in the field: the forest staff, state park people, and National Wildlife Refuge folks – if you have a question or an idea of where you want go, they will give you the resources or guidance on how to get there. You just have to speak up. 

 

What skills (soft skills, certifications, etc.)did you take from this program?
  • Chainsaw S212, chainsaw maintenance, tool maintenance, the knowledge of how trails work, and how water erosion happens then the prevention. 
  • Soft skills: critical thinking whether with chainsaw, trail work, or crew dynamic. 
  • Leadership/teamwork 
  • Problem solving 
  • Work ethic 
  • Paperwork 
  • Handling of conflicting personalities 

 

What was your favorite experience during the program?

Honestly, as cheesy as it sounds, it is getting to work outside in nature. Being able to have lunches under the trees, seeing the animals and the nature views that no one gets to see often, and connecting with your co-workers in a way that creates life-long bonds. Just forgetting who society tells you to be and finding yourself, your passion, your drive, just what makes you…well, you.  

A Corpsmember from Louisiana Conservation Corps completing forestry work

What were your original goals for after the program and what resources did the program provide to help you get there?

I want to be a Wildland Firefighter and a Forestry Technician. The job allowed me to network with the right people and apply for and get the job. 

 

What type of work do you do now and how did your Corpsmember experience help you get there?

I work at the Dallas Zoo as a Lead Technician of horticulture. All of my Corpsmember experience has led me here. From the trail work, chain sawing, tool maintenance, tree identification, land restoration. Literally everything that I have done and allowed myself to try has led me into the position I am now.  

 

Why is it important for young people to be involved in this type of work?

I think it is important that young people get involved in conservation work because they can learn how to work, it gets them to push their own boundaries, and opens doors to a different world that they probably didn’t know existed! You also get an [AmeriCorps] education award, which is awesome and useful for when you need it. 

 

What would you say to others who are considering their next steps or a program like this? Do you have any advice?

My advice would be, do it. Take that chance, take that leap of faith, and try something that is totally out of your comfort zone. If you are open minded and willing to allow others to help and guide you in this type of field, the opportunities are endless.  

When I started this path, I didn’t expect to stay in it for four years. I didn’t think I would make the friends I did. I got to make amazing memories and have awesome experiences that led me where I am today.