AmeriCorps on Hand for County Parks and Disaster Relief
By Mary Andersen
AmeriCorps teams can be found at various county parks through April working on native plant growth, park restoration, and ocean conservation. They’ve also been engaged in disaster relief due to the recent storms. While here, the team of 8 will complete 80 hours of community service. Emma Lee, the site supervisor for County Park Friends, said, “These individuals are truly amazing. They work tirelessly to better the areas that they’re assigned to, and are just coming off of a hurricane relief assignment back East.”
AmeriCorps is a federal volunteer work program that offers opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to serve communities through service projects. It was established in 1993 under the National and Community Service Trust Act. The program focuses on multiple areas of service, such as disaster response and environmental conservation. Team members commit to one year of service.
AmeriCorps members work with local nonprofits, government agencies, and school districts to identify and address critical needs in their communities. Over 1 million members have served since the organization was established. Its mission is to “improve lives, strengthen communities, and foster civic engagement through service and volunteering.”
Locally, the team has already conducted flood mitigation and trail maintenance at Quail Hollow Ranch County Park; dune restoration and invasive plant removal at Scott Creek Beach; disaster recovery and flood cleanup at Ben Lomond Park; and flood cleanup at Felton Covered Bridge Park.
Additional parks receiving service include Highlands Park in Ben Lomond and the Miller Property north of Boulder Creek.
Learn more: americorps.gov
Featured photo at top: Red 4 AmeriCorps Team enjoying a moment of sun at Quail Hollow Ranch County Park after working in the mud and rain for days.
Mary Andersen writes about politics, culture, and the environment in Santa Cruz County. Reach out at mary@slvpost.com.
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