Et cetera : AmeriCorps NCCC team working at Benton County Nature Center

An AmeriCorps NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps) team is working with Benton County Conservation from September 9 to 27. The team is going to be helping with removal of invasive plant species, beautifying trails and developing the Nature Center.

The NCCC team of nine from the Vinton campus is assisting with trail and Nature Center development – expanding on outdoor classrooms and hiking trails, doing painting and staining maintenance on buildings, removing unwanted, invasive plant species to allow native grasses and flowers to spread, and cutting and removing damaged trees.

The NCCC team’s work is beneficial to the community by making the natural areas in the community more aesthetically appealing. It is an asset in ensuring that all natural areas are ready for use by members of the community. Also, reduction of the erodible acres of land surrounding the water will be a huge improvement in the watersheds.

“I am excited to see what this project will bring, what more I can learn from nature and all about the natural species of Benton County,” says NCCC member Alan Richardson from Ashboro, NC.

Benton County Conservation has the mission to improve the quality of sustainable natural resources that will provide educational opportunities, safe recreational environments and the protection of Benton County’s natural heritage. They are focused on the aesthetics of the county and bringing back all the natural resources.

AmeriCorps NCCC is a full-time, 10-month, residential, national service program in which 2,800 young adults - all 18 to 24 years old- serve nationwide each year. The NCCC program oversees two service tracks – Traditional NCCC and NCCC FEMA Corps – and members in these programs serve in teams of eight to twelve on three to seven service projects during their service. NCCC Members serve on projects that address critical needs related to natural and other disasters, infrastructure improvement, environmental stewardship and conservation, energy conservation, and urban and rural development. NCCC FEMA Corps Members focus solely on disaster relief and recovery projects through FEMA. The North Central Region campus in Vinton, Iowa is one five regional campuses in the United States and serves Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin. The other campuses are located in Baltimore, Md.; Sacramento, Calif.; Vicksburg, Miss.; and Denver, Colo.

In exchange for their service, members receive $5,550 to help pay for college, or to pay back existing student loans. Other benefits include a small living stipend, room and board, leadership development, increased self-confidence, and the knowledge that, through active citizenship, people can indeed make a difference. AmeriCorps NCCC is administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service. The Corporation improves lives, strengthens communities, and fosters civic engagement through service and volunteering. For more information about AmeriCorps NCCC programs, visit the website at www.americorps.gov/nccc.