Et cetera : NCCC Cedar 6 serves students, environment in Jackson, Mich.

Alyse Cheyne hauls buckthorn to a brush pile.

Brad Kendhammer stacks buckthorn on a brush pile.

AmeriCorps NCCC team Cedar 6 is serving in Jackson, Michigan at the YMCA Storer Camps from Mar. 11 – Apr. 26.

During the team’s seven-week project, five weeks are dedicated to Lands for Learning projects. These projects include removing invasive species such as glossy buckthorn, honeysuckle, autumn olive, and garlic mustard from the camp’s 1200-acre property.

Two Saturdays during the project are designated Eco Corps workdays, where the NCCC team works with area teenagers to remove invasive species from camp and off-site locations.

Two of the seven weeks have the team members serving as cabin leaders for fifth grade students. The team members live with students in the cabin and escort them to meals, classes, and activities. They also assist in the facilitation and teaching of environmental classes attended by the campers.

So far, the team has removed large amounts of buckthorn and honeysuckle from grassy wetlands and wooded areas and will be moving onto other invasive species as they progress further across the camp’s property.