Et cetera : AmeriCorps NCCC Lends a Helping Hand

Matthew Kimmett and Vincent Beyer install a guard rail.

Vincent Beyer lays down mulch for the trails.

By: Teonna Clark

AmeriCorps NCCC team Oak 1, from Vinton, Iowa, is collaborating with the U.S Army Corps of Engineers in Coralville, Iowa to help rebuild trails, maintain the dam and pull invasive plant species. It has been six weeks since the project started, and Oak 1 has pulled over 700 pounds of garlic mustard, installed seven water bars and reconstructed eroded hiking trails.

Oak 1 is also working with the Johnson County Fairgrounds in Iowa City, Iowa. At the Johnson County fairgrounds, Oak 1 is scraping and repainting benches and barns. Moreover, Oak 1 is helping to prepare for upcoming events.

Outside of Oak 1’s Monday through Friday, forty hour week, they also volunteer their time to non-profit organizations on the weekends. They have worked with Habitat for Humanity and have done some volunteer work right on the fairgrounds.

Come and join Oak 1 for their community day on Saturday, June 16 at the Johnson County Fairgrounds from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Volunteers are needed.

Volunteers are removing scrap metal from the ravine around the fairgrounds. Also, volunteers need to bring gloves, boots and a bagged lunch.