News : AmeriCorps NCCC Members Lend a Hand at Local Cemetery

By: Emily Fisher

AmeriCorps NCCC team Oak 6 worked with Evergreen Cemetery this past Tuesday and Wednesday to help clear branches and brush that had fallen due to the powerful storm that blew through Vinton on July 11. The team of 9 was able to help the cemetery workers haul away around 20 tons of branches and rake up an acre of land despite the heat. Although there is much more work to be done, the NCCC team worked tirelessly to help the cemetery clean up during this short period of time. Oak 6 was grateful for the opportunity to help the community that has been so welcoming to AmeriCorps NCCC members since their arrival back in February.

When the storm hit on July 11, Oak 6, along with all the AmeriCorps NCCC teams on campus, went to work to help cleaning up the Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School campus. Additionally, over that first weekend, Oak 6 worked with Vinton Parks and Recreation Department to help clean a local park. Although the team wished the storm had not come through Vinton, they were glad to be back on campus so they could help with the cleanup. Today, Oak 6 is leaving for Belgium, WI to work with Ozaukee Washington Land Trust on environmental conservation. They will return to campus on August 26.