• Article Photo. Corps Member Peter Mousseau uses a drip torch to light this prairie for Louisa County Conservation.
    Corps Member Peter Mousseau uses a drip torch to light this prairie for Louisa County Conservation.

By Ilexis Elba

Cedar 2 is an AmeriCorps NCCC team based out of Vinton and currently stationed in Wapello, Iowa until the end of April. For their first project they have been working with the Louisa County Conservation on areas of prescribed burns, environmental education, and invasive species removal. Louisa County has generously offered their office space for the team to live through their stay, forming an enabling environment to get things done.

The team was summoned to Louisa County to help fulfill the goal of the Conservation to “provide an appreciation of Louisa County's natural resources through environmental education and recreation; and to manage [their] parks and natural areas for present and future generations.” (http://www.louisacountyconservation.org) Since arrival, almost 600 acres of prairie land have been burned, over 1000 students have been taught through environmental education, and multiple trails throughout the county’s parks have been thoroughly maintained.

Cedar 2 feels as though they are a fitting puzzle piece in the town of Wapello. Their sponsors have been consistently helpful in providing the best tools and training for skills needed to complete all tasks safely and effectively, while still saving room for some fun. Preparing and running community days has been something specifically enjoyable for the group. They hosted an Easter Antler Hunt, Compass Course, and Earth Day Workday, which all offered a deeper connection and understanding of the community they work toward improving.

Corps member Peter Mousseau excitedly announced his fondest memory at Louisa County Conservation as “running away from 20 foot flames that I just lit in a field.” He also gave a lesson on water quality regarding nonpoint pollution and reflected on his experience; “What I liked the most was feeling like I am actually a teacher.”

As Cedar 2 wraps up their time in Wapello, they can certainly declare that their knowledge and appreciation for environmental stewardship and conservation has broadened. They are grateful for the work given and can only hope that the next project will provide similar growth opportunities.