Montpelier, Iowa – On Sunday, June 23, AmeriCorps NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps) members are hosting a community service day to stain facilities and remove invasive plant species. The community service day is being held at Clark’s Ferry Recreation Area from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
NCCC is looking for volunteers of all ages to help stain different sign posts and structures throughout the park, as well as do some invasive plant species removal. It is important to stain the facilities because the previous stain has deteriorated over time and it helps the wood last longer. Keeping the invasive species to a minimum is also an important part of maintaining the campground.
“This community service day is important to keep the campground clean and therefore more enjoyable for visitors,” says NCCC member Forrest Maher.
Volunteers are provided tools and materials to stain and remove the unwanted plants safely and efficiently, but are encouraged to bring their own loppers if possible. Participants are advised to bring insect repellent, sunscreen, gloves, rain gear and to wear tennis shoes. Lunch is provided.
All interested volunteers should meet at Clark’s Ferry under the pavilion by 10 a.m. For further information about the community day and to RSVP, call NCCC member Rusty Graham at (319)529-0594. RSVPs are not required to attend the event, but are encouraged.
AmeriCorps NCCC is a full-time, 10 month, residential, national service program in which 2,800 adults – all 18 to 24 years old- 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 focus solely on disaster relief and recovery projects through FEMA. The North Central Region campus in Vinton, Iowa is one of five regional campus 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.