Earth Team Volunteers

Ohio Earth Team volunteer Mallory McDevitt

“Celebrating Earth Team Volunteers in Action National Volunteer Week” is April 14-20, 2013.  Earth Team volunteers are a valued member of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) team in Ohio! Earth Team volunteers are an integral part of the conservation partnership and each member takes pride in the fact that they maintain and improve our natural resources and environment on private lands. Last year, 270 volunteers contributed 4,702 hours of service throughout Ohio. Their volunteer contributions saved the government approximately $98,036.

The NRCS theme for this year is “Celebrating Earth Team Volunteers in Action” and we have a lot to celebrate because there has been a lot of action. We have made good progress this past year improving our land and water resources. Earth Team volunteers are very involved in our conservation projects and are a vital member of our conservation team! The work of Earth Team volunteers allows us to stretch available resources and helps put additional conservation practices on the ground. Their assistance improves our customer service and the environment for all of us.   This program also aids SWCD activities and opportunities, and is a great way of drawing in new individuals to volunteer in help in the office or out in the field year around.  Anyone older than 14 can be an Earth Team Volunteer and as a result of programs such as this – more conservation efforts can be achieved.  Individuals interested in the Earth Team should contact their local NRCS office at 740-432-5621, and visit http://www.oh.nrcs.usda.gov/about/volunteers.html for more information.