USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is honoring Wisconsin’s Earth Team volunteers and celebrating their many contributions to natural resource protection during National Volunteer Week, April 19-25, 2020.
Earth Team is a program that allows NRCS to stretch available resources by partnering volunteers with employees to provide a wide range of services to private landowners and the public. These activities can include conservation technical assistance, office support, and teaching and generating awareness about conservation through community projects.
“Whether Earth Team volunteers donate a year, a month or a lifetime to help producers improve their natural resources, the impacts of volunteer efforts are felt far and wide,” said State Conservationist Angela Biggs. “Last year, Wisconsin Earth Team volunteers donated more than 3,800 hours of service because they believe in our critical conservation work.”
NRCS appreciates the important work these volunteers do. Their efforts help NRCS bring more conservation services to farmers and ranchers throughout the state. Wisconsin’s Earth Team provided about $97,000* of benefit to our customers and taxpayers in 2019.
Earth Team volunteers in Wisconsin are working with staff to get conservation on the ground, helping with daily tasks and processes to meet our mission of Helping People Help the Land. Volunteers in Wisconsin are also assisting with conservation education, field days, events, presentations, and so much more. We want to thank these vital volunteers during National Volunteer Week.
The Earth Team volunteer program helps its participants expand their skills and knowledge through community projects. The program also offers participants community service hours, earned academic credit and an unpaid internship in federal service. Visit our Earth Team website – www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/wi/people/volunteers/ to learn about volunteer opportunities in your community.
*Independent Sector valued volunteer time in 2019 as $35.43 per hour.
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