NCCC Team Preserves Rare Ecosystem with The Nature Conservancy

Whitehouse, Ohio – An AmeriCorps NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps) team is serving with the Nature Conservancy and Camp Courageous from September 30 to November 7. The team is collaborating with The Nature Conservancy to preserve rare natural areas in the lakeplain oak openings region of northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan, including habitat found on the grounds of Camp Courageous.

The NCCC team of nine from the North Central Region Campus of Vinton, Iowa is assisting in the conservation of globally rare oak openings habitat by removing invasive species, improving a one mile trail network, and collecting native seeds. As part of their trail work, the team is installing informational signs and kiosks, as well as making the trail more accessible for people with disabilities.

Through their service, the team is preserving a rare, highly diverse local ecosystem that is threatened by modern development. Improved access to these areas enables visitors and campers to explore and learn more about this unique ecosystem. The enhanced trails also increase the recreational opportunities available to Camp Courageous’ campers.

“I am really excited to build trails with Camp Courageous, and help campers with disabilities enjoy the outdoors,” says NCCC team member Eric Kluss of Portland, Oregon

The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation nonprofit that has helped protect nearly 60,000 acres of land across Ohio alone. Camp Courageous is a nonprofit organization that provides outdoor recreation and education opportunities to over 300 campers with developmental disabilities each summer. Through their partnership, The Nature Conservancy and Camp Courageous are preserving a rare ecosystem, while enhancing the camping experience available to people with disabilities.

The AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) and its FEMA Corps units engage 2,800 young Americans in a full-time, 10-month commitment to service each year. AmeriCorps NCCC members address critical needs related to natural and other disasters, infrastructure improvement, environmental stewardship and conservation, and urban and rural development; FEMA Corps members are solely dedicated to disaster preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery work. The programs are administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS). CNCS is the federal agency that engages more than five million Americans in service through its AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, Social Innovation Fund, and Volunteer Generation Fund programs, and leads President’s national call to service initiative, United We Serve. For more information about the NCCC, click here. To learn more about The Nature Conservancy, click here.  

Contact: Christopher : (860) 480-7831 / E-mail: ncccm2media@gmail.com

Contact: Sarah Williams: (319) 529-0579 / E-mail: swilliams.guest@cns.gov