Rockland AmeriCorps Members Available For Environmental Projects

Rockland County's AmeriCorps program seeks environmental project sites for its members to work on during the summer. Environmental, disaster recovery and beautification service projects are eligible for consideration. The County's Youth Bureau, which oversees the AmeriCorps porgram, announced enrollment is open for local municipalities and not-for-profits  to submit projects

36 Environmental Corps members are expected to work on summer outdoor projects in areas such as beautification/preservation, education/outreach, and surveying/assessments. If damage remains from Hurricane Irene and the October Nor'easter, corps members can help with recovery efforts.  

Past projects included neighborhood and playground revitalization, trail building, environmental education/outreach for adults or children, implementation of recycling programs, planting gardens, GIS/GPS applications, flood control, Stormwater Phase II compliance, stream clean ups/erosion control, environmental surveys and invasive plant removal. Applying organizations should submit specialized projects serving their greatest needs.

members assigned to organizations work 250 hours from June through August at a cost of approximately $6 per hour. Members receive 50 hours of environmental training from the Cornell Cooperative Extension, a living stipend and educational award for their service.  Environmental Corps members are usually between 17 and 25 years old.

According to the Youth Bureau, they are educated and motivated individuals with an interest in or aptitude for service and environmental issues. Members can be utilized as interns for municipal and non-profit organizations.

Host site applications are judged by the ability to have a positive and measurable community impact. For an application or for more information, call 845-708-7307 or e-mail rcamericorps@co.rockland.ny.us.  Applications should be submitted by April 30.