USDA-NRCS Volunteers Make a Difference on the Land

Federal Agency will Honor Volunteers during National Volunteer Week

MORGANTOWN, WV, April 6, 2009 —Would you like to answer the call to serve by working on natural resources projects that beautify your community, or by helping farmers protect their natural resources?

“If you would, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Earth Team Volunteer Program in West Virginia has these and many other opportunities to help you accomplish that goal”, said State Conservationist, Kevin Wickey. April 19-25, 2009 is National Volunteer Week. This year’s Earth Team Volunteer theme is Answer the Call to Serve.

“If you choose to become involved in your community by volunteering, the Earth Team in West Virginia offers so much for you whether you are an outdoor enthusiast, office worker, environmentalist, or student,” said Wickey. “If you have skills and experience and want to contribute in new ways, you can explore opportunities offered with the Earth Team.”

In addition, NRCS in West Virginia will honor its Earth Team volunteers for exemplary conservation accomplishments during National Volunteer Week.

Approximately 45 Earth Team volunteers contributed 1467 hours in West Virginia in 2008 valued at $29,000.00 for various conservation activities. Nationally, more than 30,000 volunteers contributed more than 800,000 hours valued at about $15 million to further NRCS’s mission of helping people help the land.

“NRCS in West Virginia is proud of the dedicated volunteers who have committed their time and talents to conserving and protecting soil, water and wildlife in their communities across the state,” Wickey said. “Volunteers play a vital role in achieving our conservation goals and we have seen a significant increase in our conservation achievements because of their contributions.”

The NRCS Earth Team Volunteer Program (created in 1985) offers numerous opportunities for individuals 14 years of age or older. With ever-increasing workloads and a declining workforce, volunteers are essential to helping NRCS carry out its mission. They help NRCS conservationists with diverse activities—from providing conservation technical assistance to teaching and generating awareness about conservation through community projects—by working on the land, with organizations, and in schools and offices. They help with natural resource projects that improve water quality, beautify communities and reduce erosion. They also contribute their clerical, computer, and writing skills to NRCS and conservation district offices across the nation.

For additional information about the Earth Team Volunteer Program in West Virginia, please contact Charlotte Elliott-Friend, Assistant State Conservationist and Volunteer Coordinator, at 304-284-4247, or Charlotte.Elliott-Friend@wv.usda.gov, or contact your local NRCS office. Additional information is available online at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/feature/volunteers or call 1-888-LANDCARE.

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