IA DNR: DNR Americorps Celebrates AmeriCorps Week

DES MOINES - The Keepers of the Land AmeriCorps Program within the Iowa DNR will join the second nationwide celebration of AmeriCorps Week, May 11-18, spotlighting the vital work done by AmeriCorps members in communities across Iowa. AmeriCorps Week is a recruitment and recognition event designed to bring more Americans into service, salute AmeriCorps members and alumni for their powerful impact, and thank the community partners who make AmeriCorps possible.

"We are proud to be part of AmeriCorps and grateful for the AmeriCorps members who are getting things done for environmental needs in Iowa," said Tricia Rummer, director of Keepers of the Land AmeriCorps. "AmeriCorps members have made a tremendous impact allowing us to extend our outreach and services by recruiting 1,000 community volunteers to work alongside them last year."

Since 1994, more than 540,000 men and women have joined the National Service Corps - AmeriCorps, and they have given more than 705 million hours of service to their country. AmeriCorps works through existing organizations and helps them reach more people and better achieve their mission.

Keepers of the Land AmeriCorps members work alongside staff in the Iowa DNR, the U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Polk County Conservation Board, and other project partners. Members contribute to the statewide community empowerment efforts of these organizations by providing environmental education, marketing, ecosystem management, trail work, wildlife habitat management, and prairie seed harvest. They serve in the following Iowa counties: Allamakee, Black Hawk, Boone, Bremer, Guthrie, Hardin, Jackson, Johnson, Linn, Louisa, Madison, Marshall, Palo Alto, Polk, Pottawattamie, Ringgold, Union, Van Buren, Warren, Webster and Woodbury.

After completing their term of service, AmeriCorps members typically continue to serve their communities in a variety of ways. AmeriCorps alumni who have served with the Iowa DNR have gone on to become full-time employees in not only the DNR but also County Conservation Boards and other natural resource minded organizations. No matter what career they choose, members continue to utilize the skills and knowledge they gained from their national service experience.

For more information on the Iowa DNR Keepers of the Land AmeriCorps Program, please contact Tricia Rummer, tricia.rummer@dnr.iowa.gov or 515-281-4539, or visit www.keepersoftheland.org and click on the AmeriCorps link.