The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is honoring New Mexico’s Earth Team volunteers and celebrating their many contributions to natural resource protection during National Volunteer week, April 16-22.

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, 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 Xavier Montoya. “Last year, New Mexicans donated more than 1,349.50 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. New Mexico’s Earth Team provided about $38,514.73 of benefit to our customers and taxpayers in 2022.

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 Volunteers – New Mexico” webpage to sign up for volunteer opportunities in your community.

Original source can be found here.