The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is honoring Minnesota’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 Troy Daniell “Last year, 324 Minnesotans donated more than 5,977 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. Minnesota’s Earth Team provided about $179,011* of benefit to our customers and taxpayers in 2022. The outstanding work being done by volunteers throughout the state help to improve lands and wildlife habitat and contribute to cleaner water and air for everyone.

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 out Earth Team website page to sign up for volunteer opportunities in your community:

  *The value of each volunteer hour is estimated nationally at $28.54 per hour. 

Original source can be found here.