Huron Pines AmeriCorps

Hello, my name is Rachel Koleda and I am a member of the Huron Pines AmeriCorps program. The Huron Pines program includes eight full-time members and eight seasonal members, all of whom are placed throughout northern Michigan and working with conservation organizations to increase environmental awareness through volunteer engagement, habitat restoration, environmental stewardship, and development of new conservation services.

For my term of service I have been placed with the Otsego Conservation District in Gaylord. The conservation district provides resources to assist landowners in managing their natural resources wisely and sustainably. Projects that I participate in include wildlife habitat enhancement and food plot cost-share programs, both of which aid county residents in development and implementation of sustainable and wildlife-friendly plantings on their property. These projects are funded by a local nonprofit environmental organization. I participate in the Otsego County recycling program, which includes weekly radio broadcasts and written press releases, and I also assist with volunteer engagement and educational outreach activities.

Huron Pines AmeriCorps members are currently serving with different conservation organizations throughout northern Michigan, including the Grand Traverse Conservation District, the Michigan Sea Grant, the Presque Isle Conservation District, the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, the Crawford-Roscommon Conservation District/Roscommon County Road Commission, and the Huron Pines office in Grayling. Current member projects include creating management plans for area parks and bottomlands that will be exposed following dam removal; developing science-based curriculum for local schools, including programs that focus on tree identification and ecosystem health; coordinating activities for preschool programs focused on local environmental issues; providing invasive species education to local schools and environmental groups; evaluating and improving road/stream crossings and storm water management in several northern Michigan watersheds; planning volunteer events and education outreach for local school-children; designing and promoting recycling education programs; serving as liaison to help schools obtain grants for place-based science education; and at every opportunity, promoting awareness of environmental conservation efforts throughout northern Michigan.

Seasonal member projects include invasive species education, identification and removal; the restoration, enhancement and maintenance of prized northern Michigan watersheds; monitoring and assisting in the stewardship of conservation easement properties; conducting watershed resource inventories; developing environmental education based outreach materials for various audiences; data collection and monitoring of coldwater streams; and recruiting and engaging volunteers in hands-on environmental conservation events. Seasonal positions are open now and include volunteer positions with the HeadWaters Land Conservancy, Huron Pines, the Au Sable River Watershed Restoration Committee, Little Traverse Conservancy, Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary and Michigan Trout Unlimited Headwaters Chapter.

If you would like to more information about available seasonal AmeriCorps positions with Huron Pines and all the exciting programs Huron Pines AmeriCorps members are involved with in Northern Michigan please visit http://www.huronpines.org/project/65.