NICEVILLE — Northwest Florida State College's Environmental Stewards seek AmeriCorps volunteers to boost area ecoysystems and the environment.
AmeriCorps is a component of the National Service Network. Its goal is to engage Americans of all ages and backgrounds in service to help meet communities' critical education, public safety, environmental, and other human needs.
This project, which will serve Okaloosa and Walton counties, will align with National Performance measures, specifically risk eco-systems, educational outreach and water stewardship. Its focus is environmental stewardship with an educational component of an environmental science, technology, engineering and math curriculum.
The program will partner with Okaloosa and Walton County schools and the Choctawhatchee Basin Alliance.
The focus is twofold: members will provide restoration, beautification, maintenance and the development of ecotourism (addressing shoreline erosion, invasive plant removal, planting native plants, coastal dune projects, trail development and oyster reef restoration). This intervention will aid in targeting areas of deprivation within the Choctawhatchee watershed, returning specific acreage/miles to a quality ecosystem.
The second focus will implement the Grasses in Classes environmental STEM curriculum within Okaloosa and Walton County schools, targeting third- and fifth-grade students. The program will focus efforts on engaging community involvement through activities at parks and public lands within the watershed district. Through these educational opportunities, the program will educate and engage citizens in service projects to encourage environmental stewardship practices.
Member responsibilities:
- Provide contextual environmental curriculum lessons at participating school
- Participate in accomplishment of program goals through identified program projects (shoreline restoration, invasive plant removal, planting native plants, coastal dune projects, trail development and oyster reef restoration, among others).
- Attend all training sessions and meetings
- Successfully complete all necessary program paperwork
- Participate in community-based service opportunities (some weekends required)
- Have reliable transportation
Benefits:
- Serve 1,720 hours (Aug. 21 to July31)
- Receive a $12,630 taxable gross living allowance ($1,052.50 monthly taxable gross)
- Have health insurance (if needed)
- Enjoy income-based child care
- Receive a $5,815 taxable educational award
Qualifications:
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Be a U.S. citizen or Green Card holder
- Pass fingerprint and background checks
- Commit to service and ethic of service
- Be a team player
- Be able to work occasional weekends
- Be able to lift/carry at least 30 pounds
- Be friendly, positive and passionate about service
Interested applicants may visit www.nwfsc.edu/americorps for more information or call 729-6037. The application can be printed off the website or picked up at any of the NWFSC campuses. Applications are accepted until positions are filled.
The application can be printed off the website or picked up at any of the NWFSC campuses. Applications are accepted until positions are filled.
Applications are accepted until positions are filled.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: NWF Environmental Stewards seek AmeriCorps volunteers