AUSTIN — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is honoring Texas Earth Team volunteers and celebrating their many contributions to natural resource protection during National Volunteer week, April 17-23.
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 Kristy Oates. “Even with the challenges of COVID over the last two years, 701 volunteers have donated more than 3,415 hours of service because they believe in our critical conservation work.”
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) theme “Shining a Light on USDA Volunteers” celebrates the Earth Team’s achievements. NRCS appreciates the important work these volunteers do. Their efforts help NRCS bring more conservation services to farmers and ranchers throughout the state. Texas Earth Team provided about $97,464* of benefit to our customers and taxpayers between 2020 through 2021.
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 the Texas Earth Team site at www.tx.nrcs.usda.gov under “Teacher and Students” tab then left menu “Volunteers.”
–USDA NRCS Texas