U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is honoring Kansas’ Earth Team volunteers and celebrating their many contributions to natural resource protection during National Volunteer Week, April 19-25.

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, and 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 Troy J. Munsch, Acting State Conservationist.  “Last year, 2,246 Kansans donated more than 19,985 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.  It is estimated Kansas’ Earth Team provided about $508,242 of benefit to producers and taxpayers in 2019.  Here are just a few examples of the outstanding work being done throughout the State to help improve lands and wildlife habitat while contributing to cleaner water and air for everyone:

• The Bottom-Line Conference with 12 volunteers and 957 volunteer hours.
• Progressive Agricultural Safety Days, Haskell County Earth Friends of Conservation.
• Apprentices across the State in varying capacities.

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 website to sign up for volunteer opportunities in your community.