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For Immediate Release
November 18, 2020
Contact: Deidrah Stanchfield, Jim Britt
Maine Conservation Corps Members Complete Service Term, Fulfill the Mission in the Shadow of COVID-19 Pandemic
AUGUSTA, Maine – The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry’s (DACF) Maine Conservation Corps (MCC) is celebrating the accomplishments of twenty members who are completing their term of AmeriCorps service despite the numerous challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. MCC service members volunteered for a total of over 25,650 hours in the State of Maine, accomplishing MCC's mission to "Accomplish Conservation Initiatives that Inspire People and Enhance Communities."
“On behalf of the people of Maine, I extend our gratitude to this year’s class of Maine Conservation Corps members,” said Governor Janet Mills. “During one of our state’s most challenging times, each of these members gave selflessly of their time and energy to improve communities across Maine. I wish them the best of luck in all to come.”
From engaging volunteers for a new preserve at Frenchman Bay Conservancy in Gouldsboro, to monitoring and analyzing for Maine Healthy Beaches at the southern tip of Maine, and facilitating the Gorham Edible Main Street and Food Forest, MCC Environmental Stewards have found new ways to engage communities in these meaningful projects.
"The contributions of MCC members to conservation in Maine is significant," said DACF Commissioner Amanda Beal. "We are pleased to host this program each year and truly appreciate the dedication and many hours that our MCC members put in to support the needs of Maine communities across the state."
MCC members build new recreational trails and trail structures, and about half of the members were engaged in these projects. Maine Conservation Corps also completes a wide variety of conservation projects all over the State of Maine. MCC offers two different AmeriCorps service paths, Environmental Stewards and Field Teams.
"As people took to the outdoors in record numbers, the importance of MCC AmeriCorps members and the initiatives they are engaged in has been highlighted as never before," said MCC Director Sara Knowles. "AmeriCorps participants bring inspiration, innovation, and dedication to organizations and communities across the state. The inherent traits of service members were truly amplified this year as they navigated new challenges and uncertainty with grace and flexibility"."
"Faced with adversity, I will persevere" is a line from the AmeriCorps pledge that members serving at MCC took seriously in this year of unprecedented challenges.
MCC AmeriCorps members completing terms of service include:
- Skyler Kasko, Waterville, ME
- Autumn Smith, Belfast, ME
- Andrew Moriarty, Sanford, ME
- Sarah Hammond, Auburn, ME
- Patricia Nease, Ann Arbor, MI
- Jared Briar, Peshtigo, WA
- Amanda Haddock, Virginia Beach, VA
- Katherine Goodwin, Littleton, MA
- Joseph Taft, Ellington, CT
- Laura Heinlein, Denmark and Saratoga Springs, NY
- Alayna McNally, Marlton, NJ
- Caitlin Maguire, Cranston, RI
- Alexis White, Easthampton, MA
- George Hamilton, Lewiston, ME
- Elsa Chinburg, Exeter, NH
- Anna Smith, Gorham, ME
- Matthew Bonner, Haverhill, MA
- Carver "Ty" Eller, Huntington, WV
- Kevin Clark, Madison, CT
- Krystal Sewell, Lebanon, NH
The citizen Commissioners of Volunteer Maine, the state service commission, authorize and provide funding to MCC's AmeriCorps program.
More information about the MCC and AmeriCorps opportunities can be found at the www.maine.gov/doc/parks/mcc website.
About Maine Conservation Corps
Established in 1983, MCC builds upon the Civilian Conservation Corps' legacy by engaging diverse individuals to address pressing conservation needs in Maine communities. Members develop in-demand skills and work experience while showcasing the power of service and civic engagement. MCC is part of the Bureau of Parks and Lands within the DACF. Learn more.
About AmeriCorps and Volunteer Maine
AmeriCorps is the federal agency connecting individuals and organizations through service and volunteering to tackle the nation's most pressing challenges. Volunteer Maine, the state service commission, builds capacity and sustainability in Maine's volunteer sector by funding service programs such as AmeriCorps, developing volunteer managers and service-learning practitioners, raising awareness of the scope and the impact of the volunteer sector, and encouraging an ethic of service. Learn more.
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MCC AmeriCorps members Anna Smith, Katie Goodwin, Alayna McNally, Laura Heinlein, atop Mount Kineo for the 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance. Courtesy photo.
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