RestoreCorps volunteer in action

RestoreCorps is a comprehensive training and volunteer recruitment program aimed at accelerating on-the-ground conservation measures. The program has a dual mission. First, it builds the technical ability of community watershed groups to undertake water protection activities appropriate for volunteer-based organizations. Examples include streamside forest buffer restoration, homeowner and public landscaping that protects water quality, eradication of invasive plants, and citizen water quality monitoring. Depending on the subject, training modules will include a mix of classroom instruction and hands-on demonstrations in the field. Each module will provide a scripted slide presentation that participating watershed groups can then use in further training of its members and local communities.

Secondly, the program addresses the chronic shortage of volunteers by cultivating relationships with a pool of volunteer groups that haven't traditionally been tapped for watershed activities. Recruitment will be targeted at businesses, civic groups, schools, senior citizen groups, rotary clubs and the like. Watershed groups will receive training on how to use volunteers most effectively, emphasizing a diversity of roles for volunteers of different ages, abilities, and interests. Volunteer recognition and public visibility at "volunteer action days" are also important components of this effort to build the membership ranks of local groups. The Alliance has held Volunteer Action Days and Training Workshops in Pennsylvania and Maryland and is coordinating a schedule of training workshops in Virginia with plans to expand the program in the District of Columbia.

For more information on the RestoreCorps program contact project coordinators:

Get Involved with RestoreCorps

• Join the RestoreCorps volunteer list

For more information contact: mail@acb-online.org or call (410) 377-6270

Related Projects

Growing Native : To raise awareness about the importance of forest buffers along Chesapeake Bay tributaries, the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay coordinates native tree seed collection in conjunction with the Potomac Conservancy's "Growing Native" program.

RestoreCorps Maryland: The Maryland branch of RestoreCorps.

RestoreCorps Pennsylvania: The Pennsylvania branch of RestoreCorps.

RestoreCorps Virginia: The Virginia branch of RestoreCorps.

Publications

Backyard Forests (Homeowners Guide to Creating and Maintaining a Backyard Forest) (856.5 kb) - The Backyard Forests brochure provides information on how any homeowner, who owns ten acres or less, can create a new forest or manage an existing forested tract on their property. Included in the brochure are handy tips on how to design a backyard forest, choose and plant native plants, develop a management plan, and where to go for technical assistance. This brochure was developed in tandem with the Forestry for the Bay voluntary web-based program promoting sustainable forest management to help improve the health of the Chesapeake Bay.

Resources

RestoreCorps Training and Other Web Resources (92.7 kb) - A list of websites that provide information on Bayscapes, invasive species, forest buffers, watershed management, seed collection, and volunteer management.

Training Modules

Invasive Plant Control - A RestoreCorps Training Module (942.1 kb) - This PowerPoint presentation outlines background information about invasive plants in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, as well methods to control their spread. The final section outline tips to engage volunteers in efforts to control invasive plants. speaker notes

Putting BayScapes to Work in Your Watershed (31.7 MB) - BayScapes are environmentally friendly landscapes that create wildlife habitat, conserve water, and prevent pollution. In addition, they protect streams and beautify backyards and neighborhoods. This module explains the six principles of BayScapes and ways to promote BayScapes in your community. speaker notes

Restoring Riparian Forest Buffers - Part I (1.8 MB) - This PowerPoint Presentation outlines the benefits of riparian buffers to improved local water quality as well as sections detailing: gathering information before beginning a site plan; creating a buffer planting plan; preparation for planting; maintenance considerations for riparian buffers, and; monitoring riparian buffers. speaker notes

Restoring Riparian Forest Buffers - Part II (2.2 MB) - Gathering Information Before Beginning a Site Plan. A RestoreCorps Training Module developed by the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay with generous support from the William Penn Foundation.

Restoring Riparian Forest Buffers - Part III (1.3 MB) - Creating a Buffer Planting Plan. A RestoreCorps Training Module developed by the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay with generous support from the William Penn Foundation.

Restoring Riparian Forest Buffers - Part IV (581.1 kb) - Preparation for Planting. A RestoreCorps Training Module developed by the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay with generous support from the William Penn Foundation.

Restoring Riparian Forest Buffers - Part V (1.5 MB) - Maintenance Considerations for Riparian Buffers. A RestoreCorps Training Module developed by the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay with generous support from the William Penn Foundation.

Watershed Management Planning (998.4 kb) - A RestoreCorps Training Module developed by the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay with generous support from the William Penn Foundation.