Information For Volunteers

What is the Earth Team?

Alabama has a nationally recognized Earth Team volunteer program.  We have won national Earth Team awards for many years.  In 1991 we won the National Volunteer Service Award-Chief's Cup.  Nine times in 14 years (1991-95, 1997, 1999, 2000, and 2003) Alabama won the National NACD/NRCS Earth Team Award!  We are proud of our Earth Team, the individuals from all walks of life who volunteer to help NRCS and conservation districts carry out our conservation missions.

During FY 2005, Alabama had 3,543 Earth Team volunteers who provided 89,999 hours of service to promote conservation on private lands.  We led the Nation, as well as the East Region, in both categories. The North Team led Alabama in both volunteers and hours of service.  

In 2005, nationwide, more than 34,432 Earth Team volunteers donated 938,631 hours of their time to conservation practices.  Based on the $16.05 hourly rate established by nationally recognized volunteer organizations, the total value of this volunteer time was over $15 million.

Volunteers help farmers, ranchers, and other private landowners with conservation practices and projects that reduce wind and water erosion, improve water quality, enhance wildlife habitat, and reduce flooding. They also help people of all ages learn about conservation through hands-on educational activities.

We need your help in reducing soil erosion, conserving our water and improving its quality, and developing pride in our country's natural resource heritage. Your commitment to the Earth Team will help ensure that generations to come will enjoy America's bounty.

How Can I Join?

Anyone 14 years of age or older that are interested in conserving our precious natural resources, can join. You can work part-time or full-time, evenings or weekends, outdoors or in a local NRCS office. You can volunteer as an individual, or join or form a group.

How Can I Help As A Volunteer?

As an Earth Team volunteer, you will work with professionals on conservation activities in your community. Whatever your talents or interests, there is a volunteer opportunity for you.

Technical Assistance

You can help professional conservationists who are working directly with farmers and ranchers:

• To plan, lay out, and design conservation practices
• To make natural resource inventories
• To improve wildlife habitat

Helping Schools and Communities

You can assist elementary and high school, college and universities. Through camps and classes, you can introduce young people to the wonders of nature. Organizations, youth groups, professional societies, and civic groups are joining together to sponsor water quality education campaigns, community beautification, and erosion control projects. Through cooperative Earth Team efforts, you can help solve many natural resource problems in your area.

• Organizing conservation tours and exhibits
• Taking photographs
• Writing articles
• Speaking to community groups
• Producing artwork and publications

Office Support Services

NRCS or your conservation district needs your talents and clerical assistance in many lines of exciting work.

• Preparing newsletters
• Computer data entry and programming
• Typing, filing, and answering phones
• Educating others about natural resource conservation

The Earth Team Success Stories

Volunteer Spotlight:  Conservation: Our Purpose, Our Passion Volunteer Spotlight (will open in a new window)

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Earth Team Volunteers Honored in Madison County (6-12)
Water Festival Held in Lee County Assisted by Volunteers (6/11)
Earth Team Volunteers Dig the Farm (5-11)

 

Volunteer Services Agreement for Natural Resources Agencies for Individuals or Groups fillable form (of301A.pdf)

There are opportunities for everyone!

What in the world are you going to do?

THE EARTH TEAM NEEDS YOU--JOIN TODAY!

For more information about volunteer opportunities e-mail Rod Goode, Alabama State Volunteer Coordinator or phone: 205-823-6400.

Last Modified: 07/16/2012