Environmental Stewards Program

About the Environmental Stewards Program

• What do we do? • Why do Stewards get involved? • How are we funded?

What do we do?

• Provide placements all over the country that promote Environmental Stewardship -this can include GIS mapping, river restoration, bird counts, landscape architecture and trail design, community outreach, working with youth, as well as a variety of other projects related to environmental stewardship

• Work with various partners from the Department of the Interior as well as Non-profit organizations to identify specific projects

Why do Stewards get involved?

• Future jobs

• Hands-on conservation/environmental work experience

• Resume building

• A chance to make a difference!

• Discover their passion and utilize it!

"I Not only learned many valuable things from the program; but also from myself as a student, scientist, professional and individual." -Nelson Cordero, Environmental Steward, USGS Great Lakes Science Center

"The skills I have learned as part of this program will give me an advantage when moving further in my career and pursuing my Master's degree in Environmental Science." -Kelli Williams, Geo-Mine Project - WV Department of Environmental Protection

How are we funded?

• Our positions are funded through AmeriCorps, our various partnerships, as well as our umbrella non-profit organization, Conservation Legacy.

Cost

• $400 per week -Steward receives $200 per week -Minimum of 10 weeks

• $12,500 for 6 Month Position -Steward receives $300 per week

• $25,000 for a Year Long Position

Environmental Stewards Program’s Role

• Recruitment

• Applicant Intake

• Payroll

• Worker’s Comp

• Liability Insurance

• AmeriCorps Education Award

• Assistance to Steward

• Provide Off-site Training

• Conduct Online Orientation

• Identify a meaningful project

• Provide Supervision and Mentorship

• Conduct local recruiting

• Interview and select Steward(s)

Partner’ Role

Benefits of Partnering with Environmental Stewards Program

• Can work in (almost) every state

• Can start anytime throughout the year

• Allow Partners to chose their Steward

• Provide AmeriCorps Education Award

• Here to help you with your Mission!

In the Summer of 2013!

• 266 Acres of national parks, state parks, city parks, county parks and public and tribal communities were improved

• 24.3 miles of trails and rivers were improved and/or created

• 52 maps and 11 databases were maintained

• 556 volunteers were recruited, coordinated and supported

• 3961 volunteer hours were provided

• 1,000 surveys were conducted

• 123 water samples and 1,580 water quality readings were taken

• Environmental education was provided to 211 adults and 444 students.

• 3,500 bird counts were conducted

Two Highlighted Projects From Summer 2013

• Inyo County Lower Owens River Project

• Fish Habitat Remediation in the St. Clair River Area of Concern for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative

Lower Owens River Project

• Located in Inyo County, California

• Worked for Inyo County as well as the California Fish and Wildlife Service to obtain permits

• Steward’s duties/accomplishments: -community outreach to get people involved in restoration project -developed a management procedure for unwanted emergent vegetation -physically cleared water ways of debris and plants

• 10 week long position

Fish Habitat Remediation in the St. Clair River Area

• Located in Detroit, MI at the Great Lakes Research Center

• Worked with USGS

• Steward’s duties/accomplishments: -worked as a fisheries technician -lake sturgeon and larval sampling -water sampling -lab work -studied already constructed reefs -sited locations for new ones to be constructed

• 10 week long position

Environmental Stewards Program Director

Michael Rendon Phone: (970)403-0149 (w) (970)773-8739 (c) Email: mrendon@sccorps.org