As an alumni of UMD, I would like to bring a few exciting volunteer opportunities to your attention. I believe these opportunities are a great way for students and recent alumni to build their resume and gain some work experience with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, a federal agency within the USDA. NRCS provides cost-share financial assistance programs, technical assistance, soil survey information, wetland and highly erodible land determinations, and more to support farmers and forestland owners meet their conservation goals. Please feel free to share these opportunities within your networks and print the attached flyers for your bulletin boards.
People’s Garden Initiative:
USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is looking for volunteers to assist with the People’s Garden, located outside of the USDA headquarters in Washington, DC. The site is easily accessible - only a block from the Metro! This initiative was started by our Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, during the Obama administration. Secretary Vilsack and the USDA team are now working to revitalize the People’s Garden to showcase what we do at USDA, raise awareness about sustainable agriculture practices, connect people with where their food comes from, and educate on protecting our environment and conserving resources. Volunteers are needed for a variety of activities such as garden preparation, planting, and maintenance. There are many days and times available for this opportunity with more details to come. This fun volunteer opportunity is offered through NRCS Maryland’s Earth Team Volunteer Program. Please reach out to Maryland’s Earth Team Volunteer Coordinator, Laura Eddy, at Laura.Eddy@usda.gov for more information and to get on our volunteer communications list.
In Field and In Office Opportunities:
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) offers in field and in-office volunteer opportunities through the Earth Team Volunteer program. There are a wide range of tasks and work locations across Maryland available to volunteers. We have offices and field work in each of Maryland’s 23 counties, and can find ways to offer remote volunteer opportunities as well. Volunteer tasks can include field surveying, photography and newsletters, farmer outreach, office mailing, practice verification, filing, and more. We will work with you to match your skillset to the proper activity. Please reach out to Maryland’s State Volunteer Coordinator, Laura Eddy, at Laura.Eddy@usda.gov for more information on how you can make a difference while gaining valuable experience!
Thank you for getting the word out to your students, colleagues, and connections! Do not hesitate to reach out to me at Laura.Eddy@usda.gov for more information.
Laura Eddy
Soil Conservationist
United States Department of Agriculture
Natural Resources Conservation Service
28577 Mary’s Court
Easton, MD 21601
Office Phone – 443.746.4316
Cell – 443.477.0057