
2025 marks 40 years of Earth Team volunteers protecting natural resources across the nation.
Below are Earth Team volunteers recently nominated by their state and chosen as national and regional winners for their outstanding efforts to help meet the mission of NRCS.
National Award Winners
- Chief Cup Maryland NRCS
- NACD Harford County Soil Conservation District, MD
- Partnership Broadneck High School, MD
- Individual Keagan Goodsell, CO
- Group Blazing Star Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area, IN
- Employee Jennifer Walker, IN
- Field Office St Mary's County, MD
Regional Award Winners
Northeast
- Individual David Gruenbaum, OH
- Group Broadneck Highschool, Annapolis, MD
- Employee Natalie Howe, MD
- Field Office St. Mary’s County Field Office MD
Central
- Individual Dennis Schwandt, KS
- Group Blazing Star Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area, IN
- Employee Jennier Walker, IN
West
- Individual Keagan Goodsell, CO
- Employee Lauren Craven, CO
Earth Team volunteers contribute to NRCS helping farmers, ranchers and forest landowners meet the conservation goals for their working landscapes in the following different ways:
On the Land
- Conservation Practice Layout
- Planting Trees
- Native Grass Seeding
- Resource Inventories
- Soil Mapping
- Surveying
- Water Sampling
- Wildlife Habitat
In the Community
- Conservation Education
- Conservation Planning
- Conservation Youth Groups
- Photography
- Public Speaking
- Outdoor Classroom and Nature Areas
- Special Tours & Fairs
In the Office
- Computer Data Entry
- Drafting
- Editing
- Filing
- Map Interpretations
- Reception
- Telephoning
- Typing
- Writing
Duties
Since 1985, Earth Team Volunteers have had an opportunity to benefit the soil, water, air, and wildlife through conservation work directly with Natural Resources Conservation Service employees and farmers, ranchers, and foresters. With over 2,500 offices nationwide, there are many opportunities at the field level for volunteers to provide a valued source of talent and enthusiasm, while also gaining office and field experience. Earth Team Volunteers specifically enjoy assisting customers, learning new skills, building relationships, and working to protect our lands. You can make a difference by joining our volunteer team!
Qualifications
Anyone 14 years and older can apply to volunteer. Many opportunities exist: full and part-time, outdoor and indoor, as an individual or part of a group. International volunteer opportunities also exist. We can use volunteers with office, speaking, education, training, conservation planning and implementation, snow survey, computer, soil conservation, wildlife habitat, clerical, photography, budget and contracting skills, and much more. There is something for everyone interested in protecting our natural resources for future generations.
Please complete the Volunteer Interest and Placement Summary Form.
Once completed, email the completed copy to SM.FPAC.BC.Volunteers@usda.gov