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:

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