National Volunteer Week is April 20 to 26, a time to recognize and celebrate the incredible impact of USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Earth Team volunteers who dedicate their time, energy and talents to strengthening our conservation communities. Since 1985, Earth Team volunteers have provided a valuable source of talent to NRCS by working directly with conservation professionals on private lands to improve soil quality, conserve water, improve air quality and enhance wildlife habitat. In 2024, 108 Earth Team volunteers contributed nearly 1,000 hours to conservation causes across Maryland. Their selfless service not only addresses critical conservation needs but also fosters a spirit of generosity and unity across the state.

Maryland’s Earth Team volunteers are nationally recognized as dedicated conservationists, earning the state five national Earth Team awards in 2024. Honorees include:

Harford County Soil Conservation District, National Association of Conservation Districts Earth Team Award

Harford County SCD is recognized for harnessing the power of shared leadership among district officials, NRCS employees, and Earth Team volunteers to find innovative ways to help accomplish the NRCS mission. Quintin Cornwell, SCD Manager, and Rob Weaver, NRCS District Conservationist work together to recruit volunteers and find meaningful work for them to do. 

Volunteers include Tim Gerber, a retired soil scientist and seasoned volunteer who helps Harford County in several ways, ranging from employee training to soil surveys. Ella Campbell is a Student Associate Board Member as part of a unique program developed by the SCD and NRCS in this office to provide students with a way to interact with and volunteer in the office. Students in this program attend board meetings to become more familiar with the work we do as a partnership. 

Broadneck High School, National Partnership Earth Team Award

Broadneck High School is recognized for integrating volunteerism at USDAs People’s Garden into their Environmental Literacy Program curriculum. Twice a year, students travel to the nation’s capital to assist with weeding, planting, and harvesting at the garden while learning more about conservation agriculture and potential career opportunities with NRCS. The students recently took what they learned working with NRCS to create their own People’s Garden at the school, where a variety of crops and flowers are grown to teach about agricultural conservation practices.

St. Mary’s County – Chief’s Field Award

St. Mary’s is recognized for their innovative and effective use of volunteers, which has greatly benefited both the local office, and the participants involved. In 2024, the St. Mary’s office had an active Friends of Conservation Group that collected volunteer hours from three people and hosted a student intern, collectively contributing 80 volunteer hours. Under the leadership of District Conservationist Rachel Yeatman, the office arranged for their summer intern to contribute to conservation efforts in multiple counties throughout Southern Maryland, enhancing the intern’s experience and extending support to other NRCS teams. Rachel’s strong belief in the value of volunteering has been imperative to leveraging these efforts to support NRCS’s mission.

St. Mary’s County demonstrated a high level of volunteer interaction, commitment, and innovation. Their work reflects a growing culture of community involvement and collaboration, positioning them as a rising star within the state. 

Natalie Howe – NRCS Regional Employee Award

Natalie Howe, manager of the Norman A. Berg National Plant Materials Center (PMC) in Beltsville, is recognized for showing outstanding leadership in creatively and effectively utilizing volunteers to support the NRCS mission. This year, she took on the additional responsibility of managing the volunteer program at the People’s Garden, where her mentorship and positive attitude fostered a welcoming and productive environment for Earth Team Volunteers. Her dedication allowed the center to expand its impact while providing a meaningful learning experience for all who volunteered.

Under Natalie’s guidance, the People’s Garden hosted 102 volunteers who contributed a total of 908 hours in 2024. Many of these volunteers are young people encountering NRCS for the first time, and Natalie ensured that they receive a positive and educational introduction to the agency. Natalie’s work not only strengthens local conservation efforts but also has had a national impact through her leadership at the PMC and People’s Garden. 

Maryland NRCS – Chief’s Cup National Winner

In fiscal year 2024, Maryland NRCS continued its long-standing commitment to the Earth Team Volunteer program, as they managed increased activity driven by the People’s Garden and maintained strong engagement across the state. A total of 108 volunteers, including 57 individuals and 51 group participants, contributed 995.25 hours, which combines to an estimated value of $33,778.79 in service. Volunteers supported a wide range of activities including engineering surveys, conservation planning, outreach, education, and more, with over two-thirds of Maryland NRCS offices actively participating. 

To show appreciation, Maryland NRCS hosted a volunteer recognition event, featuring project showcases and personal acknowledgments. These efforts displayed Maryland’s commitment to strengthening and expanding the Earth Team Volunteer program. Their work reflected not only effective management but also innovation and heartfelt appreciation.