Volunteers are instrumental to our conservation work, allowing NRCS to stretch available resources to help more landowners reach their stewardship goals. The impacts of these activities can be seen in our footprint on the land as we work together to protect natural resources across the Commonwealth.
If you're passionate about protecting Virginia's natural resources, the Earth Team may be a good fit for you. This volunteer program offers numerous opportunities to help improve land and wildlife habitat and contribute to cleaner water and air for future generations. As a member of the Earth Team, you can put your skills and talents to work in support of hometown conservation activities.
Why Become A Volunteer?
The Earth Team offers a host of benefits that include:
- Spending more time outdoors
- Helping others
- Learning a new skill
- Supporting student science projects and research
- Meeting high school community service requirements
- Strengthening college and scholarship applications
You can also gain valuable work experience that can help launch a career in the various fields of natural resources conservation. About 10 percent of Virginia NRCS employees started out as Earth Team volunteers.
Who Can Volunteer?
Anyone 14 years of age or older and interested in conserving our precious natural resources can be an Earth Team volunteer. You can work alongside our conservationists on a full- or part-time basis in the field or in a local NRCS office. You can support the Earth Team as an individual or through a group.
How Can You Help?
Earth Team volunteers perform a variety of jobs to support our conservation work. They can help with on-farm conservation technical assistance, write articles for newsletters, take photos of conservation practices, provide office support, provide conservation education presentations, prepare and staff environmental displays for special events, assist with engineering design and drafting, plan conservation practice field demonstrations, mark fields on maps, measure crop residue, and work with professional staff on special projects.
- Download an Earth Team application (pdf, 141 Kb)
Learn more about the Virginia Earth Team!
Get Involved with the Virginia Earth Team!
The Earth Team offers opportunities for individuals 14 and older to partner with NRCS employees to provide a wide range of services to private landowners and the public. Whether they donate a year, a month or a lifetime to conservation, this cadre is improving the environment for today and tomorrow.
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