Dakotafire Get your spark here.
AmeriCorps NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps) is serving with staff of Sica Hollow State Park from Sept. 3-27 to restore sections of the trail to make them safer and more accessible for both horseback riding and hiking at the park.
The team of eight from the Vinton, IA, campus have been members of NCCC for seven months and are enjoying their time in Lake City. The team is focusing on repairing and installing water bars as well as clearing the trail corridor along the 10-15 mile trail.
“Being in South Dakota in itself is exciting because it’s a beautiful state, and I’m looking forward to the environment and scenery at Sica Hollow,” team member Jill Ament said. “It’s very historically rich. “I think it’s safe to say we’ve had at least two months experience with trail work already because of our last two projects, so we will be well prepared to make these trails safer.”
The South Dakota Division of Parks and Recreation is committed to providing diverse outdoor recreational opportunities, acting as a catalyst for a growing tourism economy and preserving the resources with which we are entrusted or future generations.
AmeriCorps NCCC is a full-time, 10-month, residential, national service program in which 2,800 young adults – all 18 to 24 years old- serve nationwide each year. The NCCC program oversees two service tracks –NCCC and FEMA Corps – and members in these programs serve in teams of 8-12 on three to seven service projects during their service.
NCCC members serve on projects that address critical needs related to natural and other disasters, infrastructure improvement, environmental stewardship and conservation, energy conservation, and urban and rural development. FEMA Corps members focus solely on emergency management and long-term recovery projects through FEMA.
The North Central Region campus in Vinton, IA, is one of five regional campuses in the United States and serves Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin. The other campuses are located in Baltimore, Md.; Sacramento, Calif.; Vicksburg, Miss.; and Denver, Colo.
In exchange for their service, members receive $5,550 to help pay for college, or to pay back existing student loans. Other benefits include a small living stipend, room and board, leadership development, increased self-confidence, and the knowledge that, through active citizenship, people can indeed make a difference.
AmeriCorps NCCC is administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service. The Corporation improves lives, strengthens communities, and fosters civic engagement through service and volunteering. For more information about AmeriCorps NCCC programs, visit the website at www.nationalservice.gov/nccc.
