March 6 marks the arrival of 10 members from the AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC). Crew members will be on site assisting with mission-critical projects until April 24.
“This is perfect timing. We have some big ecological restoration projects in the works and this crew’s enthusiasm for learning and getting things done will make a real impact on our mission,†said Jean Wiedenheft, Director of Land Stewardship at Indian Creek Nature Center.
During the crew’s eight weeks of service they will engage in a variety of land restoration projects that will increase the health and quality of ICNC’s prairies and woodlands that host immersive outdoor educational programs enjoyed by Eastern Iowans of all ages.
The NCCC crew will make a broad ecological impact by restoring 51 acres of prairie and 17 acres of woodland, and make improvements to more than a half-mile of trail. Projects include removing invasive species, conducting prescribed fires, and improving the trail system.
A major component of the NCCC crew’s restoration work will occur at the 10 acres surrounding the Barn, the Nature Center’s original headquarters. The upland oak-hickory woodland and maple sugar bush have not been actively managed since the 2020 derecho forced Nature Center staff to focus on other ecological priorities.
Restoration efforts at the barn site are expected to improve woodland health, increase trail access and enhance opportunities for educational programming. Creating ecologically healthy ecosystems across the 400 acres stewarded by Indian Creek Nature Center directly improves the environment and preserves places of natural beauty for the community to enjoy.
The community will also get to engage with NCCC crew members. Opportunities are available for individuals or groups to work alongside the Americorps Team on special projects. Community members can also visit with NCCC members during Indian Creek Nature Center’s 42nd Annual Maple Syrup Festival on March 29 and 30.
AmeriCorps’ NCCC program provides young adults aged 18 to 26 opportunities to travel the country, earn money for college, and gain valuable life and career skills while supporting environmental stewardship, building affordable housing, responding to disasters, and giving back in other ways to local communities.
