Civilian Community Corps team coming to Eugene; will focus on trails, habitat, trees

Washington, D.C. – The City of Eugene will soon be getting help from a Civilian Community Corps team. Supporting the mission of Parks and Open Space to “protect, enhance, and maintain Eugene’s public green spaces,” the Eugene team will focus on trail renovation, habitat repair and enhancement, landscape renovations, and tree inventory.

It is one of three such Civilian Community Corps teams working to maintain and recover Oregon’s natural treasures.

In Williams, they will support the Pacifica Nature Center, a unique 420-acre natural reserve, nature center, botanic garden, educational site, and community center. NCCC members will support trail building according to ADA standards, infrastructure improvements and fuel reduction, repairs to a small historic post office and constructing interpretive signage, and planting native plants, reducing erosion, and performing vegetative maintenance.

And in Stayton at Camp Taloali, they will work on watershed restoration, invasive species eradication, replanting trees, and remediating windstorm, wildfire, and ice storms on Camp Taloali and Upward Bound Camp’s campgrounds. The team will help with remediating climate change damage to the Challenge Course and playground and improve physical access to nature studies sites for summer program campers and Outdoor School programs.

AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) is a full-time, team-based residential service program that strives to build a stronger nation by engaging young adults in service at the community level.

AmeriCorps NCCC members serve at the request of local organizations and respond to the needs of local communities by assisting with COVID-19 response; disaster preparation, recovery, and response; building affordable housing; conserving the environment; and more.

“At AmeriCorps, we are thrilled to work with thousands of partners across the country who are building a stronger, healthier, and more united future for our nation,” said AmeriCorps CEO Michael D. Smith. “I’m proud AmeriCorps NCCC can be a part of this critical work in Oregon to help conserve our public lands, bolster community resilience, and address the changing climate.”

“AmeriCorps NCCC volunteers do an incredible service building communities back after disaster and keeping green spaces healthy,” said Sen. Ron Wyden. “These programs in Eugene, Williams, and Stayton will make a measurable difference in the future of our state’s natural treasures, and I thank these folks for their service to the people of Oregon.”

“Programs like AmeriCorps NCCC give young adults the chance to have lasting impact on local communities that need assistance, and make a difference in people’s lives,” said Sen. Jeff Merkley. “I am pleased that this dedicated volunteer service will boost disaster recovery efforts across the state, and I look forward to seeing the results of this program for Oregon’s natural resources and community access to the outdoors.”