Conservation and Climate Change
With decades of experience in environmental stewardship, a vast network of partners across the country, a community-driven infrastructure, and proven pathways from service to employment, AmeriCorps is well positioned to conserve our lands and waters, expand renewable energy use, and increase community resilience.
A Modern-Day Civilian Conservation Corps
For nearly three decades, AmeriCorps has served as a modern-day Civilian Conservation Corps, yet more diverse, equitable, and focused on 21st century environmental challenges. Working closely with other federal agencies, Governor-appointed State Service Commissions, and hundreds of nonprofit partners, AmeriCorps engages more than 16,000 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers each year in conservation, renewable energy, and community resilience projects that address the climate crisis.
400K+
Acres of public lands are improved and preserved each year by AmeriCorps.
16,000
AmeriCorps members and volunteers work to address the climate crisis.
Protecting Tomorrow
Pathway to Green Jobs
Working in rural and urban communities throughout the country, AmeriCorps members develop into well-rounded, problem-solving citizens, all while receiving workforce training to support a sustainable future in the green jobs sector.
By the Numbers
In 2021, AmeriCorps members and volunteers improved more than 400,000 acres of parks and public lands; treated 14,500 miles of trails or rivers; weatherized or retrofitted more than 7,000 homes or public structures; protected or restored nearly 1,000 structures after natural disasters; and provided environmental stewardship education or training to more than 20,000 individuals.
Tackling the Climate Crisis
Together, AmeriCorps and its partners:
- protect biodiversity, increase reforestation, restore watersheds, prevent wildfires, and expand access to recreation.
- work to reduce carbon emissions and save energy costs by conducting energy audits, weatherizing homes, and installing renewable energy systems.
- support urban areas by creating and maintaining city parks and greenspaces, improving storm water management, and maintaining urban farms.
- reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with food systems through community gardens, farm-to-table initiatives, reducing food waste, and education.
- help communities prepare for and recover from natural disasters.
Program Highlights
NCCC Traditional Corps
NCCC Traditional Corps members work on at least four different projects in different states and cities with multiple sponsor organizations to meet a variety of community needs in the areas of energy conservation, infrastructure improvement, natural and other disaster services, and urban and rural development.
CAC AmeriCorps
A community action agency that serves low to moderate-income individuals, CAC AmeriCorps addresses pressing local environmental and infrastructure issues and interconnected social needs in Knoxville and surrounding areas. Projects focus on enhancing community resilience through environmental education, improving public lands and infrastructure, and disaster preparedness and response.
The Corps Network
As the National Association of Service and Conservation Corps, the Corps Network operates across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Territories. The networks providing access to service project opportunities that address conservation and community needs.
Your Help Is Needed
Do you want to make an impact in your community and your country? AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers serve with organizations to strengthen communities across our nation.