MONTANA NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE (NRCS) VOLUNTEERS ANSWER THE CALL TO SERVE

April 20, 2009

For More Information:
Ivy Allen, 406-587-6971

Bozeman--More than 40 Montana NRCS Earth Team volunteers contributed 1,335 hours for various conservation activities throughout the state in the past year. April 19 through 25 is National Volunteer Week, and this year’s Earth Team Volunteers have “answered the call to serve.” Would you like to answer the call to serve by working on natural resources projects that beautify your community and help farmers and ranchers protect their natural resources? If you would, the NRCS Earth Team Volunteer Program in Montana has these and many other opportunities available. If you choose to become involved by volunteering, the Earth Team offers much for you, whether you are an outdoor enthusiast, office worker, environmentalist, or student.

Nationally more than 30,000 volunteers contributed more than 800,000 hours, valued at about $15 million to further the NRCS mission, “helping people-help the land.” The dedicated volunteers who have committed their time and talents to conserving and protecting our natural resources play a vital role in achieving our conservation goals. The NRCS Earth Team Volunteer Program, created in 1985, offers numerous opportunities for individuals 14 years of age or older. With Earth Day just around the corner, on April 22, volunteers across the nation are donating their time to help improve awareness of the importance of keeping the earth clean, using renewable resources, and giving back to the earth.

For Earth Day this year, NRCS - Montana has teamed up with the Montana Farm Service Agency to create an activity book on pollinators for children grades 2 through 7. The activity book, Bee Pollen Popular, features games that help children learn about the different types of pollinators and how those pollinators help produce many of the foods we eat. Celebrate Earth Day by learning exciting facts about pollinators. Ag in Montana Schools has received copies of the book and a downloadable version is available on the web at http://www.mt.nrcs.usda.gov/about/education.html. For additional information about the volunteer program, please visit http://www.mt.nrcs.usda.gov/about/voluntr.html.

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