Building together
8/10/2020 10:59:06 AM
By MDWFP
The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a public work relief program that employed men ages 18-25 during the Great Depression, helped construct state parks in Mississippi in the 1930s. In addition to developing those facilities, the program tackled projects like road construction, reforestation, and relief from natural disasters.
In the tradition of the CCC, today the federally funded AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) engages men and women, ages 18-24, in full-time, team-based national and community service throughout the United States. Approximately 1,200 Corps members and team leaders are chosen annually to serve at one of four regional campuses, including one in Vicksburg. Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) has been a proud sponsor of the NCCC program, which has significantly helped our state parks.
NCCC team member Miles Telander managed to bridge a culture gap from his home in Walla Walla, Washington, all the way to Quitman, where he helped build footbridges at Clarkco State Park.
Telander and six others of the Bayou 2 team from Vicksburg were integral in beautification projects at Mississippi State Parks like Clarkco and Lake Lowndes in October and November 2019. Participation in the NCCC program offers members the opportunity to explore and assist communities they had never seen.
In addition to Walla Walla, Bayou 2 included students from Glenburn, Maine; Cleveland, Ohio; and Boston, Massachusetts. Assistant Program Director for AmeriCorps NCCC Tamika Eatmon said coming to the South can be a culture shock for some. But for many, it has been a pleasant surprise.
“I haven’t been very far from my home my entire life, and I really wanted to get out there,” Telander said. “Heat and humidity were definitely something new to me since I moved here over the summer. But in terms of food and culture, it’s just a lot more colorful than where I’m from.”
At Clarkco, the Bayou 2 team rebuilt bridges, “de-limbed” pathways, opened up abandoned trails, and applied crushed-concrete rock on the trails for better footing, according to Clarkco State Park Manager Toney Fleming. On rainy days, the team painted inside the cabins and broke up firewood for the park guests. At Lake Lowndes, they cleared brush along the banks of the lake, as well as painted some of the facilities.
“I went to school for environmental studies, so I feel at home,” said Mallory Fahey, a Canisius College student from Cleveland, Ohio. “This work is very fulfilling for me because it is something I’m interested in doing as a career path. I feel very fortunate to have this experience, to be able to work closely with the state park managers in this way, to learn the ropes.”
Lake Lowndes State Park manager Penny Wyers shares Fahey’s sentiment.
“They are enjoying themselves,” said Wyers. “The goal is just to make Lake Lowndes State Park better than what it is. We’re just blessed and fortunate to partner with AmeriCorps.”
As a former Clarke County Supervisor, Fleming had used AmeriCorps NCCC to help complete various Clarke County projects. A few years ago, while at Clark-co, he heard there was a group working at nearby Meridian. He contacted AmeriCorps and was able to borrow the team for some help at the park.
“After they did that weekend project for me, I said, ‘I need to fill out an application to get us some teams coming here,’” said Fleming, now in his fifth year as Clarkco’s manager. “They want to give you an eight-hour day, and they all have a good work ethic.”
Since that time, Fleming has applied and received assistance from NCCC teams three times at Clarkco. The November 2019 visit was the first for Lake Lowndes. Since then, volunteers also have been used at Roosevelt, LeFleur’s Bluff, and Wall Doxey state parks.
NCCC teams complete four different six to eight-week-long projects during the 10-month term of service. Each unit is comprised of seven to 12 members. The Bayou 2 team was prepped at the NCCC facility in Vicksburg, one of five training centers in the nation, at the former All Saints Episcopal School for Girls. At the facility, members are trained in constructing homes, developing trails in state and national parks, mentoring children and youth, and meeting other needs identified by communities.
The AmeriCorps state and national programs support community organizations across the country, linking their efforts with federal volunteers and money. Organizations apply for grants of assistance, which are administered either by the Corporation for National and Community Service or by state service commissions.
Applying for help is a two-step process for sponsors, according to Eatmon. Part one is completing the concept form, which asks the sponsor to explain the project and why it is necessary. Part two is the “full application,” which asks for complete details of the project, including a thorough work plan for the team. After review, AmeriCorps then notifies the sponsor as to whether it has been awarded or not. The process is conducted, and projects are awarded for each of the “four rounds” of the 10-month service program.
“Rounds can vary a little bit,” said Eatmon. “On average, they’re about six-10 weeks. They are like quarters (on a school calendar).”
Teams can be assigned to one project for the entire round, or multiple projects could be divided up into one round. For example, the group members that served with Clarkco and Lake Lowndes also were assigned to work with the City of Vicksburg from October to December 2019.
“It’s amazing the impact sponsors have on the members,” Eatmon said. “When they talk about their passions and talk about their dedication, it has such a great impact and can really change the trajectory on where members are going. I don’t know if they realize that there’s such a big personal growth opportunity, and our sponsors play a big role in that.”
MDWFP’s goal for using AmeriCorps NCCC is to improve recreational opportunities at our beautiful state parks. These young volunteers have been committed to assisting us with meeting that goal. The members have strengthened the park communities and, because they come from all over the nation, get the opportunity to learn about Mississippi and the wonderful offerings we have in our state.
“I think what I’ve gained the most is my ability to take the initiative and just more confidence in myself,” said Telander. “I have learned how to build a bridge pretty well, too, because I’ve done that a few times.”
For more information on how to apply as a sponsor or a member, visit nationalservice.gov/programs/americorps.
