AmeriCorps Project Conserve seeks a dedicated individual to fill a full-time position at High Country Conservancy serving the critical conservation needs of western North Carolina. The program places AmeriCorps members in service with HCC working to protect the unique natural resources of the southern Blue Ridge Mountain region. Each Project Conserve member will serve 1700 hours during an 11 month term, from September 2009 through July 2010. 

During their terms of service, members will promote conservation through education, volunteerism and direct service. AmeriCorps Project Conserve members serve in many facets of conservation, including identifying critical lands for protection, promoting forest management, conducting land-based stewardship activities, water quality monitoring, storm water management, volunteer coordination, and community education. In addition to serving on individual projects outlined by partnering sites, members participate in training and service days for the full AmeriCorps Project Conserve team. Trainings may cover a broad range of topics including conflict resolution, forest management, trail construction, invasive plant identification, and disaster preparedness. Project Conserve is committed to long-term conservation efforts in North Carolina’s mountains by increasing community awareness of conservation needs, recruiting new volunteers, developing the capacity of partner sites, and fostering an ethic of stewardship in AmeriCorps Members.

AmeriCorps is a federally-supported program of the Corporation for National and Community Service that helps communities across the country meet critical needs in education, public safety, health, and the environment. Administered by the Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy, Project Conserve is one of 13 AmeriCorps programs supported through grants from the North Carolina Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service and from the Corporation for National and Community Service.