In our 2023-24 member service year, we supported 34 AmeriCorps members at 20 organizations whose sites, programs, and activities were visited by 39,860 individuals. These members delivered educational programs to an audience of over 5,000 individuals, treated and improved 1,052 acres of public land, and managed 1,501 hours of volunteer service. 1,184 individuals who participated in our stewardship education programs reported increased knowledge of environmental stewardship.
Read what some of our AmeriCorps members had to say about their service year:
"Hey everyone! My name is Madison Fernandez, and I'm currently serving with the Forest Service in Marlinton as a watershed and fisheries technician. During my year of service, I've spent a lot of my time leading snorkel events for different youth groups around West Virginia. When we're snorkeling, we're looking for various fish species while guiding locals and visitors alike through the public resource of the Monongahela National Forest. I've also been aiding my team by monitoring the health of our streams and rivers through water chemistry samples, temperature loggers, habitat and population surveys, and various other activities. I love the sense of purpose my position gives me as I focus on public outreach and exposing others to the wonders of our forest, and I'm grateful that AFNHA has given me the opportunity to live and serve in such a wonderful place!
"I'm Maddy Fleming and I am the AmeriCorps serving with the Randolph County Museum and 4-H Camp Pioneer through the Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area. This is my second year in this position and I have been delighted to work on a variety of projects at these sites. My service throughout the year consists of archives and collections management, exhibit research and design, writing outreach, and collecting oral histories. In the summertime, I assist as a volunteer and counselor during Randolph County 4-H Camps and serve as the Randolph County Museum's primary docent. I have also assisted the Randolph County Historical Society with their centennial project this year, including the creation of exhibit panels and brochures for the museum. For 4-H Camp Pioneer's 4-H History Round-Up Project, I've also created display panels focusing on the history of 4-H Camps in Randolph County. I've enjoyed so much of my service with AFNHA and AmeriCorps, and it's been an honor to be a part of such a passionate community, all working to preserve our region's rich history and culture!"
"This past year, I have had the pleasure of serving as a Watershed and Fisheries AmeriCorps with the Monongahela National Forest. I have had a wide array of experiences from leading river snorkeling outreach to helping with stream restoration projects. For my major project, I worked with our Range Technician, Hannah Scrafford, to monitor soil disturbances on the Forest grazing allotments. This project was a highlight of my service, not only because I found the work meaningful, but it was wonderful to learn about other programs within the Forest Service. It is always special when we can work together. It is hard to sum up all the work I have had the privilege of helping with this past year, but I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to do meaningful work in such a beautifully wild place"
- Carlyle Grundon
“My name is Geneva Brown and I am an AmeriCorps member with AFNHA serving with The Nature Conservancy. As my first term is coming to an end I figured I would share how my year has looked. This year has given me the opportunity to try so many new things. Much of my position involved the yearly monitoring of the preserves and easements TNC has across West Virginia. I have also participated in trail building. Most notably I helped build the new ¾ mile loop trail at TNC’s Bear Rocks Preserve. My major project for this year was monitoring a red spruce and balsam fir tree planting in Canaan Valley from three years ago. This project gave me an amazing look into how saplings handle drought conditions. I am looking forward to the new adventures of next term!”
“For the past 2 years I have served as an education and outreach aide for the WV Division of Forestry. I've been traveling around the state leading environmental education programs at different schools, summer camps, educational conferences and events. Over the course of my service, I was able to educate over 6,000 students statewide. I am so thankful for all the opportunities and experiences l've had as an AFNHA AmeriCorps.”
-Kacey Shiflett
“Ever since childhood, many of us are told ‘do something you love and you will never work a day in your life’ however, this past year, I have encountered an even deeper truth- surround yourself with passionate people, and you will never find something not to love. Every day, I have had the distinct honor of working alongside countless community members and AmeriCorps committed to making a difference across the Mon Forest Towns Partnership, Appalachian Forest National Heritage Area, and the world. From spiny mussels to square dances, discovering the endless wellspring of passion for all of life’s wonders, big and small, constantly inspires and empowers me to climb higher, reach farther, and love more deeply.”
-Sam Kniery
