Americorps team leaves its mark
This fall, Indian Creek Nature Center welcomed a nine-member AmeriCorps team for a six-week service project. In this short window of time, September 29 to November 12, these young individuals left an incredible impact on the Nature Center, and the Nature Center on them.
The team’s contributions can be seen across the Nature Center grounds. The easiest to see is a new shelter at the outdoor classroom, Hazelnut Hideaway. This project gave team members the opportunity to learn new skills, ranging from using basic tools like a tape measure to reading detailed project plans.
There are many other marks left by the AmeriCorps team that might be harder to see than a new shelter. The team also participated in prairie seed collection, where they learned to identify native prairie plants, and planted pawpaw trees, where they learned about tree care and more tools.
Team members also certainly learned what a hard day’s work felt like, as they spent many hours doing the intense work of removing invasive and problematic plant species.
Black locust was removed from behind Amazing Space, the area around the amphitheater, near Lynch Wetland, and the Stimple Prairie. Thorns and tangled branches make black locust a daunting challenge to remove. It’s astounding how much the team removed.
One area that may be unrecognizable (in a good way) after the AmeriCorps team’s hard work is the barn site, where ICNC was originally headquartered. The team grubbed out honeysuckle bushes and cut back encroaching mulberries.
Benjamin, an AmeriCorps NCCC team member who was also here in the spring, noticed progress made in the battle against invasive species. During a project-wrapping presentation, Benjamin shared, “When we went to remove the invasives in the spring, they were big. When we came this time, they were much smaller. That was nice to see.”
The team also removed sumac and Siberian Elm from the Lynch Wetland, honeysuckle from the outdoor classroom, and autumn olive from the Cedar Rapids Prairie. By now, team members may be experts at identifying a variety of invasive species, a skill that will be valuable for any future careers in conservation.
Etzel Sugar Grove Farm also benefited from the AmeriCorps team’s service. The team helped plant prairie around the farm’s new workshop, assembled office furniture, helped with land maintenance, and planted garlic in the permaculture field.
While getting their hands dirty at the organic farm, team members learned how to use different farming tools and equipment, contributed to the fall harvest, and gained first-hand knowledge about regenerative agriculture.
Each of these wide-ranging projects left a positive impact on Indian Creek Nature Center’s mission, and having the team on site advanced the timeline for each project. Jean shared the simple beauty of having the team by saying, “When you have nine more people, you get more done.”
Indian Creek Nature Center is grateful for these young individuals who choose to serve their country through the AmeriCorps NCCC program. Beyond all the tangible skills the participants learned during their six-week service project, team members also got to experience the sense of community nurtured at the Nature Center.
“You have been a great staff, a great host for us, our team,” Benjamin said during his presentation. “I have been here twice. I’ve spent probably over three months here in total, and I have a very high opinion of this place. I think it’s amazing. I love the land. I really feel connected to the community working here. So, thank you.”
And, thank you.
