Shared by Bethany Levy - AmeriCorps Member NCCC, as Guest Blogger.

The next time you’re at Natural Bridge State Park keep your eye out for the AmeriCorps NCCC team working for the next few weeks in the park! They are currently working on finishing a primitive group campground, adding to the Children’s Discovery Area, and clearing trails throughout the park.

Serena clears logs and branches from the Blue Ridge trail. 
The team worked to clear debris from the trail, cut overgrown branches,
and remove tripping hazards.

AmeriCorps has a wide range of different service opportunities. State programs allow for service opportunities close to home and for a variety of different time frames. You are probably familiar with the AmeriCorps programs our Virginia State Parks host every year, the Virginia Service and Conservation Corps. 

AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) is a ten-month residential, team-based service program for 18-26 year olds. Members train and then travel throughout their assigned region to work on four to six different projects during their term.

Brian and JJ cut the posts for a portajohn screen for a new
primitive group campsite. Work on the campsites
includes adding picnic tables, grills, and lantern posts.

Projects vary and can include trail building at state and national parks, building houses with Habitat for Humanity, helping at food banks, and repairing girl scout camps. All travel, food, and housing are provided along with a living stipend and an educational award at the end of the program.

The team poses at the Red Knob Overlook on the Blue Ridge Trail
after a hard day of trail work in the state park.

Click here for more information and to apply.