Progress Reports from the Field

NHCC's Conservation Leadership Corps [CLC] began the year with a visit to the Nelson Farm in Strafford, NH. Each year, these high school students volunteer in exchange for fresh produce, helping the farm become more productive and geared to education, as well as generating great fresh food for the NHCC summer season. Farm operator Shawn Stimpson said, "I like working with SCA because it gives me an opportunity to learn how to teach farming, and it gives the volunteers a chance to learn how to farm."

The 26 newest members of the NHCC concluded their first week in early January with an AmeriCorps swearing-in ceremony followed by an introduction to volunteer service at the Medvil Housing Co-op in Goffstown. In collaboration with StayWarmNH, Governor John Lynch's initiative to winterize homes in low-income areas, the volunteers spent the afternoon installing window wraps, weather stripping, low-flow showerheads, and energy-saving light bulbs.

Laura Richardson, Project Director of StayWarmNH, said of the occasion, "The Medvil experience really resonated with the homeowners. It has been a pleasure working with [SCA NHCC] on StayWarm."

Find out more at www.staywarmnh.org/

On March 7th, Manchester CLC members visited Bear Brook State Park, home of the SCA New Hampshire Conservation Corps. In the morning, NHCC member Jim Vidoni led an ecology hike through the park to Smith Pond. CLC members learned about different tree species found in the park and their importance to the ecosystem.

After lunch, the crew was treated to an introduction and question and answer session about the NHCC program, the SCA and conservation career paths. When asked why returning CLC members continued to participate, Chris Mealey described his experience from a conservation crew. “It gave me opportunities to do things I never thought I could do. Last year I helped build a rock staircase, which was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.”

Later in the day the members worked on presentations for the Annual SCA Earth Day Celebration at Veteran’s Park in Manchester. This year we are working to install a Green Roof (roof-top garden) on a Manchester Public School. At the Earth Day celebration, the members will be presenting how green roofs work, their history and benefits.