The Student Conservation Association’s Native Plant Corps (NPC) takes on a variety of projects related to restoration ecology. We train and deploy teams consisting of a skilled Project Leader and 3-5 Corps Members (interns) to help agency partners achieve their plant conservation and restoration initiatives goals. NPC has partnered with the BLM, NPS, FWS, USFS, non-profits and others located all over the United States. Each team focuses its work efforts in the following areas:
Eradication/Control
With the goal to reduce the total number of invasive species infested acres on public lands, NPC teams learn to identify invasive plant species and determine the best treatment methods. Treatment methods include manual, mechanical, and chemical techniques using chainsaws, pole saws, brush cutters, loppers, manual and gas-powered sprayers, 4WD and all-terrain vehicles.
Inventory, Monitoring & Mapping
Teams use GPS/GIS equipment to compile, map and analyze invasive species data. Additionally, teams monitor treated areas to better evaluate treatment effectiveness and long term restoration efforts.
Restoring Native Plant Species and Habitats
Throughout the country, teams aim to restore native plant species and habitats in damaged and altered natural landscapes by planting appropriate native plants and trees.
Public Outreach & Education
All of the teams engage in various forms of outreach to educate the public about the threat of invasive species, and to let communities know about the restoration work being done in their area. Activities include leading field trips for school groups, attending community events and leading volunteer service days.
Media and Publicity
The teams actively seek media attention in order to increase community awareness of invasive species issues. As a result, news stories are published that highlight the excellent work public land management agencies and SCA are undertaking to control invasive species.
NPC Project Model
NPC teams currently work during three seasons: Spring (Feb/Mar start), Summer (Apr/May start), and Fall (Aug/Sept start). Teams serve from 3-9 months depending on the agency partnership.
The Project Leader is an SCA seasonal paid employee and serves as the supervisor of the team and liaison to the agency coordinator. He/she arrives 5-7 weeks prior to the members’ arrival to work with the agency partner to review project priorities, create the workplan & calendar, do equipment inventory, prepare housing, and many other preparatory tasks. The Project Leader will also stay 1-2 weeks after members’ departure to complete a final report.
The SCA Corps Members are selected from a pool of highly skilled applicants. Many have college degrees and are looking for work experience in the field. Others are seeking experience that will help them choose future graduate studies. Corps Members receive training in leadership, safety, and project specific skills. NPC staff works with each agency partner to develop the skill set that each partner needs.