U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) leaders and employees honor Earth Team volunteers and celebrate their numerous contributions to protecting Minnesota natural resources during National Volunteer Week, April 21 – 27, 2024.

The Earth Team volunteer program allows NRCS to stretch available resources by partnering volunteers with employees to provide diverse services to agricultural producers, private landowners and the public. These activities include conservation technical assistance, office support and conservation education through community projects.

“The amount of time an Earth Team volunteer donates is critical to helping NRCS in Minnesota achieve its mission of helping people help the land,” said State Conservationist Troy Daniell. “Whether a volunteer donates a month, a year, or a lifetime, those hours matter cumulatively because they stretch our human resources and enable us to do even more.”

In 2023, Earth Team volunteers in Minnesota contributed more than 8,075 hours to support our agency’s mission and its critical conservation work. Volunteer efforts allow NRCS to offer more conservation services to farmers and ranchers throughout the state. Minnesota provided about $256,785 of benefits to NRCS customers and taxpayers in 2023. 

The Earth Team volunteer program helps its participants expand their skills and knowledge through community projects. The program also offers participants community service hours, earned academic credit and an unpaid internship in federal service. Those interested in volunteering can visit the Earth Team program webpage to sign up for volunteer opportunities in your community or to learn more about the program.