www.wellsreserve.org/news/2006-05-02_nccc.htm

AMERICORPS*NCCC MEMBERS EAGER TO HELP AT WELLS NATIONAL ESTUARINE RESEARCH RESERVE

WELLS, MAINE - A 12-member AmeriCorps*NCCC team is ready to lend a helping hand at the Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve after completing six weeks of hurricane relief in New Orleans.

The AmeriCorps*NCCC team is eager to trade in their respirators for waders. They will be in southern Maine through early June, identifying and assessing potential habitat restoration sites, maintaining trails, and managing invasive species.

"The Wells Reserve and Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge are delighted to host an AmeriCorps*NCCC team this spring," said Erno Bonebakker, restoration coordinator for the reserve. "We are impressed with their enthusiasm and willingness to 'get things done.' We look forward to working with them to do important marsh assessment work, as well as other projects with our conservation partners."

The team will be working with the Wells Reserve to advance the national goal of protecting, preserving, researching, and restoring coastal resources. The team understands the value and importance of the reserves and will demonstrate this understanding through hard work and dedication.

Additionally, the team is excited to help the local community in other ways and will be looking to do so throughout the project's duration. The 12 team members have been in service with AmeriCorps*NCCC since late January and have been trained in disaster relief, first aid, and CPR.

The team is staying at the Wells Reserve's new Alheim Commons facility and is supported in part by a grant from the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund.

AmeriCorps*NCCC members are ages 18 to 24 and must complete 1,700 hours of community service during their 10-month commitment. In exchange for their service, members receive $4,725 to help pay for college or repay school loans. Citizens seeking an opportunity to serve in AmeriCorps can visit www.americorps.org or call 1-800-942-2677.

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