Partner With Maine Conservation Corps

Maine Conservation Corps (MCC) offers partnership opportunities support the development of the next generation of environmental stewards and accomplish natural resource projects:

  • Community Tree Stewards are placed individually with a host site to accomplish forestry initiatives, gain experience in the field, and engage community volunteers.
  • Field Teams consist of 3-6 members, which improve conservation areas and recreational trails. Activities include creating new trails and rehabilitating existing trail, stonework, timber work, the installation of drainage and erosion control structures, habitat restoration and more.
  • Environmental Stewards are placed individually with host sites to accomplish conservation initiatives. These can include volunteer recruitment and management, water quality monitoring, protecting endangered species, increasing capacity, habitat restoration and more.

Community Tree Stewards

Maine federal, municipal, state, or non-profit organizations may apply to host a Community Tree Steward. This project is funded by the US Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program. Individuals will be recruited by MCC and selected by the Host Site to accomplish forestry projects in underserved communities. Host Sites will identify projects based on local needs. All projects must include community volunteer initiatives. Host Sites are expected to foster and support the professional development of the stewards on their career paths in the forestry sector.

Information for Prospective Partners:

  • Community Tree Stewards will serve in 1700-hour terms (45 weeks) from mid-January to mid-November, in a full-time capacity (40 hours per week).
  • Host Site Applications are reviewed prior to the Community Tree Stewards' start date. After sites are notified of acceptance, MCC will recruit candidates and screen applications for basic eligibility.
  • Applications are then forwarded to Host Sites. Host Sites will conduct interviews, make their final selection, and offer positions to applicants.
  • Each member will receive at least three days of orientation with MCC at the beginning of their term. Orientation includes topics such as volunteer recruitment and management, representing MCC and Host Sites, tool use and safety, invasive plants, and job readiness skills. Community Tree Stewards will engage in other MCC-administered training during their term, such as Chainsaw Operation, Wilderness First Aid, MCC service events, and volunteer conferences. A schedule of required training and events will be provided to Host Sites.
  • Sites are expected to administer site-specific training as needed.
  • MCC provides a weekly stipend and other benefits to members (such as health insurance, workers compensation, job readiness training, etc.).
  • Host Sites that provide housing or a housing stipend to members are highly desired.

The Host Site is responsible for:

  • Identifying a Host Site Supervisor to attend training prior to the member's start date; providing ongoing supervision to the Community Tree Steward; and supporting the initiatives of MCC.
  • Providing transportation to the member for service project purposes.
  • Providing any tools, supplies, or materials needed to accomplish projects.
  • Promoting the member in the local community- through publications, public announcements, or any other visible avenues available.

Host Site Applications for 2025 Community Tree Stewards are due Monday, September 16, 2024.

Resources: Community Tree Steward Host Site Application (DOCX) / Community Tree Steward Application Instructions (DOCX)

Field Teams

The Maine Conservation Corps (MCC) partners with federal, state, municipal, and non-profit organizations. The primary focus of the MCC Field Team is construction and rehabilitation of recreational trails, but teams may also engage in a variety of other conservation projects. MCC projects must be on land open to the public.

Teams operate in groups of 3 or 6 from mid-June to mid-October annually. Our members are volunteers serving in the AmeriCorps National Service program. Field Team projects have included: stonework, bridging, erosion control structures, boundary line maintenance, and construction of new trails.

MCC Provides:

  • A team of 3 to 6 members, including a Team Leader
  • 12-week training for Team Leaders
  • Chainsaw Safety Training
  • One-week Member Orientation
  • Hand tools and power tools for the projects
  • General project management and ongoing support to teams
  • Transportation
  • Camping equipment for teams
  • Liability and worker's compensation insurance
  • Promotion of volunteer events

Field Team Partners Provide:

  • Fee for service at a weekly rate
  • Project materials and delivery
  • Housing (a campsite for the team)
  • Specialized equipment, if needed (ATV, tractor)
  • Regular communication with the team and MCC staff

Partner with MCC to foster the next generation of outdoor stewards!

Field Team Project Proposals are due Friday, November 1, 2024 for the 2025 or 2026 season.

Resources: Field Team Project Proposal Instructions (DOCX) / Field Team Project Proposal Form (DOCX) / Field Team Partnership Flyer (PDF) / Funding Options (DOCX)

For more information or questions, please contact:

Field Team Program Manager:
Taylor Deely
Taylor.Deely@maine.gov
(207) 624-6065

Team on Damariscotta Lake.

Environmental Stewards

Maine federal, municipal, state or non-profit organizations may apply to be a Host Site for our highly qualified Environmental Stewards. These individuals are recruited by MCC and selected by the Host Site to accomplish a specific conservation project. The projects can vary greatly. In the past, Environmental Stewards have designed and implemented land management plans, conducted field research and studies, monitored invasive species, recruited and led community volunteers, provided interpretive programs to school groups, and completed trail projects throughout the state. If your organization has a need to build capacity in any of the above or similar areas, please fill out the Environmental Steward Host Site Application.

Information for Prospective Partners:

  • Environmental Stewards are AmeriCorps members who serve 900 or 1700 hour terms. 1700 hour members begin in January and 900-hour members typically start in early June. Flexible start dates are available for 900 hour members. All positions serve a minimum of 40 hours per week.
  • Host Site Applications are reviewed several months prior to the Environmental Stewards' start date. After sites are notified of acceptance, MCC will recruit appropriate candidates and screen applications for eligibility. Interested applicants are forwarded to Host Sites. Host Sites will conduct interviews, make their final selection and offer positions to applicants.

  • Each member receives at least three days of training and orientation with MCC. Training includes topics, such as: volunteer recruitment and management, collecting, reporting and monitoring data, presenting MCC and Host Sites to media outlets, interpretive programming, communication, tool use and safety, invasive plants, and job readiness skills. Sites are expected to administer site-specific training as needed. A schedule of required trainings and events will be provided to Host Sites.

  • MCC administers payroll, takes care of state and federal taxes and provides benefits to members (such as health insurance - when members qualify, weekly stipend, workers compensation, job training, etc.).

  • A Host Site is responsible for:

    • Identifying a Host Site Supervisor to attend training prior to the member's start date; provide ongoing supervision to the Environmental Steward; and support the initiatives of MCC.
    • Submitting the cash contribution to MCC within the member's first two months of service.
    • Providing transportation to the member for service project purposes.
    • Promoting the member in the local community- through publications, public announcements, or any other visible avenues available.

Host Site Applications for 2025 Environmental Stewards are due Monday, September 16, 2024.

Links for Current Partners:

OnCorps: http://me.oncorpsreports.com/

Resources: Environmental Steward Host Site Application (DOCX) / Environmental Steward Application Instructions (DOCX)

For more information or questions, please contact:

Environmental Steward Program Manager:
Deidrah Stanchfield
Deidrah.Stanchfield@maine.gov
(207) 624-6087