Members serve at host sites around the state.
We partner with local municipalities, conservation districts, solid waste management districts, other state departments, and non-profits on current efforts to promote water quality and reduce waste by improving recycling and composting. Visit our Host Organizations page to see where members are currently serving. Potential water quality projects include: building green infrastructure, restoring ecosystems, managing stormwater, stabilizing streams, educating farmers and landowners about strategies they can use at their properties, and project planning and mapping. Potential solid waste projects include: community and business outreach and education; hosting workshops and repair cafes.
Water Quality and Waste Minimization are our top priorities!
New guidelines around excessive phosphorus and other nutrient levels in the Lake Champlain Basin and other bodies of water will mean careful vigilance and employed best practices to reduce nutrient pollution at the source. Lake Champlain is a major economic driver for tourism and recreation and provides drinking water for 200,000 people living near it. Nutrients entering Lake Champlain via streams and rivers result in ecosystem degradation, drinking water threats, and recreational impacts. Heightening awareness and concentrating efforts to mitigate the run-off will meet the ultimate goal of improving and maintaining water quality in Lake Champlain and continue the high quality of life all Vermonters value.
The Universal Recycling Law is anticipated to reduce waste disposal into Vermont landfills by more than half, extending the life of those landfills and significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The increased capture of recyclable materials and a variety of meaningful alternatives for uneaten food and food scraps find value in materials previously considered waste, conserving resources and saving energy. Assisting solid waste facilities and haulers to increase their capacity for collection of recyclables and organic materials, and educating residents on the law are vital steps towards successful implementation of Universal Recycling in Vermont.
Time Commitment
Full time service terms are 11 months beginning in September and ending the following August. Members are required to serve a minimum of 1,700 hours during this time - about 40 hours per week.
Part time service terms are 6 months beginning at the end of February and ending in the following August. Members are required to serve a minimum of 900 hours.
Member Benefits
Benefits include AmeriCorps gear, a biweekly living stipend, health insurance, child care assistance, professional training, program support networking, and an AmeriCorps Segal Education Award.
Check out our Member Recruitment Brochure!
Or Email us:
Dustin Bowman Program Coordinator dustin.bowman@vermont.gov
Carey Hengstenberg Program Director carey.hengstenberg@vermont.gov
Bonnie Woodford Program Assistant bonnie.woodford@vermont.gov
Hannah Yates Team Leader hannah.yates@partner.vermont.gov