Contact: Pamela McCurdy, 651-757-2559 Pamela.McCurdy@state.mn.us
Saint Paul, Minn. -- MN GreenCorps, a statewide initiative to preserve and protect the environment while training a new generation of environmental professionals, is gearing up for a second year.
MN GreenCorps is an AmeriCorps program that was started in 2009 by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. It places AmeriCorps members with organizations around the state to help address environmental issues. First year hosts sites spanned the state and included cities, counties, school districts, universities and nonprofit organizations. GreenCorps is funded by ServeMinnesota and the Corporation for National and Community Service.
In the first year, MN GreenCorps included 18 full-time and four half-time members serving in communities around the state on topics including energy conservation, waste prevention, living green, local foods and urban forestry. The second year of the program will address these topics, while also branching out into additional activities to address air and water quality issues.
Goals of the program include reducing solid waste and increase recycling in Minnesota communities; reducing greenhouse gases and other air pollutants; reducing water runoff and improving water quality; and training new environmental professionals.
First year success stories include: a school that tripled its recycling collection; an inventory of more than 5,000 trees that will assist cities with urban forest management; and data from 197 buildings entered into Building, Benchmarks and Beyond database, which tracks energy use in public buildings across the state. In addition, a number of energy conservation technologies/practices were implemented at host sites including lighting audits and installation of vending misers.
“Our GreenCorps members have served a critical role in our organization by educating staff and the public and raising awareness of sustainability within our organization. Their contributions have provided a solid base for future efforts and initiatives. It has been a wonderful experience,” said Judy McDowell of the Three Rivers Park District in Hennepin County.
MN GreenCorps is recruiting new host sites and members to begin in September 2010. Applications are due July 8, 2010. For more information on GreenCorps, please contact Stephanie Souter at stephanie.souter@state.mn.us or visit www.pca.state.mn.us/mngreencorps.
