Minnesota GreenCorps

The Minnesota GreenCorps program, coordinated by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, aims to preserve and protect Minnesota’s environment while training a new generation of environmental professionals.

Each year, the program places AmeriCorps members with host site organizations around the state to help communities increase resilience to climate change by:

• Reducing solid waste and increasing recycling
• Reducing greenhouse gases and other air pollutants
• Reducing water runoff and improving water quality
• Encouraging eco-friendly behavior
• Reducing disproportionate negative impacts from pollution

Members serve at their host sites for 11 months, from mid-September through mid-August. Host sites include cities, counties, tribal nations, public schools, universities, watershed districts, and nonprofit organizations.

Since the program launched in 2009, Minnesota GreenCorps members have educated youth through environmental service projects; coordinated multi-modal transportation events; conducted energy benchmarking, waste sorts, and tree inventories; removed invasive species; planted trees; built rain gardens; and more. These projects increase the resilience of Minnesota communities from the impacts of climate change.

Partners and funding

Minnesota GreenCorps is an AmeriCorps program. Funding is provided through a grant from ServeMinnesota, AmeriCorps, and the MPCA. Participating host site organizations also provide in-kind resources.

• AmeriCorps is a federal agency that engages Americans in service to meet critical needs in education, the environment, public safety, health, veterans’ services, and economic opportunity. The mission of AmeriCorps is to improve lives, strengthen communities, and foster civic engagement through service and volunteering.
• ServeMinnesota is the state commission for all AmeriCorps programs in Minnesota, including Minnesota GreenCorps.

Contact

Email mngreencorps.pca@state.mn.us for more information.