National Volunteer Week -April 23-29, 2006

National Volunteer Week is the time to recognize individuals who have committed their time and talent to conserving and protecting soil, water, and wildlife for their community and everyone in it.  Since 1990, nearly 9,000 Virginia Earth Team volunteers have contributed more than 310,000 hours to help NRCS achieve its mission of helping people help the land. NRCS State Conservationist, Denise Doetzer, would like to offer her thanks to the employees and volunteers who have made this year a banner year for conservation.

Why Become A Volunteer?

Read NRCS District Conservationist Jack O'Connell's story about Earth Team Volunteer Nick Stamper.  Nick is a 17-year old young man with physical and mental handicaps that affect his speech, balance, and dexterity.  He volunteers because it gives him a sense of pride and responsibility.  He is well aware of his handicaps and accepts that he has trouble doing some things that others can do easily. Volunteering through the NRCS Earth Team program has opened up new opportunities for Nick.  It has also given the people who Nick has touched, a new definition of the term 'volunteer.'

Read the full story: Just in the 'Nick' of Time

NRCS employees can recognize outstanding service from volunteers by localizing and sending the following news release to media outlets:
Earth Team News Release 

A list of thank-you ideas, fun facts and certificates for volunteers are posted below:
Ideas for Saying Thanks
Earth Team Fun Facts
Recognition Certificates

Looking for something to help recruit Earth Team volunteers?  Check out the new statewide Earth Team exhibit: 
NRCS Earth Team Exhibit
Coming Soon: Personalized Exhibits for Areas I, II, III & IV.

-National Network of NRCS Earth Team Volunteers

< Back to ...