AmeriCorps members recognized for work improving Delaware State Parks

FELTON (Aug. 19, 2011) – Officials from DNREC’s Division of Parks and Recreation were on hand to honor this year’s group of dedicated AmeriCorps members at a special recognition ceremony at Killens Pond State Park last night.

The end-of-year event was held to recognize and celebrate 40 AmeriCorps members who contributed more than 18,000 hours of service in Delaware’s state parks this summer.

“We thank these AmeriCorps volunteers for their service to our state and our environment and for helping others enjoy Delaware parks and recreation,” said Governor Jack Markell. “The service of these young volunteers is making where we live, work and play better places right now and for generations to come.” 

This year’s members provided service ranging from zoo keeping and day camp, to historical interpretation and marketing. Some worked in nature centers, others provided environmental stewardship and historical research. Members ranged from agriculture students and collegiate athletes, to master’s degree recipients and PhD candidates. They came from as far away as Honduras to as close as a five-minute walk from the park in which they worked.

“The partnership between DNREC and AmeriCorps enhances the park experience for millions of visitors every year," said DNREC Secretary Collin O’Mara. “This summer, DNREC’s AmeriCorps volunteers served as ambassadors of our No Child Left Inside initiative by bringing children face-to-face with the outdoors, in some cases for the first time, creating pathways and improving trails for park visitors to explore their natural world, and enabling park users to explore Delaware's cultural heritage. We sincerely thank this year's AmeriCorps class their stellar service.”

AmeriCorps is a national service program in which volunteer members receive a living allowance, educational scholarship and other benefits in exchange for service in Delaware State Parks.

Vol. 41, No. 321