January 20, 2010

AmeriCorps volunteers clean up at Discovery Center
Colbourne-Hoffmans narrowly escape death in Haiti quake

By Rodger Nichols
The Chronicle

     On a chill overcast Monday morning, a group of 24 AmeriCorps volunteers gathered at the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center. Armed with paintbrushes, rakes, wheelbarrows, chain saws and a power washer, their mission was to spruce up the grounds at the center.
     “The Discovery Center doesn’t have any budget for its grounds,” said Amanda Lawrence, internship coordinator for the Trout Lake-based Northwest Service Academy, which trains and coordinates AmeriCorps volunteers.
     She listed some of the jobs they’re tackling: “They’re helping to plant native plant beds, remove some pine needles and brush to reduce the risk of forest fire. They’re washing the water feature here to keep the moss out of it. Just getting some work done.”
     That work also included repainting the big sign visible from Interstate 84.
The Northwest Service Academy is just one of hundreds of AmeriCorps programs across the country. Lawrence said the NWSA mission is to address environmental needs in the Northwest.
     Volunteers, like the 24 working Monday at the Discovery Center, come from all over the United States. They begin with an eight-day orientation before dispersing through the Northwest from Seattle to Coos Bay to Bend to work for 11 months with government agencies, nonprofit groups and land conservancies.
     “They’ll be addressing environmental needs including
environmental education, engaging volunteers, doing trail work and removing invasive species,” Lawrence said.
     In this class, six of the Columbia Gorge volunteers will also serve locally.
     “Wayne Ciullo is working with the Underwood Conservation District in White Salmon,” Lawrence said. “Hillary Schwirtlich is with the Barlow Ranger District in Dufur, George Gryger is in Troutlake; he’s the AmeriCorps leader for all these folks, helps keep them connected as a group and helps keep them connected throughout the year. Valerie Johnson is at the Columbia Gorge Ecology Institute. Megan Saunders is at Hood River Soil & Water Conservation District and Amy Hulstein is at the Parkdale Ranger District.”
     It’s hardly a money-making proposition; volunteers get a bare living stipend of just over $1,000 a month.
     “It’s a huge commitment of their energy and time they’re giving,” said Lawrence.
     But there are rewards as well. Valerie Johnson, who moved from the Midwest to Hood River six years ago is in her second term.
     “It’s a really amazing experience to get involved in the communities that you might not have an opportunity to get involved in,” she said. “It’s a good opportunity to do jobs you might not otherwise have a chance to, and to get freedom in those jobs that you might not otherwise have. I have definitely picked up skills I will take to my next jobs and I’ve met incredible people.”

On the web:
www.northwestserviceacademy.org/
www.americorps.gov