Last week, we had such a great site visit with Delegate Chris Runion (35^th House District) visiting the Appalachian Conservation Corps (ACC), meeting AmeriCorps members that will be hard at work on crews serving throughout Western and Southwest Virginia working on environmental stewardship projects.

These AmeriCorps members will participate in activities to promote conservation on green spaces, including removing invasive species, building trails designed to engage community members in outdoor recreation while protecting the environment, and much more. Throughout their service, members will earn certificates and credentials like Wilderness First Aid and chainsaw certifications that not only grow their skills, but also prepare them for future jobs in a wide variety of career fields.

ACC works to connect young people to critical conservation service projects across the Appalachian region and neighboring communities, partnering with public land managers to identify, plan, and complete projects that improve public access, habitat quality, and economic development. ACC is a program of Conservation Legacy, a nationwide network of conservation service organizations envisioning a world with healthy lands, air, and water, thriving people, and resilient communities.

ACC programs focus on place-based learning, life skills development, appreciation of diversity, civic responsibility, and career development. ACC also provides an opportunity for members to learn about the local environment and the issues affecting it and introduces individuals to recreation and resource management careers.

Learn more about the Appalachian Conservation Corps at https://appalachiancc.org.