The Wilds: Community Engagement, Education, and Restoration The Wilds is North America’s largest conservation center and consists almost entirely of reclaimed mining land. It is managed jointly as a zoological park for the maintenance and captive breeding of globally imperiled species and as a restoration site for native plants and wildlife. Therefore, one of our major objectives is restoration of both grassland and forest ecological communities. Our restoration work focuses on establishing native prairie through invasive species removal, collecting native seed, prescribed burns, and planting native species. Furthermore, we monitor wildlife and pollinator responses to restoration, which include survey and monitoring for a wide variety of species including butterflies, grassland birds, raptors, amphibians, and mesocarnivores. The Wilds is located in Muskingum County, Ohio, which is a part of a region characterized by a lower proportion of college graduates than the national average. Our goal is to involve local students in restoration and management activities at the Wilds, while simultaneously enhancing environmental awareness and developing skills that will help them succeed in their chosen pursuits. We will provide training in ecological and restoration techniques to middle and high school students in eastern Ohio, particularly targeting localities with lower college representation. Students will then assist scientists and apprentices at the Wilds in activities such as invasive species removal, planting native species, collecting seed, and monitoring wildlife responses to habitat restoration. The students will also receive guidance and information on career opportunities in environmental fields, and meet local experts in conservation and management. Further help on this page can be found by clicking here.
Member Duties : The AmeriCorps VISTA will coordinate the program, responsible for coordinating and leading volunteer classrooms and other groups in ecological activities, increasing the number of participating groups, and planning restoration activities that will jointly include students and Wilds personnel. The VISTA will also help disburse grant funding to eligible classrooms, and identify and apply for additional grant opportunities that would provide funding for volunteer activities, supplies, and student internships at the Wilds. Therefore, the applicant should have good communication and writing skills, experience leading large groups, interest or experience in ecological and restoration field work (such as invasive species removal, prescribed burning, plant identification, and/or wildlife survey techniques), and a desire to help mentor students in the environmental sciences. Program Benefits : Training, Stipend, Choice of Education Award or End of Service Stipend , Relocation Allowance, Health Coverage*, Education award upon successful completion of service, Childcare assistance if eligible, Living Allowance. *For details about AmeriCorps VISTA healthcare benefits, please visit http://www.vistacampus.gov/healthcare Terms : Permits working at another job during off hours, Permits attendance at school during off hours, Uniforms provided and required, Car recommended. Service Areas : Education, Community Outreach, Children/Youth, Community and Economic Development, Environment. Skills : Community Organization, Public Speaking, Fund raising/Grant Writing, Environment, Team Work, Leadership, Youth Development, Education, Writing/Editing, Communications, Teaching/Tutoring. Work Schedule: Full Time Education Level: College Graduate Age Requirement: 18 Minimum Compensation: Stipend TO APPLY, GO TO: https://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?id=85287&fromSearch=true
