Paige Manges | Marketing & Communications Coordinator, Central Conservation
Before my time at The Nature Place, AmeriCorps was just another word to me. I knew it was an “opportunity” that existed, but I didn’t fully understand the benefits, the impact, or even how it was funded. I know many people feel the same—it’s important, but the why can feel fuzzy. Why do so many nonprofits rely on it? And just as importantly, why do so many people across the country choose to serve?
When the federal government announced the termination of current AmeriCorps funding—the very funding that supports our programs—I realized the bigger picture. AmeriCorps is the backbone of service in our country. People who choose AmeriCorps are inspiring change, blazing new pathways, and impacting people and nature alike. Losing it wouldn’t mean a simple budget shift—it would mean losing opportunities, services, and people who make a tangible difference every day.
One of our members put it best:
“I never meant to become an AmeriCorps member. I didn’t even know what it was until I was rushing to find a job after I graduated, and my mom texted me about a position at The Nature Place. Now, I couldn’t imagine starting my career any other way.
I’ve learned what a ‘real job’ is like, and I’ve had so many other opportunities because of AmeriCorps. My favorite part? Working with kids—something I never thought I’d enjoy. My mom and sister are teachers, so I knew how challenging it could be. But now I see how rewarding it is to watch a child’s face light up when they learn something new, or to see how nature completely changes their mood. It’s incredibly fulfilling.”
– Emma Ehlers, Environmental Educator, 2nd term of service
Very fulfilling indeed.
To create a future of bright minds.
To witness growth.
To help young people develop the coping skills they’ll carry for life—these are the moments that stay with you.
Another member shared:
“I joined AmeriCorps because I wanted the chance to make a difference in people’s lives, in our community, and in the environment. I’ve loved the opportunities to learn and grow here, but most of all, I’ve loved the beautiful people I’ve gotten the privilege to meet.”
– Gabby Arnold, Community Programs Educator, 2nd term of service
That’s the magic of AmeriCorps.
When members walk through our doors at The Nature Place, they bring more than an extra set of hands. They bring passion. They bring commitment. They bring excitement. They bring the belief that their actions matter for the future. That energy then becomes our culture. It fills our building, our grounds, and flows into our programming, spilling out into the community.
Every year, we compete for grant funding to support our AmeriCorps positions. This funding comes from a dedicated line in the federal budget, a national investment that has been celebrated with bipartisan support for over 30 years.
And for nearly everyone who completes a term, the sentiment is the same:
“I have loved my time here. One of my favorite aspects of this job is the people I work with. My coworkers make every day fun and interesting, and we can always count on each other.”
– Maddie, Environmental Educator, 1 term of service
Counting on one another brings us hope for the future.
AmeriCorps isn’t just a program. It’s a catalyst.
For careers. For connection. For our community.
We are proud of every member who has served with us—especially those who’ve committed years of their lives to this work. We know this is just the start of a lifelong term of service, and our communities will all be stronger because of your dedication to one another.