The Wilds is a conservation research facility in Muskingum County, Ohio. The Restoration Ecology and Wildlife Ecology departments work in applied land management, wildlife monitoring, and conservation research on over 9,000 acres of reclaimed strip mined on which The Wilds resides. 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 AmeriCorps Volunteer will be the coordinator for the program and will be supervised by the Director of Restoration Ecology and Director of Wildlife Ecology. The member will be responsible for coordinating and leading volunteer classroom 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 member 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, seed collection, and/or wildlife survey techniques), and a desire to help mentor students in the environmental sciences. For more information visit: https://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?id=77029&fromSearch=true Patrick J. Boleman, RPCV, M.S. Restoration Ecology Program Associate The Wilds 14000 International Road Office: 740-638-5030 ext. 2085 Cumberland OH 43732 Fax: 740-638-2287 pbole...@thewilds.org<mailto:pbole...@thewilds.org>
