Meet the New Volunteer Coordinator for MPC

Andrew Marotz, Volunteer Coordinator, Mississippi Park Connection

The Mississippi River is where my journey in natural resources began, and I am excited to further my role among those who support and care for it as Mississippi Park Connection’s new Volunteer Coordinator. For the last 8 months, the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area has been my focus as a crew leader for Conservation Corps Minnesota and Iowa. This year is the inaugural term for the crew specifically dedicated to Mississippi Park Connection and the national park. It has been the highlight of my career to pilot the program and experience the diversity of sites that can be found along the river. This is my second year-long term with Conservation Corps in the Youth Outdoors division and I’m excited to share my experience in environmental education with MPC and NPS volunteers.

Interacting with the public is a component of my natural resources career that I have always been passionate about. This passion aligns with MPC’s mission and vision to ignite discovery and a lifelong relationship with the Mississippi River for those who participate in the volunteer program in conjunction with the National Park Service. As the Volunteer Coordinator, part of my responsibilities are public engagement and outreach to other organizations to connect them with opportunities to assist in restoration and protection of the river. Hopefully, the experience they have with us as volunteers will spark or rekindle their commitment to our waterways.

My duties at MPC will focus on volunteer recruitment, retention, and recognition. In addition, I will develop and implement new volunteer activities and events in collaboration with Mary Hammes, MPC’s Environmental Stewardship and Volunteer Manager. I look forward to meeting all the wonderful individuals who dedicate their time to serve their community and natural areas, and make the volunteer program possible.