Mississippi River Crew Partnership with Conservation Corps of Minnesota and Iowa

Plant For The Future is supported by our Mississippi River Crew. The crew consists of Youth Outdoors AmeriCorps Member leaders (ages 18-25) and Conservation Corps Minnesota & Iowa youth (ages 15-18), who engage in meaningful, hands-on conservation projects throughout the year. Their restoration efforts include clearing acres of buckthorn and planting trees, shrubs, and plants for greater biodiversity in the river ecosystem.

Through this partnership, youth gain job and career-planning skills and learn about natural resource management, ecology, science, technology, forestry and Minnesota natural and cultural history. They also learn to plan and execute community service projects and lead volunteers.

The Mississippi River Crew:

• provides project assistance to our partners on the river

• is a (rare) paid position for high school youth in the environment sector

• creates an opportunity for youth to fall in love with the river through fun and memorable experiences

• gives adult crew members a wide range of experiences and projects for balanced and well rounded professional development

• connects adult and youth crew members to the wonderful community of people who work and recreate on the river

• is made possible by funding from Mississippi Park Connection. Consider supporting this incredible youth and young adult enrichment program with a donation