Released by the US Forest Service ….
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – U.S. Forest Service Chief Victoria Christiansen presented Florida based not-for-profit, Community Training Works (CTW), the U.S. Forest Service Volunteers and Service Award for Cultural Diversity during a ceremony on Monday, April 22.
Since 2015, CTW has provided opportunities for underserved young adults and veterans to fulfill their desire to work outdoors and fuel their passion for conservation by serving side by side with Forest Service personnel as they learn marketable skills, experience conservation resource management and develop an appreciation for conservation stewardship.
“It is partnerships like these that not only make a difference in the lives of young people, but also have a significant positive impact on our national forests,” said Forest Supervisor Kelly Russell. “As evidence for receiving this national award, CTW consistently works to improve the lives of underserved youth and veterans, while providing opportunities in public land stewardship, making them one of the top youth conservation corps in the country.”
After Hurricane Michael, CTW was instrumental in helping Forest Service personnel clear roads and recreation areas to reopen the Apalachicola National Forest to the public. In 2018, CTW participants contributed 4,480 hours of service mowing, picking up trash and debris, weed-eating and maintaining trails at popular recreation destinations on the Apalachicola National Forest. That is the equivalent of one full-time employee working every day—no vacations, holidays or sick leave—for two years!
“This award speaks to the dedication and hard work of our former and current local young adult crew members and wouldn’t be possible without the support of the National Forests in Florida,” said CTW Founder and Executive Director Susan Murphy.
CTW participants who complete an approved term of service are eligible to receive the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award and the Public Lands Corps non-competitive two-year special hiring certification. CTW is a member of the 21st Century Conservation Service Corps organization (21CSC), which is a private-public partnership that engages more than 25,000 returning veterans and young Americans, providing opportunities to work and learn while serving on public lands.
Community Training Works Founder and Executive Director Susan Murphy, far right, along with volunteers, pose in front the Wakulla Ranger Station after a virtual ceremony with U.S. Forest Service Chief Victoria Christiansen on Monday, April 22. Photo by Forest Service
Community Training Works crew members prepare for work with their crew leaders. Photo by Forest Service
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