The Florida Conservation Corps (FLCC) is an AmeriCorps program managed by the Department of Environmental Protection. AmeriCorps is a national service organization supporting the enrollment of individuals to provide direct service to communities in need. In the Florida Conservation Corps (FLCC) AmeriCorps Program, members are helping to meet three specific needs in the environmental community of our Florida State Parks.

1. Invasive plant management
2. Volunteer recruitment
3. Trail maintenance

Members serve a contracted term of service (11 months) February to December. During their term, members receive a monthly living stipend, free health insurance, professional/personal development, other site specific and/or sought out benefits, and qualify for the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award upon completion of their term.

FLCC members serve in various capacities through our two “project areas”; Project A.N.T. (AmeriCorps Nonnative plant Terminators) and Project R.O.A.R. (Regional Outreach Awareness Recruiters). Project A.N.T. members serve in pairs (or more) at a designated “host” state park (opportunity to work in other parks as well throughout the term) and focus on habitat restoration by managing invasive plants in some of the most pristine real Florida environments. Members reduce invasive plant infestations through various land
management techniques including but not limited to herbicide use/manual removal, recruiting volunteers & educating park visitors, and conducting outreach at schools and events, etc.

A.N.T. members use the following methods to manage invasive plants in their host park:

1. Survey and identify non-native invasive plant infestations
2. Research, discuss, & prepare a plan for proper herbicide type/techniques with park/district biologist
3. Actively treat non-native invasive plants (coordinate strike team with other A.N.T.s)
4. Keep records/analyze data of treated/to be treated areas
5. Retreat as necessary following the herbicide label

These members may recruit volunteers to assist in invasive plant management, work with Project R.O.A.R. to conduct outreach, and interpret the A.N.T.’s focus in parks, events, schools, and other approved venues.

MONETARY BENEFITS

• Loan deferment
• Childcare Assistance through AmeriCorps
• Full Term (Feb - Dec) Members receive a $7,395.00 Education award at the completion of service
• Half - Term (July - Dec) Members receive a $3,697.50 Education award at the completion of service
• Monthly Living Stipend: $2,200.00 for both half-term and full-term members
• Free health insurance through FLCC Program
• Access to Member Assistance Program
• Free access to Florida State Parks

TRAINING/BENEFITS AVAILABLE (SOME VARY DEPENDING ON LOCATION/RESOURCES)

• Interpretation
• Leadership
• Professional Development
• Conflict Resolution
• Outreach/Interpretation
• Disaster Response (AmeriCorps Disaster Response Team)
• CPR/First Aid/AED
• Effective Communication
• Resume/Cover Letter Workshop (Life After AmeriCorps)
• Interview tips and technique
• Trail maintenance & tools training
• Hatchet and machete training/use
• Herbicide application training
• Use/maintenance of large equipment
• Hauling trailers, use, and safety
• Park/District Specific
• S-130/S-190 (Wildfire Training)
• ATV/UTV Certification
• DEP Boater safety
• Scuba Certification
• Tractor Training