Would you like to answer the call to serve by working on natural resources projects that beautify your community, helping farmers and ranchers protect their natural resources, or writing articles on natural resource topics for your local media?

If you do, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Earth Team Volunteer Program in Texas has these and many other opportunities to help you accomplish that goal, said Don Gohmert, NRCS state conservationist for Texas. April 18-24 is National Volunteer Week and this year, the Earth Team celebrates its 25th anniversary.

“If you choose to become involved in your community by volunteering, the Earth Team in Texas offers so much for you, whether you are an outdoor enthusiast, office worker, environmentalist or student,” Gohmert said. “If you have skills and experience and want to contribute in new ways, you can explore opportunities offered with the Earth Team.”

Nationally, more than 30,000 volunteers contributed nearly than 658,000 hours last year, a value of about $15 million, to further NRCS’s mission of helping people help the land.

“NRCS in Texas is proud of the dedicated volunteers who have committed their time and talents to conserving and protecting soil, water and wildlife in their communities across the state,” Gohmert said. “Volunteers play a vital role in achieving our conservation goals, and we have seen a significant increase in our conservation achievements because of their contributions.”

The NRCS Earth Team Volunteer Program, created in 1985, offers numerous opportunities for individuals 14 years of age or older.

With ever-increasing workloads and a declining workforce, volunteers are essential to helping NRCS carry out its mission.

They help NRCS conservationists with diverse activities—from providing conservation technical assistance to teaching and generating awareness about conservation through community projects—by working on the land, in schools, with organizations, and in offices.

They help with natural resource projects that improve water quality, beautify communities and reduce erosion.

They also contribute their clerical, computer and writing skills in NRCS and conservation district offices across the nation.

Additional information on the Earth Team Volunteer Program is available online at http://www nrcs.usda.gov/ feature/volunteers or call 1-888-LANDCARE.

Information can also be obtained at the local NRCS office in Kingsville at 401 East King Avenue, Ste. #100 or call at 592-0309 Ext. 3. Next week’s column will cover the 75th Anniversary of the Natural Resources Conservation Service.