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Corps Members gain experience during their service year that enables them to be highly competitive when applying for Maryland Park Service and other natural resources management careers.

2024 MCC Graduation Group Photo

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The Maryland Conservation Corps (MCC) is an award-winning AmeriCorps program that engages young adults in extensive natural resource management and park conservation projects. The mission of the program is to provide young adults with opportunities for service in the community and the environment by preserving, protecting, enhancing, and restoring Maryland’s natural resources.  

Managed by the Maryland Park Service since 1984, MCC provides members with opportunities for skill development and personal growth through a supportive, team-based environment, emphasizing the satisfaction of completing projects that benefit Maryland’s natural resources.

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Conservation Crew Members Make Change Across the State and Within Themselves

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"Each year a new team of young adults from diverse backgrounds unite to work toward the common goal of improving public lands."

Under the supervision of experienced Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) staff, MCC members work in crews of 5-7 members. From State parks and forests to the Chesapeake Bay, they are engaged in projects in Maryland's most beautiful places.

In an average year, MCC members will:

• Plant thousands of trees and native plants
• Build and maintain hundreds of miles of trails
• Improve park’s facilities
• Restore wildlife habitat and remove invasive species from parks
• Conduct educational programs in state parks for over 10,000 park patrons and school groups
• Improve park’s nature centers
• Support the improvement of the Chesapeake and Coastal Bays
• Help preserve Maryland’s rich historical heritage
• Oversee volunteers assisting with park projects
• Assist with special events
• Mentor Conservation Jobs Corps members
• Participate in large-scale regional conservation projects throughout the state in partnership with the Maryland Veterans Conservation Corps

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Partner Organizations

• National Aquarium in Baltimore
• Maryland Department of Agriculture
• National Park Service
• The Nature Conservancy
• AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC)​
  

Benefits for AmeriCorps members participating in the Maryland Conservation Corps program include:​

• A bi-weekly living allowance​​
  
• Health care benefits
  
• Child care assistance (if eligible)
• An AmeriCorps Education Award of $7,3​95​; the award may be used toward school tuition, most federally approved student loans, or future education costs for up to seven years (contact your loan holder to see if your loan qualifies; private loans may not be eligible)
• Low-cost park housing at certain MCC crew sites
• Valuable professional and networking opportunities
• Professional skills development to prepare participants to enter natural resource conservation or park operations and management careers
  

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How to Apply

Click Here for the AmeriCorps Application

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• This AmeriCorps form is utilized for the Maryland Conservation Corps program.
  
  
• Recruitment for the MCC program generally runs from Mid-February through Mid-August.
  
  
• Once you have submitted your application on-line, it will be reviewed by:
  

  Annalyn O’Grady
  Conservation Corps Program Officer
  580 Taylor Avenue, E-3
  Annapolis MD 21401
  

• For questions regarding the application, call Annalyn O’Grady at 443-883-6514.​
  
  

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​2020 - 2021 Annual Report