Conservation Corps Iowa

The National Park Service crews (Des Moines and Ozarks) got to see something pretty cool while working at Goerge Washington Carver National Monument in Missouri. They saw a number of crayfish impaled on branches. How and why would that happen? The likely culprit is a shrike, probably a Loggerhead shrike. Shrike’s, which are predatory songbirds, have the nickname of “butcher bird.” They impale their prey to immobilize them and cache them away in what are called “larders” or “pantries.” Nature is cool!

Most of the Iowa Timber’s crew has been deployed for wildfire in northern Minnesota. Avery, Riley, Betsy and Jordyn started out in Bemidji and were then sent to Park Rapids. Thanks for your hard work Timbers!

Ben!!

Let’s catch up with Benjamin Garcia! ✨ Benjamin served with CCMI as an AmeriCorps member in the summer of 2023 on the trails crew in Iowa. Now he lives in St. Louis, where he works as a Consulting Utility Forester with Eocene Environmental Group.

🌱 How did the experience shape your career/life? "The experience made me realize that I love conservation and love working outside. I’ve never really had fun at work until I came to the Corps, and after my term ended I wanted to continue working in the field." -Benjamin

📖 Learn more about Benjamin: https://conservationcorps.org/updates-stories/where-are-they-now-alumni-highlight-benjamin-garcia/



Image Description: "Where are they now? Alumni Highlight, Benjamin Garcia." With a photo of Benjamin wearing a yellow Conservation Corps helmet and dusty work clothes in a forest setting.

The Rivers crew (Sydney, Maya, Blu, Sam and Dylan), joined by field specialists Madi and Tricia, recently worked at the Iowa Wildlife Center – Wildway. The crew removed invasive species and constructed oak cages. Good land stewardship and land conservation are key parts of the Iowa Wildlife Center mission.

Welcome to our 2026 Field Specialists – Tricia, Abby and Madi! They are busy organizing, sorting, cleaning, and stocking for the 2026 program year. Tricia and Madi will be supporting the Des Moines and Driftless crews while Abby focuses her attention on the National Park Service crews. These seasoned AmeriCorps members are a vital part of CCMI.

Way to go Rivers Crew!!

A Closer Look at ICON's On-Water Maintenance & Safety Program - Iowa Confluence Water Trails ICON’s On-Water Maintenance and Safety program plays a vital role in our mission to connect water, communities, and people. This program maintains the rivers and creeks across our network, ensuring that our water trails remain accessible, navigable, and ...

Applause! Applause! These beautiful people are almost done with their Term of Service. This is the last week of project work for our 2025 AmeriCorps members. This year has been a wild ride. Here’s to lasting memories, new friends and a job well done.