Together We Can Make a Difference

Maine Conservation Corps (MCC) offers partnership opportunities for both the Sustainable Trails Team and the Land and Water Conservation Stewardship Program to meet community needs and support the career development of our members. Find the one right for your organization and community!

Land and Water Conservation Stewardship Program

• Community Tree Stewards are placed individually with a host site to accomplish forestry initiatives, gain experience in the field, and engage community volunteers.
• Environmental Stewards are placed individually with host sites to accomplish conservation initiatives.
• Shore Corps Stewards are placed individually with a host site to promote nature-based solutions to coastal and inland water erosion issues.

Sustainable Trails Program

• Field Teams consist of 3-6 members and improve publicly accessible recreational trails and park areas.

For more information or questions, please contact:

Field Team Program Manager:
Taylor Deely
Taylor.Deely@maine.gov
(207) 624-6065

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Land and Water Conservation Stewardship Program

For each of our stewardship opportunities, the application process and what the MCC provides is similar. Any differences are noted in the snapshots below.

• Host Site Applications are reviewed prior to the Steward start date. After sites are notified of acceptance, MCC will recruit candidates and screen applications for basic eligibility.
  
  
• Applications of interested applicants are forwarded to Host Sites to conduct interviews, make a final selection, and offer a position to successful applicant.
  
  
• Each member will receive an orientation of approximately one week with MCC at the beginning of their term. Orientation includes topics such as volunteer recruitment and management, member wellness, professional communications, intro to AmeriCorps, required reporting, portfolio development, National Incident Management Systems, Leave No Trace, job readiness skills, and Personal Safety. Orientation and training will be primarily in person. Stewards will be required to join a small number of MCC service events and volunteer conferences during their term. A schedule of required training and events will be provided to Host Sites.
  
  
• Sites are expected to administer site-specific training as needed.
  
  
• MCC provides a weekly stipend and other benefits to members (such as health insurance, workers compensation, job readiness training, etc.).
  
  
• Host Sites that provide housing or a housing stipend to members are highly desired.

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Community Tree Steward Snapshot

Maine federal, municipal, state, or non-profit organizations may apply to host a Community Tree Steward. This project is funded by the US Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program. Individuals will be recruited by MCC and selected by the Host Site to accomplish forestry projects in underserved communities.

Host Sites will identify projects based on local needs. All projects must include community volunteer initiatives. Host Sites are expected to foster and support the professional development of the stewards on their career paths in the forestry sector.

• Community Tree Stewards are AmeriCorps members and will serve in 1700-hour terms (45 weeks) from mid-January to mid-November, in a full-time capacity (40 hours per week).
• Each member will receive up to 7 additional days for chainsaw training and wilderness first aid.  

Community Tree Steward Applications

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Environmental Stewards Snapshot

Maine federal, municipal, state or non-profit organizations may apply to be a Host Site for an Environmental Steward. These individuals are recruited by MCC and selected by the Host Site to accomplish a specific conservation project and build organizational capacity. The projects can vary greatly. In the past, Environmental Stewards designed and implemented land management plans, conducted field research and studies, monitored invasive species, recruited and led community volunteers, provided interpretive programs to school groups, and completed trail projects throughout the state.

• Environmental Stewards are AmeriCorps members who serve 1700, 1200 or 900-hour terms. 1700-hour members begin in January, 1200- hour members start in March and 900-hour members begin in June. All positions serve a minimum of 40 hours per week.

Environmental Steward Applications

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Shore Corps Stewards Snapshot

Maine federal, municipal, state, or non-profit organizations may apply to host a Shore Corps Steward. This project is funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Individuals will be recruited by MCC and selected by the Host Site.

After receiving training from the DEP Nonpoint Source Training Center, Shore Corps Stewards will: 1) perform outreach to educate community leaders and the general public about nature-based solutions; 2) conduct site assessments for landowners advising them on green infrastructure opportunities, native plantings, stream smart principles, and other tactics to increase resilience; 3) connect local communities to the strategies and activities included in Resilient Maine; and 4) host demonstration projects on public properties to provide hands-on training to community members about nature-based solutions.

All Host sites are expected to adhere to the objectives listed above. Unlike other individual placements, members will have the same Position Description and required outcomes. Host Sites are expected to foster and support the professional development of the stewards on their career paths in the resilience sector.

• Shore Corps Stewards are AmeriCorps members who serve up to two consecutive 900-hour terms for a total of 48 weeks beginning in June.  There is a term break between December and January. All positions serve a minimum of 40 hours per week.
• Each member will receive a training period with DEP at the beginning of their term. Training topics include the use OUR SHORE assessments, permitting and environmental compliance, invasive species, and live-staking methods.

Shore Corps Applications

Host Site Applications for 2026 Shore Corps Stewards are due January 30, 2026.

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Sustainable Trails Program

The Maine Conservation Corps (MCC) partners with federal, state, municipal, and non-profit organizations to identify project sites. The primary focus of MCC field teams is construction and rehabilitation of recreational trails, but teams may also engage in a variety of other conservation projects such as invasive species removal. MCC projects must be on land open to the public.

Field Teams are AmeriCorps members and operate in groups of 3 or 6, including a Team Leader and Assistant Team Leader, from mid-June to mid-October annually. Field Team projects have included: stonework, bridging, erosion control structures, boundary line maintenance, invasive species removal and construction of new trails.

MCC Provides:

• 12-week training for Team Leaders
• Chainsaw Safety Training
• One-week Member Orientation
• Hand tools and power tools for the projects
• General project management and ongoing support to teams
• Transportation
• Camping equipment for teams
• A weekly stipend and other benefits to members, such as health insurance and workers compensation.
• Promotion of volunteer events

Project Partners Provide:

• Fee for service at a weekly rate
• Project materials and delivery
• Housing (a campsite or camp cabins for the team)
• Specialized equipment, if needed (ATV, tractor)
• Regular communication with the team and MCC staff

Project Proposals

Information regarding proposal materials and deadlines will be available soon.