Impact and Programs
Accomplishments
In 2025, Conservation Corps Minnesota & Iowa engaged 206 young people as Corpsmembers in meaningful service, leadership development, and environmental stewardship. Over 96% of the Corpsmembers reported developing workforce readiness skills during their service term. In partnership with nearly 100 different government entities, nonprofit organizations, individuals, and other community partners, these young people planted over 37,000 trees and shrubs, improved and restored over 40,000 acres of land through restoration and conservation projects, and constructed or maintained 465 miles of trails last year. Project work took place throughout Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, and neighboring states. Examples of 2025 projects our Corpsmembers accomplished include responding to several wildfires, including the Camp House fire in MN, serving alongside local firefighters, the National Guard, and Forest Service staff. Repairing and replacing staircases, boardwalks, and bridges along public trails, such as the Superior Hiking Trail in MN and Ledges State Park in IA. Cleaning up significant storm damage from the derecho in Bemidji, MN, through community collaborations and partnerships.
Current Goals
In 2026, Conservation Corps Minnesota & Iowa will focus on five priority areas outlined in our 2024-2028 Strategic Plan. These priorities include: Strengthening our program portfolio and operation model to align with strategic priorities while maintaining financial sustainability; attracting program participants and employees that are reflective of the changing communities of Minnesota and Iowa; Refining our environmental stewardship focus to achieve greater impact; Infuse leadership and workforce development into all CCMI programming; and, Ensuring CCMI is an employer of choice that attracts and retains top talent. Overall, our program goal is to engage 250-350 youth and young adults in leadership development & environmental stewardship through engaging in meaningful service. Additional goals include developing career pathways for CCMI members that support their education and help them transition to meaningful, rewarding employment.
Community or Constituency Served
Conservation Corps Minnesota and Iowa serves youth, ages 14-18, and young adults, ages 18-30 (or 18-35 for veterans), from various urban and rural, economic, and social backgrounds, primarily from across Minnesota and Iowa.
Geographic Area Served
Conservation Corps manages 7 regional offices based in communities throughout Minnesota and Iowa. These offices support projects on more than 46,000 acres of public lands, parks, wetlands, and waterways throughout the Midwest. When Conservation Corps Minnesota & Iowa supports natural-disaster response efforts, AmeriCorps members are often deployed to areas across the United States.
