AmeriCorps Featured Members - David, Christian, & Madison
David Hawkins, Christian Hawkins, and Madison Morris are members of MACOG’s first AmeriCorps cohort serving with MACOG at the Elkhart Environmental Center.
“My AmeriCorps service with the ECC has been wholesomely rewarding: being able to change an area of forest through invasive removal helping the wildlife and native plants which also at the same time increasing visibility and accessibility to and from the trails and river.”
Christian Hawkins
Christian has learned and implemented forestry and invasive species identification skills on the 66 acres of trails, wetlands, prairies and woods around the EEC. Christian also helps with educational events that the EEC offers to the community free of charge.
What AmeriCorps activities have been most meaningful to you?
The most meaningful project to me was near the River Greenway Trail at the front of the property. We did a major honeysuckle removal that saved a lot of trees while simultaneously revealing a river view that was not visible beforehand.
How has service in the AmeriCorps program at MACOG and living in our region impacted your career aspirations?
I am very interested in ethnobotany and I used to think there was a lack of medicinal foliage in our area. After using plant identification tools and software at the EEC I am now aware that most of the time such plants are right in front of us, but are overlooked.
What continues to inspire you to serve in this role?
The community members utilize the EEC often and when they do, they thank us and validate our service.
What’s next after AmeriCorps?
After AmeriCorps I'm thinking of doing another AmeriCorps term with MACOG or going to apply to AmeriCorps opportunities in Colorado to further my education and opportunities.
“I am appreciative to AmeriCorps for providing an opportunity in Michiana to grow my skills, resume, and visibility. I have been able to impact this community, see tangible results from my service at the EEC, and make valuable connections within my field of study and in the community.”
David Hawkins Jr.
David is enthusiastic about sustainability and wildlife. He has been assisting with invasive species removal along trails, nature activities for kids, and pond restoration. He is also preparing for the 25th Elkhart EnviroFest.
Why did you select the Elkhart Environmental Center as your AmeriCorps service site?
I selected the EEC because of my background in Sustainability Studies and the chance to broaden my resume. I also had a previous familiarity with the center from visits.
What AmeriCorps activities have been most meaningful to you? / What project/event has been most meaningful to you?
The invasive species removal has honestly been the most meaningful because we target areas that have never been touched before and were in desperate need of clearing out for the native flora and overall forest health to improve. This also dramatically increased the River View along the trails of the EEC.
How has service in the AmeriCorps program at MACOG and living in our region impacted your career aspirations?
My service in the AmeriCorps program at MACOG and living in this region has impacted my career aspirations beneficially by increasing my professional network here which is close to home. It has also given me the opportunity to continue to pursue my education in Sustainability.
What’s next after your AmeriCorps service is completed?
After my AmeriCorps service I am excited to continue my education in Sustainability, I also look to potentially serving another term with AmeriCorps to further develop my career path.
“AmeriCorps has helped me step out of my comfort zone and become more of an outdoor person. Knowing I'm making a difference and helping our ecosystem is very rewarding.”
Madison Morris
Madison is focusing on removing invasive plant species creating a better ecosystem for native plants and animals to thrive in as well as other forestry practices. Throughout the service she is also tending the quilt garden she helped plant and assisting with educational events.
How did you find out about AmeriCorps and what led you to this role?
Wanting to further my education is what led me to this role and AmeriCorps offers an education award to help with college or trade school expenses at the end of service.
What continues to inspire you to serve in this role?
Knowing that I’m helping the ecosystem and making a difference day by day is what keeps me inspired to serve.
What’s next after your AmeriCorps service is completed?
I plan on joining another role with AmeriCorps when my service is over.
