In early October, we held a work day with the AmeriCorps NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps) Program. The nearby McClellan base needed a one-day project for their Team Leaders to complete as part of their leadership training process. Placer Land Trust and this local AmeriCorps base have developed a fruitful relationship where we can help provide project opportunities to fill in any “gaps” that might occur in their larger primary programs.
This work day was for Team Leaders to tackle a new type of one-day project as part of their leadership training. These Leaders will then lead their own teams, each of about 11 members, all across the state of California on community and social projects.
This project took place at Kotomyan Preserve, where an area of the property needed some fuels reduction. With the team’s help, we began a Shaded Fuel Break project that will be ongoing throughout the fall and winter. We focused on limbing trees up 10 feet from the ground, reducing the understory vegetation — also known as “ladder fuels” — that can raise a fire into the upper tree canopy. We will then chip and broadcast the brush debris this winter, so it can break down into the soil.
Placer Land Trust Recreation Manager Christy Claes has worked with the AmeriCorps crews over the last few years, and led the team’s recent day in the field. “I find working with these crews so rewarding,” she said. “We are getting such great work done, and it helps us reach our stewardship goals. But also, these members come from all over the US — some leaving home during hurricanes and tornadoes — and they arrive eager to absorb the places and the people they are serving. They continue to be a joy to work with!”
