For four years now, ESLT has maintained a successful and ever-growing relationship with the Sierra Nevada AmeriCorps Partnership (SNAP). The SNAP program places twenty-seven AmeriCorps members at different conservation agencies and organizations throughout the Sierra Nevada to conduct watershed restoration and monitoring, watershed education, and volunteer recruitment and support.

Katie Hergenrather, our first AmeriCorps member in 2007, monitoring on the land.

ESLT has had the opportunity to work with four talented young women, who have served the Eastern Sierra community through educational programs and outreach opportunities to better inform and inspire the public about land conservation in Inyo, Mono, and Alpine Counties.

Katie Nelson, our second AmeriCorps member in 2008 with the Sierra in the background.

ESLT has just received the wonderful news that we have been approved for another year of AmeriCorps support. Hooray! Fall is quickly surrounding us, which means AmeriCorps recruitment is in full swing at ESLT.

In 2009, our third AmeriCorps, Serena Dennis, conducting a restoration project at Crowley Hilltop Preserve with Girl Scouts.

As the 2010 AmeriCorps member, I have been fundamentally enriched by this experience. I have had the opportunity to serve my community in a variety of ways, both on the land and within our small towns. The staff and board at ESLT have been the most generous co-workers sharing their support and knowledge, which will forever help me in my quest for personal and career-based growth.

Me, Sarah Spano, our current AmeriCorps member teaching local third graders about plant growth in 2010.

Do you also love the Eastern Sierra and yearn to preserve the open and beautiful landscapes that define our region? Or do you know someone who does? Please keep your ears and eyes open for potential candidates. The SNAP program is highly competitive, so don’t wait – apply now! Applications are due October 8th. For more information and to apply online please visit https://eslt.org/Pages/SierraNevadaAmeriCorpsPartnership.php.

I will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding the process, either for yourself or for someone you know.

Sarah