The Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Maryland Park Service reactivated 17 members of the Maryland Conservation Corps (MCC), who were laid off in late April after a sudden termination of grant funds by the federal program.
The federal government terminated numerous AmeriCorps programs on April 25. Since then, the state Park Service coordinated efforts to find resources and develop next steps to put the program back into place, according to a news release from Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
The State of Maryland Intervenes
On May 27, the department reinstated the MCC program with state funding through the end of August. The state is awaiting the impact of a June 5 federal court ruling that reinstates AmeriCorps funding. However, the Maryland Park Service program will continue regardless of outcome.
“Our Maryland Conservation Corps members serve as both heart and horsepower for our park service,” Maryland Park Service Director Angela Crenshaw said. “The enthusiasm and drive that they bring to their year of service energizes and inspires our visitors, volunteers, and staff alike. We are committed to continuing this outstanding legacy of service and conservation.”
Impact of Conservation Cuts
The abrupt loss of AmeriCorps funding led to cancellation and scaling back of many major summer 2025 park events and programs. They included field trips for thousands of students, summer interpretive programming for campers and day visitors, and many essential park functions performed by MCC members.
Participants are between the ages of 17 and 25 and complete at least 1,700 hours of service in a 10-month program year. The original class for the 2025 season, which began last September, had 42 members. Following the federal funding cuts, 17 members are now on track to complete their service terms this August.
Corps Accomplishments
Last year’s corps members improved more than 2,400 acres of parks and public lands and 400 miles of trails; planted more than 9,963 native trees, bay grasses and plants. They treated more than 7,902 trees against harmful insects and diseases; and taught environmental education programs to more than 23,750 park visitors.
Why It Matters
“The positive impacts this program has on the State of Maryland can only partly be measured in statistics,” said Ranger Sara Marcinak, director of the Maryland Conservation Corps. “The real value are the sparks of stewardship they set in people’s hearts and minds and the resulting fires they carefully tend to further cultivate that stewardship ethic.”
