Americorps VISTA Sumemr Associates Program

The Montpelier Parks & Trees Department is a small, dynamic place to serve outdoors gaining diverse experience in trail building, urban forestry, flood resilience, small-scale agriculture, youth development, and community building. We are looking to fill up to five 8-week positions being offered through Americorps VISTA. These positions run June 15-August 9th and are open to applicants who are 18+. You can find more information and apply at: https://my.americorps.gov/mp/listing/viewListing.do?fromSearch=true&id=128830

The mission of the Montpelier Parks & Trees Department is to steward Montpelier’s parks, trees, and natural spaces for the enjoyment and health of all. Some of our key focus areas include:

• Flood recovery and resiliency: in 2023 the City experienced devastating flooding that impacted many of our Parks and natural resources. Since then our priorities have shifted to fixing and upgrading our natural resource to be more flood resilient.
• Access to the outdoors and healthy lifestyles: we maintain over 500 acres of parks and 25+ miles of trails. These resources provide opportunities for all our residents to enjoy the outdoors and all the mental and physical benefits that accrue from spending time outside.
• Economic Development: Our natural resources are also one of the key economic engines for the City of Montpelier. Part of our mission is to grow Montpelier’s outdoor recreation economy and help the City have a more vibrant future.
• Poverty alleviation: We provide summer youth employment opportunities for high schoolers. This opportunity provides valuable income for local youth, as well as training and exposure to a variety of fields including carpentry, trail building, arboriculture, and conservation.
• Food security: Our Feast Farm program is targeted at providing food for our most food insecure neighbors. All the food we grow on the farm is donated to the food pantry and supplies much needed fresh produce.

With staff supervision, focus will be on the following three areas:

• Trails & Flood Resiliency: Members should expect to learn about sustainable trail building and park stewardship.
• Urban Forest Management: Members should expect to engage in urban and riparian planting projects, removal of invasive species, and serve alongside staff to maintain our urban forest.
• Community Farm: Our Feast Farm project is focused on providing local food to our most food insecure neighbors. Members should expect to lead a variety of volunteer groups, and other groups on the farm to grow food.