AmeriCorps volunteers from across the country strapped on nail belts, picked up shovels, and pulled on hip boots while helping with post-hurricanes Katrina and Rita rehabilitation and restoration projects at Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve in the New Orleans area. The first group of AmeriCorps volunteers arrived in May 2006 and the third is currently working in the park. "The volunteers were more than willing to help," said Paul Vitale, park maintenance foreman. "They did everything we asked them to do, they did it well, and they didn't complain." Park Ranger Rick Gupman said, "The last group of volunteers worked on waterway debris removal at the Barataria Preserve. Everyone got wet, everyone got muddy, and we were successful in cleaning a canoe trail that was previously inaccessible due to downed trees." AmeriCorps volunteers working at Jean Lafitte have rebuilt boardwalk trails and removed exotic plants at the Barataria Preserve, landscaped the courtyard of the park's headquarters and French Quarter Visitor Center, and worked on cultural landscape restoration and mold abatement at Chalmette Battlefield and National Cemetery. AmeriCorps (www.americorps.org) is a program of the Corporation for National and Community Service, an independent federal agency created to provide Americans with the opportunity to give back to their communities and their nation. AmeriCorps volunteers may receive a modest living allowance while working and education awards for college or to pay back student loans.
