The Lakes Region Conservation Corps is an AmeriCorps state service program that develops skills and experiences for conservation professionals.

Lakes Region Conservation Corps members are the driving force behind many of the conservation efforts of New Hampshire’s Lakes Region. The program is based out of the Squam Lakes Association, with sites at the Green Mountain Conservation Group, Squam Lakes Conservation Society, Camp Hale, Newfound Lake Region Association, The Nature Conservancy, Mount Washington Observatory, and Lakes Region Conservation Trust. 

The program provides hands-on conservation work experience and certifications over a broad range of areas, which ensure that Lakes Region Conservation Corps members are capable of independently approaching a variety of tasks in the environmental conservation field. Members serve in a variety of ways, including: removing invasive species, maintaining trail networks, educating the public on local and regional conservation initiatives, spearheading reports on conservation efforts, leading volunteer crews, and more.  The trainings, certifications, and experiences within the program develop important professional skills that are applicable to future careers within any occupational and educational field. 

Want to learn more about the different types of AmeriCorps programs available to you?  Visit AmeriCorps.gov for more information.

Full-Year Vs. Half-year

The Lakes Region Conservation Corps runs both half-year (900 hours) and full-year (1700 hours) programs over the course of the year.  Half-year terms of service are available May-October.  Full-year terms of service run from January - November, which allows the members to experience the seasonality of conservation practices in New Hampshire. To learn more about which sites accept half-year versus full-year members, please visit our Lakes Region Conservation Corps Site Descriptions page. 

Member Benefits

Lakes Region Conservation Corps members enjoy a variety of benefits, regardless of site:  

  • NH Commercial Boating license

  • Wilderness First Aid & CPR Certification

  • Living allowance distributed bi-weekly (subject to taxes)

  • AmeriCorps Segal Education Award of $3,447.50 (half-year) or $6,895.00 (full-year) for the 2023-2024 program year, received upon successful completion of program (minimum of 900 hours for half-year/1700 hours for full-year). You can read more about what the Segal Education Award can be applied towards here.

  • Either provided housing or a housing stipend. Note: If a host site provides housing, they will not provide a housing stipend if you choose to live off campus.

  • Student loan forbearance on qualifying loans

Other benefits are available dependent upon term of service and site:

  • AmeriCorps Health Insurance (available to full-year members)

  • NH Safe Boating certification (dependent upon site)

  • Conservation Easement Monitoring Training (available to Squam Lakes Conservation Society and Lakes Region Conservation Trust LRCC members)

  • SSI Scuba certification (available to Squam Lakes Association LRCC members)

  • Weed Control Diver certification (available to Squam Lakes Association LRCC members)

To learn more about specific sites, visit the Lakes Region Conservation Corps site description page.

Qualifications

We select Lakes Region Conservation Corps  members who display a great attitude and commitment to the Lake's Region, enjoy hard work, and aren't afraid to get dirty. Previous experience in the field is not required. Lakes Region Conservation Corps members must meet the following minimum qualifications to serve with our sites.  Please see site specific descriptions, websites, and/or position postings for in-depth details of qualifications being sought by specific host sites.

  • 2024 Full-Year members must be available to start on January 10th, 2024.

  • 2024 Half-Year members must be available to start on May 20th, 2024.

  • Must be 18 years of age by start date of your program.

  • Must be covered by health insurance for duration of program (half-time only)

  • Must be competent swimmer (dependent upon site)

  • Able to lift 50 pounds (dependent upon site)

  • Able to carry and use heavy tools while hiking (dependent upon site)

  • Able to hike at least 8 miles in a day (dependent upon site)

  • Able to work independently and with a group

  • Available for duration of program

  • Must apply online

  • Must meet the Corporation for National Community Service's minimum requirements

    • Must clear all required National Service Criminal History Check

    • Must be a high school graduate, GED recipient, or must be working toward attaining a high school diploma or GED during their term of service

    • Must be a US citizen, US national, or legal permanent resident of the US