04/24/2026
News Release
Earth Team Volunteers Help USDA Conservation Agency to Protect Tennessee’s Natural Resources
Nashville, Tennessee, April 20, 2026 – U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) leaders and employees honor Earth Team volunteers and celebrate their numerous contributions to protecting Tennessee’s natural resources during National Volunteer Week, April 19 – 25, 2026.
The Earth Team volunteer program allows NRCS to stretch available resources by partnering volunteers with employees to provide diverse services to agricultural producers, private landowners and the public. These activities include conservation technical assistance, office support and conservation education through community projects.
“The amount of time an Earth Team volunteer donates is critical to helping NRCS in Tennessee achieve its mission of helping people help the land,” said State Conservationist Sheldon Hightower. “Whether a volunteer donates a month, a year, or a lifetime, those hours matter cumulatively because they stretch our human resources and enable us to do even more.”
In 2025, Earth Team volunteers in Tennessee contributed more than 217 hours to support the agency’s mission and its critical conservation work. Volunteer efforts allow NRCS to offer more conservations services to farmers and ranchers throughout the state. Tennessee provided about $7,550.00 of benefits to NRCS customers and taxpayers in 2025.
The Earth Team volunteer program helps its participants expand their skills and knowledge through community projects. The program also offers participants community service hours, earned academic credit and an unpaid internship in federal service. Those interested in volunteering can visit the Earth Team program webpage to sign up for volunteer opportunities in your community or to learn more about the program.
If interested, please call 901-622-5330.
