Casey began her term of service in the fall of 2007 as the outreach specialist.  A 2006 graduate from the University of Michigan, Casey's goal with Huron Pines AmeriCorps was to increase the awareness of the programs and the conservation services offered throughout the Huron Pines 11-county service area of Northeast Michigan.  Within the first three months of her service, visits to the Huron Pines website (www.huronpines.org) increased by more than 50%. This additional outreach has generated more community projects and has allowed Huron Pines to provide additional assistance to local stakeholders.

Through her AmeriCorps service, Casey has made presentations to school groups, developed the annual report for Huron Pines, helped staff generate regular project updates, created outreach materials, and tracked public contacts.  Casey is also developing a communications plan and tailoring project updates to specific audiences.  Partners, stakeholders, and community members benefit most from the electronic newsletter, which she designs and distributes every other week.  Sent out to more than 1,200 people, the eNews helps Huron Pines highlight volunteer opportunities, report conservation news for Northeast Michigan, and showcase the work of partner organizations.   Without the AmeriCorps program, the services Casey provides would not get accomplished. 

In addition to her general service responsibilities, Casey represents Huron Pines on the Michigan's AmeriCorps Member Council.  The Member Council is comprised of one AmeriCorps member from each Michigan's AmeriCorps program.  The Member Council provides a statewide network in which Michigan's AmeriCorps members share ideas, experiences, and a spirit of service while taking a leadership position in their AmeriCorps program. 

With members like Casey, Huron Pines AmeriCorps has been successful in its first year by engaging more volunteers, completing more on-the-ground conservation projects and being a catalyst for individual conservation groups to better serve their communities.  "Casey makes a great role model and always demonstrates the ‘Spirit of AmeriCorps.'" Program Director Lisha Ramsdell noted.  "She is always willing to help other members and assist with their conservation projects.  Her enthusiasm and dedication to Huron Pines AmeriCorps is very contagious." 

For more information about the Huron Pines AmeriCorps Program, contact Program Director Lisha Ramsdell at (989) 344-0753 ext. 29 or lisha@huronpines.org.  For more information on other AmeriCorps programs visit www.americorps.gov.