Волонтеры AmeriCorps из Сент-Луиса очистили тропы в Батте к гонкам на горных велосипедах

Amazing America: AmeriCorps helps improve Butte trails BUTTE, Mont. — There are so many things that make America Amazing, including our natural resources and the people who go out of their way to protect them and provide recreation opportunities. Thanks to a grant from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, there’s currently a team of six people from AmeriCorps St. Louis in Butte hard at work clearing up trails in Thompson Park and along the Continental Divide. AmeriCorps St. Louis typically has members in Butte every summer, but the funding they receive can come from different sources. “We come from all over. Our crew lead is from Oregon, I’m from Washington state. We’ve got about 50% right now who are from St. Louis,” said AmeriCorps St. Louis field supervisor Eli Schmit. This year, AmeriCorps members are taking care of potentially hazardous trees and are widening the corridor to get it ready for this weekend’s Butte 100 mountain bike races. The St. Louis team will remain in Montana for another two weeks, and they say they have truly enjoyed their time in the Mining City. “Getting out in the mountains is awesome. The elevation kicks our butt every year, the first week or so is real tough to actually get out there and get on those trails but as we acclimate, just the nature and the expanse out here is phenomenal,” said Schmit. “The fresh air is a pretty big one, too, and the lack of humidity helps us out a bit.” This experience is the culmination of an 11-month program for AmeriCorps members, where they learn critical skills and experience a part of America they wouldn’t get to see otherwise. “We’re able to really create a beautiful natural space for people to go out and enjoy the wilderness. We’re able to go out and clear trails and keep it accessible for everyone,” said AmeriCorps St. Louis crew lead Josie David. The St. Louis team is one of several AmeriCorps groups in Montana this summer helping conserve natural habitats and improve recreation opportunities in the Treasure State. “It’s a really valuable experience for a lot of people to come in and get different skills training with chainsaws, tread maintenance, conservation work. We even do disaster relief back in St. Louis,” said David.