Here at SEEDS, we know how critical conservation corps are to creating jobs, restoring habitat, and serving communities. That is why we are thrilled with the launch of both the American Climate Corps and the MI Healthy Climate Corps!

The American Climate Corps is committed to putting more than 20,000 young people on career pathways in the growing fields of clean energy, conservation and climate resilience in its first year. The MI Healthy Climate Corps workforce program is focused on advancing and reaching MI Healthy Climate Plan goals, building capacity in communities across the state, and helping guide federal and state resources.

We are excited about these programs for two reasons:

#1 – We know the corps model works. These national and state-wide efforts are building on decades of successful corps initiatives across the country, including our own, EcoCorps. At SEEDS, we have been hiring and training Michigan individuals 16 and older in green-collar skills since 2009.

#2 – There are 30 inaugural members of the MI Healthy Climate Corps across the state and SEEDS is hosting one as our Climate Cycle Specialist! We are pleased to introduce you to Nick Panicola by sharing his bio below.

Alongside working with SEEDS, Nick will also be working with the Crosshatch Center for Art & Ecology and the Salix Community Forestry Collective. In support of these three organizations, Nick’s work will help us collaboratively address issues of organic waste, carbon sequestration, and methane reduction. His work will contribute to educational outreach on local regenerative agricultural and forestry initiatives, wood rescue, and much more.

We’re honored to be a part of this national movement, and we’re committed to continuing our efforts to create jobs, restore habitat, and combat climate change. Together, let’s build a greener, more sustainable future for generations to come