AmeriCorps Volunteers Spruce up the Sea Lab

Twelve volunteers from AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) have been undertaking a great many projects both on Dauphin Island and at the campus of the Sea Lab. These include:

• Theft protection of signs at the Audubon Bird Sanctuary
• Cleaning and trimming trails at the Sanctuary
• Working with the DI Property Owners Association to put up sand fences
• Planting 2,000 slash pines in the maritime forest behind the Sea Lab
• Cleaning up Sand Island of trash and debris
• Painting buildings on the Sea Lab campus
• Doing outreach for NCCC at Alma Bryant High School
• Environmental outreach at the Mobile and Biloxi Boat Shows
• Planting sea oats and erecting sand fences on Robinson Island, Orange Beach

The team has also assisted in marine research work by doing marsh sampling with Dr. Rich Aronson's lab.

The DISL is honored to sponsor this NCCC team and is eager to work with them in the future. Dr. John Dindo, Interim Director of the DISL stated, "This is a wonderful group of young people who are contributing to their environment, to their planet, one small project at a time. They aren't just talking the talk; they are walking the walk. We are delighted to have their help in doing environmental work here on the Gulf Coast."

The AmeriCorps volunteers have been here since February 7 and will remain until April 3.