AmeriCorps deploys team to Idaho Panhandle National Forests

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Feb. 17, 2026
Media Contact: [email protected]

Serve Idaho - the Governor's Commission on Service and Volunteerism - has announced the deployment of the AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) Pheonix 1 team to complete reforestation work in the Idaho Panhandle National Forests from Feb. 15 to April 1.

"AmeriCorps NCCC has enjoyed a long and productive history of partnering with Serve Idaho and communities across the Gem State. With the recent addition of the Forest Corps program to our portfolio, we're thrilled that our collaboration has now extended to serving and supporting national forests across Idaho," said NCCC Director Ken Goodson.

The Phoenix 1 team will partner with the Coeur d'Alene Nursery to complete the reforestation work through cone processing, seed collection, seed cleaning, seed sowing, tree grafting and seed extraction.

"We're excited to welcome the Forest Corp team to the Coeur d'Alene Nursery. Their service will strengthen our ability to grow and deliver millions of seedlings that restore forests, protect watersheds and support wildlife across the region," said Nursery Superintendent Chandra Neils.

Since 2020, AmeriCorps NCCC's Traditional and Forest Corps programs have had 307 members serve a combined total of 89,026 hours across 37 projects in Idaho. Together, these members were able to suppress, contain or prevent fires on 3,666.5 acres of land; serve 165,888 meals; and tend or plant 28,487 trees and native plants.

AmeriCorps is a federal agency that brings people together through service and volunteering to address the nation's most pressing challenges. AmeriCorps NCCC, one of the agency's core programs, offers a 10-to-11-month, full-time, team-based service opportunity. Members work on projects that meet critical national and community needs while advancing the agency's mission to strengthen communities and develop leaders through service.

Learn more at the Serve Idaho website and AmeriCorps website.

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Serve Idaho is a division of the Idaho Department of Labor. The commission administers Idaho's AmeriCorps programs. Serve Idaho is funded in part by the federal agency AmeriCorps and the Idaho Department of Labor. In 2024, AmeriCorps committed more than $7.7 million to support Idaho communities through AmeriCorps initiatives. This federal investment leveraged more than $2.1 million in other resources to strengthen community impact, build local support and increase return on taxpayer dollars.

Serve Idaho is supported by AmeriCorps. A total of $4,519,228, or 61%, of the program is financed with federal funds, and $2,893,430, or 39%, is funded through local support.