Green Bay Reporter

The City of Green Bay Common Council has approved the acceptance of continued AmeriCorps funding for the Green Bay Conservation Corps, allowing the program to continue through August 2026. The city will receive $395,162 in federal AmeriCorps grant funds and provide $140,967 in local matching funds. This funding will support 39 AmeriCorps members working on habitat restoration, invasive species removal, and trail maintenance across Green Bay's 3,000 acres of recreational open space.

This decision follows significant challenges for AmeriCorps programs nationwide. In April 2025, the Department of Government Efficiency ended nearly $400 million in AmeriCorps grants across the country—about 41 percent of the agency’s budget—putting more than 32,000 positions at risk and causing some programs to shut down immediately.

Green Bay’s Conservation Corps was affected by these cuts. The city responded by approving $115,000 in emergency American Rescue Plan Act funding in May to keep operations running while legal proceedings over the federal cuts continued. Wisconsin joined 23 other states in a lawsuit against the federal government regarding these cuts. A federal judge later issued a preliminary injunction restoring funding to participating states, but future support remains uncertain.

"The Conservation Corps represents Wisconsin's first municipal conservation corps program and has become a model for other communities seeking to address environmental restoration needs. Since launching in 2022, the program has treated close to 200 acres of parkland, removed over 9,300 gallons of invasive plant material, and installed more than 50,000 native plants throughout the city's parks and greenways."

The Conservation Corps addresses habitat degradation in lower Green Bay and Fox River areas that were designated as a federal Area of Concern in 1987 due to environmental impairment. Members work on projects such as pollinator corridor development, wetland restoration, trail improvements, community education efforts, and engage about 300 volunteers each year.

"The program directly addresses habitat degradation in the lower Green Bay and Fox River, which was designated as a federal Area of Concern in 1987 due to environmental impairment. AmeriCorps members work on diverse projects including pollinator corridor development, wetland restoration, trail improvements, and community education while leveraging 300 volunteers annually in environmental restoration activities."

Besides its environmental impact, the Conservation Corps provides workforce development opportunities for young adults through living allowances and training. It also serves as a youth apprenticeship with local high schools and meets internship requirements for University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and Northeast Wisconsin Technical College students.

With reduced federal support this year compared to previous years, increased local investment is required. The city is considering expanding services to neighboring communities on a fee-for-service basis to offset funding reductions while broadening regional benefits.

The Green Bay Conservation Corps operates from September through August each year with full-time and part-time members focused on hands-on restoration work. This fall’s team will include between 13 and 18 members with at least eight returning alumni. While fall recruitment is complete, applications for spring and summer positions will open early next year.

For more information about the program or future application periods contact Michael Bergman at (920) 448-3210 or Michael.Bergman@greenbaywi.gov.