U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) leaders and employees honor Earth Team volunteers and 40 years of numerous contributions to protecting New Mexico's natural resources during National Volunteer Week, April 20 – 26, 2025.

The Earth Team volunteer program allows NRCS to stretch available resources by partnering volunteers with employees to provide diverse services to agricultural producers, private landowners and the public. These activities include conservation technical assistance, office support and conservation education through community projects.

"Time is a finite resource and today, NRCS is celebrating 40 years of its Earth Team volunteer program, and the time volunteers have dedicated to fueling real change on New Mexico's agricultural landscapes," said NRCS State Conservationist Xavier Montoya. "No matter how small the contribution, it builds to create big impacts that produce positive change for natural resources and local communities."

In 2024, Earth Team volunteers in New Mexico contributed more than 550 hours to support our agency's mission and its critical conservation work. Volunteer efforts allow NRCS to offer more conservation services to farmers and ranchers throughout the state. New Mexico volunteers provided about $18,420 of benefits to NRCS customers and taxpayers in 2024.

 The Earth Team volunteer program helps its participants expand their skills and knowledge through community projects. The program also offers participants community service hours, earned academic credit and an unpaid internship in federal service. Learn more on our Earth Team program webpage.