CAC, AmeriCorps partner for conservation class

AmeriCorps volunteers recently collaborated with the Sonoran Horticulture class at Central Arizona College to undertake a restoration project in the Sonoran landscape.

This initiative, originally led by the late Sonoran Horticulture Professor Phil Bond, was designed to enhance the environment around a CAC greenhouse while providing students with hands-on learning opportunities, according to a press release.

This marks the second consecutive year since the onset of COVID-19 that AmeriCorps has partnered with the class for this endeavor, stated DeAnna Diwan Heath, professor of agriculture business, in the release.

Last year's team focused on trail restoration, while this year's team dedicated efforts to rejuvenating the greenhouse's bamboo area and enhancing the outdoor classroom space.

“The collaboration between AmeriCorps and the Sonoran Horticulture class underscores a shared commitment to environmental stewardship and community engagement," Heath stated in the release. "Through their combined efforts, the teams are not only revitalizing the landscape, but also fostering a deeper understanding of conservation principles among students.”

While the AmeriCorps volunteers were on campus, they delivered a presentation to the Natural Resource and Conservation class highlighting the opportunities available through AmeriCorps.

CAC has campuses in San Tan Valley, Apache Junction and Coolidge.