Severson Dells Nature Center has been providing nature education for all ages in northern Illinois for over 40 years in northern Illinois. Members support school field trip programs and after-school programs to help students learn about local habitats, predator and prey interactions, food webs, animal and plant adaptations, and basic ecology of the area. During the term of service, Members will receive training in all of the above topics, best practices in env. ed and group management.

Member Duties: The goal of this service term is to empower AmeriCorps members to build the capacity of Severson Dells Nature Center to grow science literacy in northern Illinois. Service members develop and implement projects that are key to maintaining quality programming at Severson Dells and teach visiting school groups. Service members may also work with an additional community partner organization at which to complete an additional project that furthers science literacy within the community. Members will receive training on local ecology, best practices in environmental education and science literacy, and group management techniques. Service at Severson Dells will also provide opportunities for members to participate in professional development with the Environmental Education Association of Illinois. Service times are typically Tues.- Sat. 8am-3pm during the school year and 8am-4pm during the summer. There are some variations to this, but this tends to be standard.
 
Program Benefits: Stipend,  Training,  Living Allowance,  Education award upon successful completion of service,  Childcare assistance if eligible,  Health Coverage. 
 
Terms: Permits working at another job during off hours,  Permits attendance at school during off hours,  Car recommended. 
 
Service Areas: Education,  Community Outreach,  Children/Youth,  Environment. 
 
Skills: Education,  Youth Development,  First Aid,  Environment,  Team Work,  Public Speaking,  Teaching/Tutoring.