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‘From Dirt’: Meet the Conservation Volunteers Stepping Up Amid Government Shutdown & Budget Cuts

As a lack of funding, resources, and support tie up government conservation agencies, one small team of conservationists is working tirelessly to continue trail work in California’s Sierra Nevada.
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The trails in America’s parks, monuments, and public lands need conservation help now more than ever. With unending budget cuts, staffing issues, and now, a government shutdown paralyzing government-funded agencies, many trails stand to fall into disrepair. That’s where volunteer conservation groups like the Eastern Sierra Conservation Corp (ESCC) step up to fill the gaps.

Since 2016, this small but mighty organization has maintained over 250 miles of trail, cleared over 500 logs, and trained hundreds of diverse members — many of whom have gone on to pursue careers in conservation.

ESCC is a generator, turning out young, passionate environmentalists who have the skills to fill in the gaps that the government can’t. The film From Dirt highlights the bonds they build and the work they do.

And that’s becoming more important every day.

Now, ESCC needs the public’s help to sustain its work. Rising fuel, gear, and insurance costs are stressing the organization’s budget and threatening its ability to continue its work. Check out the organization’s website for opportunities to get involved or to donate directly.

Runtime: 10:39 minutes

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