Russ Mawby Signature Service Projects

Michigan’s AmeriCorps Volunteers to make big impact at Russ Mawby Signature Service Projects across the state

Each year, Russ Mawby Signature Service Projects bring Michigan AmeriCorps Volunteers together for service opportunities in honor of the late philanthropist. But more than that, these projects highlight the spirit of service instilled in AmeriCorps Volunteers and the camaraderie that comes from organizing for a common purpose.

“Russ Mawby Signature Service Projects give us the chance to step back from our own worlds and tangibly connect with the legacy of service that hundreds of AmeriCorps Volunteers in Michigan are a part of right now,” said Luke Brandsen, the program director of HealthCorps Michigan at Family Scholar House.

Five Regional Russ Mawby Signature Service Projects will bring hundreds of Michigan’s AmeriCorps and volunteers together to serve in five Michigan communities on May 15 and 16. The Michigan Community Service Commission, the state’s lead agency for volunteerism and service, will support the projects.

The Russ Mawby Signature Service Projects are in honor of Dr. Russell “Russ” Mawby, a vital advocate for youth and volunteer service in Michigan. Dr. Mawby led the W.K. Kellogg Foundation in Battle Creek for over three decades and was instrumental in the series of meetings that eventually led to the creation of the Michigan Community Service Commission. Dr. Mawby passed away on October 20, 2017, after leading a life of philanthropy and community service. Each year, AmeriCorps members participate in meaningful service projects in his honor.

West Michigan’s Russ Mawby Signature Service Project will take place in Alto. AmeriCorps Volunteers will spread mulch, assist with trail maintenance, rake leaves, sand and stain cabin floors, pressure wash, build a small stage, and perform various other improvements to Camp O’Malley, the Boys and Girls Club of Grand Rapids’ summer camp. This project is in collaboration with the Boys and Girls Club of Grand Rapids.

In Flint, AmeriCorps Volunteers with Crim Sports Corps will clean up and beautify Kearsley Park. Volunteers will re-mulch the beds and plant 3,000 flowers at the planting bed along Robert T. Longway Blvd., remove large amounts of debris that have accumulated in the tree lines bordering the park, remove invasive species, and work with the Flint Watershed Coalition to remove debris and hazardous materials from Gilkey Creek. This project will be in partnership with Keep Genesee County Beautiful.

“The Crim Sports Corps is excited to celebrate the legacy of Russ Mawby by cleaning up an over 100-year-old park in the center of the City of Flint," said Josh Miller of Crim Sports Corps.

AmeriCorps members will assist with cleanup at Fenner Nature Center in Lansing for the Mid-Michigan Russ Mawby Signature Service Project. Service activities will include nature trail maintenance, invasive species removal, prepping for a native pollinator garden, beautifying outdoor learning spaces, sprucing up the Visitor Center, and more.

The Northern Michigan Russ Mawby Signature Service Project will take place in Traverse City. AmeriCorps Volunteers will perform multiple service projects at The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park, including invasive species removal, the establishment of new trails, general grounds clean-up, and installation of new native plants. An additional “Compost Crew” of volunteers will also work to remove organic waste and assist with clean-up.

“Our garden was built by volunteers, and we're looking forward to having new and returning hands on deck," said Meredith Ringvelski, operations and outreach assistant at the Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park.

“As we continue to enhance the 27-acre Botanic Garden at historic Barns Park, we are indebted to the incredible generosity of our community, and look forward to celebrating a great day of service with our peers and alumni of AmeriCorps,” said Matthew Ross, the Botanic Garden’s executive director.

AmeriCorps Volunteers will partner with Friends of Rouge Park for their Rouge Park Appreciation Day. Volunteers will participate in trash cleanup, invasive species removal, planting, and other conservation efforts.

“In Southeast Michigan, we're excited to partner again with Friends of Rouge Park to deliver targeted, high-impact service as we get our hands dirty celebrating the beauty of Detroit's largest park,” said FSH’s Brandsen.

“AmeriCorps members get the job done!" he said.