Michigan's AmeriCorps Volunteers to serve at Russ Mawby Signature Service Projects

LANSING, Mich. – Five Regional Russ Mawby Signature Service Projects will bring hundreds of Michigan’s AmeriCorps 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, leads the projects. 

“AmeriCorps Volunteers have already chosen a year of service, so it’s inspiring to see them unite further to honor Dr. Mawby’s legacy of giving,” said Michigan Community Service Commission Communications Director Jason Alexander. “These projects are a celebration of their commitment to service and impact they make across the state to help those in need every day.” 

The Russ Mawby Signature Service Projects are in honor of the late 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 in 2017, after leading a life of philanthropy and community service. Each year, AmeriCorps Volunteers participate in meaningful service projects in his honor. 

“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. 

This year’s projects include: 

West Michigan (Alto) May 15, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 

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. 

Central east Michigan (Flint) May 15, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  

AmeriCorps Volunteers will clean up and beautify Kearsley Park in partnership with Keep Genesee County Beautiful. 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 has 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.  

Mid-Michigan (Lansing) May 15, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

AmeriCorps Volunteers will assist with cleanup at Fenner Nature Center. 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.  

Northern Michigan (Traverse City) May 15, 9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. 

AmeriCorps Volunteers will perform multiple service projects at The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park. Project activities will include 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. 

Southeast Michigan (Rouge Park, Detroit) May 16, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

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