The Maine Conservation Corps recently welcomed Rebecca Fernandez to serve on its field team as an AmeriCorps member for a 450-hour term of national service, according to a news release from the corps.

Fernandez, of Monmouth, is the daughter of Hector and Denice Fernandez. She graduated from Monmouth Academy in 2014, and studies marine biology and biology at University of Maine at Machias with an anticipated graduation date of May 2018.

Rebecca Fernandez, of Monmouth, will serve as an AmeriCorps member with the Maine Conservation Corps. Contributed photo

As a member of the MCC Field Team, Fernandez will complete various trail work projects at various state parks and public lands. Projects include remote backcountry hiking trails, local nature and walking paths, multi-use trails, as well as accessible pathways for wheelchair use. Some of the trail structures the MCC builds are stone staircases, timber bridges, boardwalks, bog bridging, and rock water bars.

Gov. Paul R. LePage welcomed Fernandez’s decision to enter into national service in Maine. “On behalf of the State of Maine, I would like to congratulate you on your commitment to serving Maine as a member of the Maine Conservation Corps,” said Governor LePage. “The Maine Conservation Corps has done tremendous work making positive changes to our great State and Nation,” according to the release.

Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Commissioner Walt Whitcomb also welcomed Fernandez, and highlighted the important work that the MCC does on behalf of Maine citizens. “As part of the DACF, the MCC’s four-fold mission is to: accomplish conservation projects, create conservation employment, provide conservation education, and engage conservation volunteers,” said Whitcomb in the release. “Since 1983, MCC-supported projects have helped build the infrastructure that so many Maine citizens enjoy in our parks and public places.”

For more information about the Maine Conservation Corps, visit maine.gov/doc/parks/mcc.