Where Are They Now? Alumni Highlight: Benjamin Garcia
Let’s catch up with Benjamin Garcia! Benjamin served with CCMI as an AmeriCorps member in the summer of 2023 on the trails crew in Iowa. Now he lives in St. Louis, where he works as a Consulting Utility Forester with Eocene Environmental Group.
What kind of work did you do when you were in the Corps?
I was on the trail crew. We rerouted and maintained trails in central and eastern Iowa. We built staircases, rerouted trails and made sustainable trails.
What did you do immediately after your term with the Corps?
I went back to school.
Where are you now?
I recently moved to St. Louis, where I am currently a Consulting Utility Forester with Eocene Environmental Group, where I do risk assessments for the power company. Any vegetation growing around power lines is something I would take a look at to be trimmed or left alone. [Before this, I was] working for the Conservation Corps of Long Beach, where I [was] a supervisor for the River Ranger crew, a specialized crew doing restoration and outreach on the Los Angeles River.
Were there any particularly memorable or challenging experiences during your time in the Corps?
The first week of [service] was a spike, where we had to build a staircase out of these big limestone bricks, weighing something like 200 lbs. We had to carry them in these rock carrier things, and as we put more bricks on the staircase, we had to hike further and further. My fingers have never been more sore. But starting the term with that difficulty made the summer easier for me.
What was the most personally meaningful part of your experience with Conservation Corps?
The connection I made with my crew. We still talk every now and then, even 2 years later. We had a great time together despite working in the Iowa heat.
How did the experience shape your career/life?
The experience made me realize that I love conservation and love working outside. I’ve never really had fun at work until I came to the Corps, and after my term ended I wanted to continue working in the field.
How did you use your education award?
I used it to pay off my student loans.
What advice would you give to current members?
I would tell them to savor the time they have while at the Corps, because you never know when a term at the Corps could be your last. Also, embrace the fun.
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