AmeriCorps funding cut impacts Severson Dells Nature Center, seeking public help

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Severson Dells Nature Center is asking for the public’s help in light of funding cuts authorized by the Trump administration.

The U.S. Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) ordered AmeriCorps, a federal agency that funds community service and volunteerism, to cut $400 million in grants after the White House found the agency had failed 8 consecutive audits.

“We got notification from the Illinois Department of Human Services at the end of the day last Monday, that our AmeriCorps grant had been terminated, effective immediately,” said Ann Wasser, Severson Dells’ executive director.

Ten members of the staff were given a stop-work order last week.

Wasser said the Nature Center relies on AmeriCorps funding for a variety of programs they offer at no cost.

“They were providing habitat restoration. They were engaging volunteers in collecting environmental data. They were doing outreach programs in school. They were doing afterschool programs,” Wasser said.

Without those workers, education programs manager Andrea Wallace Noble said Severson Dells will struggle to keep offering those services.

“These programs are possible because we have so many amazing AmeriCorps members. And on days like today, when we have field trips out, we have to scramble with this last-minute notice of AmeriCorps getting pulled so suddenly to find the staffing to cover the programs,” Noble said.

Wasser said that without the AmeriCorps volunteers, Severson Dells will need help from the community.

“We’re relying on volunteerism now more than ever. And if anyone’s interested, they’re welcome to help out with our programs by volunteering to lead hikes with children or even some of our other events, like clearing out honeysuckle from our woods,” she added.

Severson Dells is located at 8786 Montague Road.