From Dismissed by DOGE to Rooted in Renewal: Lessons from the Soil After AmeriCorps On April 28, 2025, I received a text message from my project manager inviting me to a "required Zoom meeting." Like many other AmeriCorps members, I joined, unaware that it would be my last official acts of service, ending May 9, 2025. Within minutes, I and hundreds of others across the country were dismissed. Not for misconduct. Not for poor performance. But because the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) decided our roles were expendable. Just like that, my position as a Literacy Mentor with The United Way of Northern Nevada and the Sierras was over. For months, I had poured my energy into helping children unlock the magic of reading. I tested, tracked progress, encouraged hesitant learners, and celebrated every small victory. The work was slow, like planting seeds. And suddenly, it was gone. But life has a way of continuing, and so does growth. Finding Grounding in the Ga...

  When it comes to composting, few creatures are as efficient and fascinating as red wiggler worms ( Eisenia fetida ). These small but mighty worms are nature’s secret weapon for turning kitchen scraps and organic waste into nutrient-rich compost. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, adding red wigglers to your composting routine can revolutionize the way you handle waste and improve soil health. Why Choose Red Wigglers? Unlike common earthworms that burrow deep underground, red wigglers prefer the upper layers of decomposing organic material, making them ideal for composting. Here’s why they’re a top choice for vermicomposting: ✔ Efficient Composters – Red wigglers can consume half their body weight in organic waste each day, rapidly breaking down food scraps and paper waste. ✔ Nutrient-Rich Castings – Their waste, known as worm castings, is packed with beneficial microbes, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which enrich soil and promote plant growth. ✔ ...