Program History

Cape Cod’s natural environment is an extremely valuable and fragile resource that must be protected and sustained for future generations. Cape Cod’s shoreline has attracted millions of visitors from the U.S. and abroad for many decades. According to the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce, tourism creates $1.3 billion in spending by domestic travelers, supports 12,000 jobs, and generates more than $89 million in state and local tax receipts.

Though the economic health of the Cape depends largely on tourism, the increasing numbers of residents and visitors flocking to the most fragile resources has resulted in significant environmental impacts. The effects of increased development can be difficult to manage for Cape Cod’s federal, state, County and town departments, and non-profit groups who oversee these highly visited areas.

In response to the Cape’s environmental threats, the Barnstable County’s Resource Development Office proposed the creation of an AmeriCorps program in 1999. Through a series of community meetings, Barnstable County cultivated enthusiasm and support for the idea while enlisting partners and local municipalities as key collaborators. Partnerships with the Job Training and Employment Corporation (JTEC) and the Cape Cod National Seashore provided the initial management, housing, and funding for the start of the program.

Over the past 25  years, AmeriCorps Cape Cod has proven to be flexible, adaptable, and ready to support the Cape Cod community. There have been several instances where the program has transformed to address critical needs. This includes special initiatives with the American Red Cross of Southeastern Massachusetts Chapter and the Cape Cod National Seashore which allowed the  program to stay at the cutting edge of disaster response while remaining dedicated to its environmental and natural resource management foundation.