stewardship volunteer opportunities
Managing 12 different public nature preserves is a lot for one little land trust. Luckily we have the support of dozens of dedicated volunteers.
Stewardship tasks vary between preserves and seasons and may include:
- Clear trails of debris
- Clean trails and parking areas of litter
- Remove of fallen trees/limbs across paths
- Install and replace trail markers and signs
- Lay stepping stone paths
- Snow plow preserve parking lots
- Site specific Preserve Steward
- Build, repair, and, maintain kiosks, benches, and footbridges
Volunteer Position Benefits:
- Gain knowledge and experience in stewardship and trail maintenance
- Meet and work alongside other like-minded and dedicated volunteers
- Work according to your own schedule
- The numerous benefits of time spent outdoors!
Qualifications:
Volunteers should have a strong interest in nature and working outdoors, be able to work independently and as a part of a team, and have strong communication skills. Previous experience with small hand tool operation is encouraged, but not required.
If you have any questions about Saratoga PLAN’s stewardship program, reach out to our Stewardship Manager, Bonnie at bonnien@saratogaplan.org
“When I connect with the great outdoors, I am uplifted in body and spirit. To do so while working on a mutual project with friends is great fun. If on top of that, I am creating and maintaining trails for families in the community to enjoy, well, “give-back” just doesn’t get better than that!”
Mary Alice Nyhan
committee member & land steward
“Being a steward and helping to make the preserves special places to visit is a great experience. The friendships developed are the real gifts, as folks come together to build and maintain trails.”
Rev. Dr. Don Washburn
committee member & steward (2009-2020)
“Working on the trail crew for Saratoga PLAN is both fun and rewarding. Constructing and maintaining the network of trails opens up access to special places that exist on preserves that visitors would not normally be able to see and enjoy. Hearing the positive feedback from users is all the reward I need to continue.”
Peter Fedorick
event leader & land steward