Purpose/Objective: Assist Door County Land Trust (DCLT) in stewarding our lands by serving as the eyes, ears and general point person for a specific nature preserve. Collaborate with staff to plan and execute stewardship projects and tasks for the preserve. Communicate and engage with others interested in assisting with land stewardship tasks at DCLT Preserves.
Location: Designated nature preserve(s) or natural area(s).
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide staff with a periodic observational report of the preserve and progress of any work done including volunteers involved, volunteer hours, time, and dates of work.
- Conduct annual preserve monitoring and complete the Annual Preserve Monitoring Form (usually done in fall).
- Adhere to the Preserve Use Guidelines and Rules and DCLT’s Safety Practices.
- Work with staff to identify, prioritize and plan tasks to be conducted on the Preserve.
- Where necessary, organize and communicate with a stewardship team to accomplish work identified, using staff assistance as needed.
- Independently conduct stewardship tasks, with help from a team where necessary. The main tasks needed are:
- checking/clearing/marking trails
- checking /installing benches, parking areas, preserve signs, kiosk information, hunting notices
- removing unauthorized deer stands
- removing trash or dealing with hazards
- conducting biological or environmental monitoring
- inventorying/removing/treating invasive species
Qualifications: Preserve Stewards have a wide range of backgrounds. The Preserve Steward should have the ability to independently monitor trails and boundaries. Outside of this, there is no particular knowledge or skillset required besides an interest in the preserve and an understanding of and commitment to DCLT’s mission. Familiarity with DCLT’s land management practices is helpful.
Time Commitment: Performing the Preserve Steward duties can range from eight to over fifty hours per year. Factors influencing the amount of time include the size of the preserve, degree of public use, amount of land management activities occurring and more.
Training/Support provided: Trainings are offered as necessary and when available. Staff provides equipment and training throughout the year. The Land Stewardship Coordinator provides training in monitoring practices individually to new Preserve Stewards.
Benefits: The opportunity to work outdoors, meet and work with new people and be active while providing a valuable service to the community. Opportunity to contribute toward the positive management of important nature preserves and natural areas.
This opportunity is ongoing.
Door County Land Trust
217 N 4th Ave
Sturgeon Bay WI
Paige Witek
pwitek@doorcountylandtrust.org
(920) 746-1359 x114