Opportunity Overview:
The Trustees of Reservations is looking for an enthusiastic volunteer to perform property stewardship and invasive species control activities for the Land of Providence (LOP) property in Holyoke, MA.
Responsibilities (may include but are not limited to the following):
- Walk the trails regularly, talk to visitors and keep a record of anything notable (visitor encounters, property features, etc.).
- Help tidy the property of trash, small branches, and other debris from the property
- Report to the staff, including sending in the record of their notable observations, on a regular basis (at least monthly)
- Help remove invasive species such as Asiatic bittersweet, bush honeysuckle, and garlic mustard, primarily by assisting staff with cutting and herbicide application
- Occassionally coordinate a small group of volunteers to accomplish necessary maintenance/stewardship tasks
- Adhere to The Trustees safety protocols
- Log volunteer hours
Qualifications:
- Knowledge of and/or interest in native plants
- Don’t mind safely working around poison ivy and herbicides wearing protective clothing
- Ability to communicate effectively with volunteers and TTOR staff
- An interest in conservation, including an understanding of the need to control invasive plants
- Ability and willingness to work on the property
- Ability to work both as part of a team and independently
- Ability to dress in appropriate field clothes and footwear for varying weather conditions: hot and dry, cold or wet, etc.
- Willingness to observe Trustees safety protocol
- Abillity to stand for extended periods with occasional bending, pulling, and digging
- Ability to walk on uneven ground
- Ability to lift up to 40 lbs
- Commitment to reporting your service hours via the Trustees volunteer website
Desired:
- Conversational Spanish
- Experience with landscaping or gardening
- Handiness with irrigation and carpentry
- Knowledge of the ecology and geology of the area
- Good communication skills
- Open to engaging visitors when appropriate
- Plant identification skills
Time Commitment Needed:
At least 4 hours per week, 2-4 weeks per month/ preferred from March until September, but seasonal opportunities (i.e. summer) available (can be year round).
More about The Trustees
Founded by landscape architect Charles Eliot in 1891, The Trustees has, for more than 125 years, been a catalyst for important ideas, endeavors, and progress in Massachusetts. As a steward of distinctive and dynamic places of both historic and cultural value, The Trustees is the nation’s first preservation and conservation organization, and its landscapes and landmarks continue to inspire discussion, innovation, and action today as they did in the past. We are a nonprofit, supported by members, friends and donors and our 116 sites are destinations for residents, members, and visitors alike, welcoming millions of guests annually. www.thetrustees.org.
Inclusive Spaces for All
We are committed to providing a welcoming environment for all. Together, alongside our partners and volunteers we are creating inclusive spaces community for people of all backgrounds to enjoy and preserving these open spaces for everyone, forever. We are committed to inclusion across race, gender, age, religion, identity, ability, and experience.
The Trustees is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal employment opportunity for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, age, military service, application for military service, veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law. The Trustees makes reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.