© 2020 The Trustees of Reservations -- The Trustees is a 501c3 nonprofit organization -- Est. 1891
Volunteer Information | Volunteer@TheTrustees.org
Opportunity Details
Property Steward - Old Manse
Opportunity Overview:
To visit the Old Manse—a handsome Georgian clapboard built on the banks of the Concord River in 1770—is to re-experience pivotal moments in our nation’s early history. Constructed for patriot minister William Emerson, the upstairs overlooks North Bridge, where the famous battle of April 19, 1775, took place. Later, some of New England’s most esteemed minds found inspiration inside its walls. In the 19th century, Ralph Waldo Emerson and Nathaniel Hawthorne both called the Manse home for a time: Emerson drafted his influential essay “Nature” in an upstairs study. Meanwhile, Hawthorne and his wife, Sophia, started their married life here; the recreated heirloom vegetable garden was originally planted by Henry David Thoreau in honor of the Hawthornes’ wedding.
As a Property Steward, you’ll have the opportunity to support and work alongside staff to help keep the Old Manse beautiful for all to enjoy! Our staff are friendly, knowledgeable, communicative, fun and always willing to share their expertise.
Reports to: Stewardship Manager
Responsibilities (may include but are not limited to the following):
Minimum of 1-2 hours, every other week. Six-month commitment required. This is a year-round position.
For more information
Contact the Volunteer Services Team at volunteer@thetrustees.org
To explore other volunteer opportunities, visit our volunteer page at http://volunteer.thetrustees.org/
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 of 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.
Covid-19 Volunteer Safety:
The health and safety of Trustees’ volunteers, staff and visitors is our top priority.
To visit the Old Manse—a handsome Georgian clapboard built on the banks of the Concord River in 1770—is to re-experience pivotal moments in our nation’s early history. Constructed for patriot minister William Emerson, the upstairs overlooks North Bridge, where the famous battle of April 19, 1775, took place. Later, some of New England’s most esteemed minds found inspiration inside its walls. In the 19th century, Ralph Waldo Emerson and Nathaniel Hawthorne both called the Manse home for a time: Emerson drafted his influential essay “Nature” in an upstairs study. Meanwhile, Hawthorne and his wife, Sophia, started their married life here; the recreated heirloom vegetable garden was originally planted by Henry David Thoreau in honor of the Hawthornes’ wedding.
As a Property Steward, you’ll have the opportunity to support and work alongside staff to help keep the Old Manse beautiful for all to enjoy! Our staff are friendly, knowledgeable, communicative, fun and always willing to share their expertise.
Reports to: Stewardship Manager
Responsibilities (may include but are not limited to the following):
- Walk the trails regularly, talk to visitors about trails and features of the property, and keep a record of anything notable (fallen trees, trail erosion, visitor encounters, wildlife, etc.).
- Remove litter, small branches, and other debris from the trails
- Trim overgrowth of vegetation from encroaching onto trails, as needed
- Report to the Stewardship team, including emailing completed trail reports on a regular basis (at least twice per month)
- Record location of any invasive plants observed
- Be comfortable interacting with visitors and answering questions whenever possible
- Promote upcoming events and programs
- Post program info and stock trailhead kiosks with maps, flyers, etc.
- Property Stewards may assist with trail projects or special events
- Log volunteer hours weekly
- Have reliable transportation to the property
- An interest in conservation
- Ability to complete physically vigorous work
- Enjoy interacting with the public
- Ability to read trail maps
- Ability to work independently and communicate effectively
- Observance of Trustees safety and COVID protocols
- Outdoor experience: hiking, biking, horseback riding, snowshoeing a plus
- Trail maintenance experience a plus
Minimum of 1-2 hours, every other week. Six-month commitment required. This is a year-round position.
For more information
Contact the Volunteer Services Team at volunteer@thetrustees.org
To explore other volunteer opportunities, visit our volunteer page at http://volunteer.thetrustees.org/
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 of 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.
Covid-19 Volunteer Safety:
The health and safety of Trustees’ volunteers, staff and visitors is our top priority.
- If you are not feeling well, please stay home
- If you have been in contact with someone with Covid-19 or someone displaying symptoms of Covid-19, please stay home
- For our most current Covid-19 updates, please visit our main Trustees site
Stewardship
Age Minimum (with Adult): 18+, Minimum Age:18+
Log in or Register
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Sign up with a team
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- Choose an existing team you're already a member or captain of, or
- Create a new team to sign up.
Signup Questions
Please respond to the following questions in order to signup for this opportunity: