Volunteer Position Description
The Preserve Steward will perform general monitoring and basic trail maintenance at SVT's Sawink Farm in Westborough.
Responsibilities:
- Walk trails and look for and note problems with trail passage, vandalism, illegal uses, etc.
- Perform basic trail maintenance such as cutting back brush and tree limbs, especially in the growing season along wet areas of the trail.
- Trim vegetation along boardwalk near the parking area.
- Monitor and maintain Connector Trail that leads to other side of Crane Swamp and Cedar Hill.
- Maintain trail signage (staff assistance provided as needed).
- Pick up trash along road frontage, parking lot, and along trails.
- Check condition of deer exclosure monthly.
- Monitor property boundaries annually during spring or fall. Check for encroachments.
- Notify SVT personnel of urgent problems and situations.
- Submit visitation reports on the SVT website’s stewardship volunteer log at least twice per month.
Optional Responsibilities:
- Assist staff with field work which may include property surveys, boundary signage, trail maintenance, inventories, etc.
- Assist volunteer Preserve Steward with summer growth trimming along the adjacent Walnut Hill Trail.
- Observe wildlife and changes in plant communities.
- Document plant and animal sightings.
Volunteer Qualifications:
- Willing to “adopt” an SVT property and gain a thorough knowledge and appreciation of the reservation.
- Able to visit property twice per month.
- Physically able to walk extensively and perform some manual labor.
- Enjoyment of the outdoors and commitment to conservation.
Training/Orientation Provided:
An individual orientation and training session will be provided to introduce the volunteer to the property and its associated responsibilities.
Time commitment (hours, dates, duration):
3 – 8 hours/month. Timing is flexible to your schedule.
Posted April 2025