Preserve Steward, Smith Conservation Land, Littleton

Volunteer Position Description

The Preserve Steward will perform general monitoring and basic trail maintenance at SVT's Smith Conservation Land in Littleton.

Responsibilities:
  • Walk trails and look for and note problems with trail passage, vandalism, illegal uses, etc. (For properties without trails, walk roadside and property perimeter.)
  • Inform staff through visitation reports when trail mowing is needed.
  • Perform basic trail maintenance such as cutting back brush and tree limbs.
  • Look for indications of any informal trails that are developing or in use, and attempt to cover them over so they aren't apparent to new visitors.
  • Remove trash and debris from parking area, trails, and roadside.
  • Maintain trail signage. (Staff assistance provided as needed.)
  • Monitor the condition of the postings in the kiosk and refresh when needed. (Staff assistance provided as needed.)
  • Keep map brochures stocked in the kiosk map box.
  • Monitor property boundaries annually during spring and fall. Check for encroachments.
  • Submit visitation reports on the SVT website’s stewardship volunteer log. 
     
Optional Responsibilities:
  • Communicate with visitors about rules, especially regarding dog walking.
  • Assist staff with field work, which may include invasive species control, property surveys, boundary signage, trail maintenance, inventories, etc.
  • Observe wildlife and changes in plant communities.
  • Document plant and animal sightings. 
     
Volunteer Qualifications: 
  • Willing to “adopt” the property and gain a thorough knowledge and appreciation of it.
  • Able to visit property bi-weekly throughout the year.
  • Able to trim vegetation along the trails regularly in the growing season.
  • 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): 

Variable (2 – 10 hours/month). Can be flexible to your schedule. 

Posted November 2025