The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™

Trail Sign © Mark Godfrey

Preserve Monitoring

Preserve Monitoring is one of the most important jobs for Conservancy volunteers.  As a Friend of the Preserves, volunteers choose one or more Preserves to visit at least once per month (hopefully more) checking on conditions of parking areas, signs, trails, structures, natural features, damage from all-terrain vehicles, evidence of dumping, vandalism, and picking up litter.

Preserve Monitoring is a fun activity that you can do with the family.

After each visit, volunteers complete an easy Monitoring Report online which is sent directly to the Preserves Manager. This information is extremely important, as it aids the Preserve Managers in prioritizing work and addressing urgent issues. Prompt submittal of reports will ensure timely follow-up.

While monitoring a preserve, it is helpful to perform basic maintenance tasks such as removing litter and fallen twigs and limbs from trails and parking areas. Volunteers can also assist Preserves Manager on an as needed basis to complete stewardship actions on TNC preserves.

How to get started:

1. Complete the Volunteer Information Form
2. The Preserves Manager will contact you to discuss monitoring responsibilities and designate preserves that need monitoring.
3. The Preserve Manager can meet with you for an orientation visit to a preserve and provide you with a Friends of the Preserves volunteer cap, garbage bags, preserve maps and other necessary information. 

For a list of nature preserves go to Places We Protect

Volunteer Workdays

Volunteer workdays are scheduled on an as needed basis. Volunteers are notified of these opportunities through email. Sometimes we need a large group and other times we just need one or two people to assist the Preserves Manager on a specific task.

To participate in a future workday, submit a Volunteer Information Form

Shorebird Protection and Education

Help educate beach visitors about the plovers and terns that nest on the Conservancy’s Goosewing Beach Preserve in Little Compton during the spring and summer months.  Assist Conservancy staff in data collection of nesting shorebirds and recreational beach use. No experience necessary, training provided. The ability and willingness to communicate with people and an interest in rare species is a must. For more information see the Shorebird Monitoring & Education Volunteer description.  To join the Goosewing Steward team contact Cheryl Wiitala, Preserves Manager at 401-331-7110, ext. 25; cwiitala@tnc.org.