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So You Want to Volunteer? Please contact jrich@tnc.org for more information. Also download our Volunteer Application and Liability Release form.
Download a copy of the Spring 2009 issue of Let's JIVE, our volunteer newsletter (1.63MB, pdf). Read past issues in our Let's JIVE Newsletter Archive.
LAND STEWARDSHIP WORKDAYS
Stewardship in the Clinch Valley
July 7-16, one day or multiple days available
The Nature Conservancy in Virginia is participating in the 15th season of the Internship Program for City Youth based in New York. We are opening up the volunteer work to all volunteers!! See below for the tentative schedule and note that it is subject to change.
Tuesday, July 7 – Elk Garden Work Site: Nuisance Species Removal
Wednesday, July 8 – Elk Garden Work Site: Timber Stand Improvement
Thursday, July 9 – Elk Garden Work Site – Easement Boundary Posting
Friday, July 10 – Elk Garden Work Site: Invasive Species Removal – Japanese Stilt Grass Pulling
Monday, July 13 – Thursday, July 16 – Elk Garden Work Site: Based on crew feedback the plan for July 13 – July 16 will consist primarily of repeating Timber Stand Improvement, Boundary Marking, and Nuisance & Invasive Species Removal.
If you are interested in participating any of these days please contact Jen Rich at jrich@tnc.org or 434-951-0572.
Friday, July 31: Gate Installation
Jacobson Site (Lower James area)
We are looking for 4-6 volunteers to help dig four holes and set posts with concrete to install a gate at the Conservancy's Jacobson site in the Lower James area. If you have a wheelbarrow to mix concrete please let me know. Anyone is welcome to help, but prior experience installing a gate or doing similar work is helpful. Volunteers will also be helping to mark boundaries at the site. Please contact Jen Rich, volunteer coordinator at 434-951-0572 or jrich@tnc.org.
Saturday, August 22, 10:00 a.m. Puncheon Maintenance
Berger Preserve (near Fredericksburg)
It’s been rainy this spring! The puncheon (a type of boardwalk) on the trail system at Berger Preserve needs some maintenance. Volunteers will be carrying in lumber, hammering and nailing boards and re-arranging current puncheon so that visitors are able to hike the trails easier. Contact Jen Rich, volunteer coordinator if you are interested in helping at 434-951-0572 or jrich@tnc.org.
Saturday, September 12, 9:00 a.m. Pine Pulling
Sussex County
At least 20 volunteers needed!! The Nature Conservancy planted 105 acres of conservation easement land in Sussex County with longleaf pine, but some volunteer loblolly pines are coming up and will compete for resources with the restored longleaf pine. How can you help? Volunteers are needed to pull the 8-inch tall volunteer loblolly pines. The pines will easily pull up and we need as much help as we can get. Meet at the Sussex County Courthouse at 9:00 a.m. and contact Jen Rich, volunteer coordinator, at 434-951-0572 or jrich@tnc.org to sign up.
Volunteer Visitation Committee Orientation
The volunteer visitation committees are starting up at several of our preserves, and their hard work and talents are, and will continue to be, outstanding contributions of excellence toward our goal of protecting nature and preserving life. An orientation schedule has been set. Please contact Jen Rich, volunteer coordinator, at (434) 951-0572 or jrich@tnc.org to sign up, get directions and receive further information about these committees.
Saturday, September 12, 10:00 a.m.
Wildcat Mountain Preserve, Fauquier County
Saturday, September 19, 10:00 a.m.
Voorhees Preserve, Westmoreland County
Saturday, October 3, 10:00 a.m.
Falls Ridge Preserve, Montgomery County
Burn Crew - Southwest Virginia and Western Mountains of Virginia
Are you interested in coming out to help with prescribed fires this year? Do you have the right qualifications? Conservancy volunteer burn crew members must meet the same standards as the Conservancy staff burn crew. Specifically, you must be a NWCG Type II Fire Fighter. This means you must posses a valid red card, or have taken courses S-130 and S-190, and be able to furnish signed task books and course certificate and have completed the pack test, which entails walking 3 miles in 45 minutes carrying a 45-pound pack.
Interested in becoming a volunteer burn crew member, but don’t yet meet the requirements? Becoming a Type II Fire Fighter in Virginia might be easier than you think. You can take the courses online or check out the training schedule at dof.virginia.gov/fire and search training.
JOINING US FOR A WORKDAY? Please take a moment to read our tips for proper preparation and policy on schedule changes.
Proper Preparation: Be sure to dress appropriately for your particular workday. Generally, it is a good idea to wear long pants and hiking or work boots. You should also bring work gloves, a backpack, water and snacks (and/or lunch, if not provided). Depending on conditions, a hat, sunscreen and insect repellent may be helpful as well. If you have them, you may also be asked to bring additional tools/equipment.
Schedule Changes: Predicting our project needs and weather conditions months in advance is tricky business. We will not work in thunderstorms, blizzards, tornados, hurricanes and the like. However, progress typically continues through sprinkles, showers, sizzles and stickiness. While cancellations are rare, sometimes we must change our plans with little advance notice. If you are uncertain of the workday status please call the trip supervisor.
Nature picture credits (left to right): Photo © Mary Porter (Rappahannock River); Photo © Mary Porter (Volunteers build trail at Fortune's Cove).
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