The Nature Conservancy in Indiana is looking for a dedicated volunteer to be the eyes and ears of our Prairie Border Nature Preserve in Wheatfield, Indiana.
This 776-acre preserve is part of what was once the Grand Kankakee Marsh, which is an important site for a wide range of native plants and animals, including grassland bird species and oak savanna communities. Wetlands scattered throughout create a mosaic of plant community types for visual interest and biodiversity in each season.
As a preserve monitor, you will assist our stewardship staff between their regular visits. Your work and observations will help Prairie Border Nature Preserve be welcoming and well-maintained for all visitors to enjoy!
Time Commitment: About 2 hours monthly
Days of Week: Volunteer can choose any day of the week to visit
Duties may include:
- Walking the trail at least once a month to observe the condition of the trail, parking area, signs and boundaries.
- Picking up and disposing of trash and litter found on the trail and on roadsides.
- Taking photos of issues that may need to be addressed by staff.
- Cutting back branches that have grown over the trail using pruners or loppers (no chainsaws).
- Moving small branches and debris off trails.
- Monitoring the preserve for illegal ATV use or evidence, such as tire tracks.
- Reporting findings to TNC staff after each visit. Staff will discuss any issues and develop a plan to address them.
- Tracking your time and tasks so your efforts can be included in our annual volunteer reports.
- May also assist TNC staff with other trail maintenance and stewardship tasks as needed.
If you are interested in contributing your time and skills, please contact Esmé Barniskis at esme.barniskis@tnc.org.
