Get Involved: Open Space & Natural Resources - Resource Steward

Resource Steward

Description:

Become a Volunteer Resource Steward!

Help protect Douglas County’s open spaces by sharing Leave No Trace principles and inspiring responsible recreation. As a steward, you’ll engage visitors through Table Talks, promote low-impact practices, and support one-day restoration projects that keep county properties and habitats healthy.

Join us in making a lasting difference—educate, restore, and preserve the places we all love for future generations.

Volunteer Resource Steward Activities

• Host Leave No Trace Table Talks at designated Open Space trailheads from May through October, engaging visitors in conversations about responsible recreation and conservation practices.

• Lead interactive workshops that teach Leave No Trace ethics for minimizing human impact on natural areas.

• Participate in occasional staff-organized efforts to restore native ecosystems and improve habitat quality (examples: creek bank restoration, seed broadcasting, erosion control, clean ups, etc.). 

Requirements & Training 

• Leave No Trace 101: this free and online training is required to host LNT Table Talks as a Douglas County Open Space Volunteer Resource Steward. This 45-minute online training will equip you with the knowledge to make a lasting difference and provide you with the practical skills to pass on your knowledge to the general public.

• Restoration projects and project specific training are dependent on the needs of Staff and coordination with Staff is required.

• Specific tools, materials, access requirements, and procedures must be identified and adhered to.

• Familiarize yourself with the Open Space properties—their natural resources, trails, and land history—and learn how to preserve and enhance these resources.
• Additional training to be determined. 

Volunteer Benefits:

• Make a Lasting Impact: Assist Douglas County Open Space staff in achieving Leave No Trace Gold Standard Designation across multiple properties.
• Enjoy the Outdoors: Spend time in beautiful open spaces while fostering a culture of reciprocity between recreators and the natural environment.
   
• Gain Valuable Knowledge: Receive training on the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace, empowering you to educate others and promote responsible recreation.
   
• Develop Leadership Skills: Opportunities to lead Table Talks, engage with visitors, and participate in restoration projects that improve trails and wildlife habitat.
• Be Part of a Community: Connect with like-minded volunteers and staff who share your passion for conservation and stewardship.

 

Interests:

Outdoors - Outdoor Skills, Natural Resources - Environment, Maintenance - Property Cleanups, General Volunteer - One Day Service Project, Maintenance - Land Restoration and Plantings, Communications - Presentations and Interpretation

Skills:

Environmental Ed/Interpretation, Botany, Public Contact /Hosting, Backcountry, Public Speaking/Presentations, Habitat Restoration, Wildlife Conservation