Get Involved: Open Space & Natural Resources - Resource Steward

Resource Steward

Description:

You enjoy our Douglas County Open Space properties…now, how can you give back to the land to secure the natural resources or make access to the properties more inviting?  Help for a day at a stewardship special project or give back more long-term by adopting an open space property, becoming a volunteer crew leader to lead groups of volunteers on stewardship projects.  

Volunteer Land Steward Project Possibilities 

• Create monthly stewardship projects to engage individuals, families, and small groups to tackle a clean-up project, weed removal effort, trail maintenance, habitat improvement project, or other projects to enhance Douglas County Open Space properties.   

• Guide or assist with a special project that has been requested by a Scout, company, church or school group, or other community-minded organization that will enhance an Open Space property.  

• Celebrate Earth Day, Colorado Public Lands Day, National Trails Day, or Make a Difference Week by creating a beneficial project that will engage volunteers.  

• Adopt an Open Space property to help monitor and conditions, assist with invasive weed removal, correct minor situations along the trail, record wildlife observations, pick up litter, and assist being the eyes and ears for the property.     

Requirements  

• Service projects are dependent on the needs of the Open Space property  

• Guidance from Douglas County Open Space Staff to initially create the project is required. 

• Special tools, materials, access, and procedures will need to be determined and followed. 

 Training 

• Indoor and outdoor trainings at various sites may be held for Volunteer Land Stewards and procedures for Special Projects.  

• A variety of Volunteer Naturalists, Trail Crew Volunteers, local resource specialists, and Douglas County Open Space staff members can contribute a wealth of information and assistance for Volunteer Land Stewards. 

• Get to know the Open Space properties and natural resources, helpful contacts, trails, and history of the land, and how to maintain or improve the resources.   

Volunteer Benefits:

• Opportunity to meet and work with people with similar interests. 

• Opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and improve the land.     

• Receive training to understand the needs of our native plants and animals and management practices. 

• Acquire feelings of accomplishment and taking part in community service. 

Interests:

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

Skills:

Botany, Geology, Habitat Restoration, Wildlife Conservation, Environmental Ed/Interpretation, Public Speaking/Presentations, Public Contact /Hosting, Gardening/Agriculture