To express interest in this volunteer position, please click the “Respond” button and in the Response Notes, include a few sentences about why you are interested in this role and why you’d be a great fit. Make sure to click the “Submit Opportunity Response” button at the end to complete the process. Our volunteer coordinator will reach out in May/June to share more about the program and next steps.
As a Trail Steward volunteer, you will monitor Boston Nature Center's 2-mile trail and boardwalk system, pick up trash along Canterbury Brook that runs through the property, and report any issues - such as fallen trees or rough trail conditions - that you encounter. Trail Stewards play a key role in helping Boston Nature Center maintain safe, welcoming, and pleasant trails for visitors and the surrounding community.
This volunteer position is a great fit for someone who loves spending time outdoors, giving back to nature and the community, and making natural spaces welcoming for visitors and protected for wildlife. It is also a great fit for someone looking for a flexible volunteer opportunity to do on their own schedule. As a Trail Steward volunteer, you will have the opportunity to get to know the sanctuary well, observe and note seasonal changes and cycles at the sanctuary, and be a key part of our team effort to clean and maintain our trails.
The Trail Steward volunteer program will be starting up in Summer 2025. If you are interested in volunteering as a Trail Steward, please follow the instructions above to express interest, and we will reach out to you when training sessions are scheduled.
Responsibilities
As a volunteer, you will be responsible for:
Walking along trails on your own schedule when the sanctuary is open, picking up trash at key locations, and submitting a report to staff on a phone or computer with your findings
Removing trash along the trail with trash grabbers and bags, clipping intrusive brush and branches, and moving small-to-medium sticks and debris
Greeting visitors along the trails and being a welcoming ambassador and representative of Mass Audubon
Entering the hours you volunteered in our online volunteer portal with a phone or computer
Training will be required and provided.
Requirements
Complete our volunteer onboarding process, which includes undergoing a CORI/SORI background check
Attend an in-person Trail Steward orientation and training at Boston Nature Center
Be age 18 or older or always accompanied by parent/guardian when volunteering
Commit to:
Volunteering as a Trail Steward at least once a month
Completing online report form after each visit via computer or mobile device
Responsibly using the provided Trail Steward equipment and alert Mass Audubon staff if any equipment needs replacing
Demonstrating and modeling responsible behavior on trails
Greeting every visitor met along the trail to welcome them to the sanctuary
Volunteers also agree to log their completed volunteer hours in our online volunteer portal. This can be done on a personal phone, computer, or tablet. Training on how to enter hours will be provided as part of volunteer orientation.
Safety
Maintaining a safe work environment is a priority of Mass Audubon. Volunteers should dress in appropriate outdoor clothing for the weather and sturdy shoes, and bring a snack and water if you plan to be out on the trails for an extended period of time. Additional safety will be covered in the training.
Schedule
Trail Stewards can volunteer on the trails any time the sanctuary is open, M-F 9am-5pm and weekends/holidays 10am-4pm. While weekly monitoring is the most helpful to staff, we ask that as a Trail Steward, you plan to volunteer at least once every month.
Trail Stewards offers a flexible and independent volunteer experience, but there will also be the opportunity to collaborate with other Trail Stewards and schedule times to work together.
Transportation
Directions to Boston Nature Center, including our recommendations about using public transportation or biking to get here, can be found at https://www.massaudubon.org/places-to-explore/wildlife-sanctuaries/boston-nature-center/directions.
Next Steps
To express interest in this volunteer position, please click the “Respond” button and in the Response Notes, include a few sentences about why you are interested in this role and why you’d be a great fit. Make sure to click the “Submit Opportunity Response” button at the end to complete the process. Our volunteer coordinator will reach out in May/June to share more about the program and next steps.
