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. You can also share if you would be interested in volunteering as a Trail Steward at another location in addition to this one. A required training for all new Trail Stewards will take place Sunday, August 23rd at 10am at Wachusett Meadow in Princeton.
As a Trail Steward volunteer, you will monitor Wachusett Meadow's 12-mile trail system and report any issues, such as fallen trees or rough trail conditions, that you encounter. Wachusett Meadow's many miles of trails meander through woodlands, wetlands, and meadows. Volunteers will have the opportunity to get to know the trail system very well, observe our working resident flock of sheep, and notice sanctuary changes throughout the seasons.
Trail Stewards play a key role in helping Mass Audubon maintain safe, welcoming, and pleasant trails for visitors by alerting staff of priority areas to address along the trails. This volunteer position is a great fit for someone who loves spending time outdoors, hiking, and making trails and natural spaces both 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.
Responsibilities
As a volunteer, you will be responsible for:
Hiking along trails on your own schedule when the sanctuary is open and submitting a report to staff with your findings. If the Nature Center is open when you are volunteering, we ask that you stop by the front desk to report trail conditions as well
Clipping intrusive brush and branches, moving small-to-medium sticks and debris, and/or removing trash along trails as needed
Entering the hours you volunteered in our online volunteer portal with a phone or computer
Requirements
Submit and successfully clear CORI/SORI background check
Attend the required in-person volunteer training
Be age 18 or older or always accompanied by parent/guardian when volunteering (regardless of age, we recommend bringing along a friend when you volunteer!)
Commit to:
Hiking along at least one sanctuary trail at least once a month
Sending an email to staff after each visit detailing what you found on the trails
Responsibly using the provided Trail Steward equipment and alert Mass Audubon staff if any equipment needs replacing
Demonstrating and modeling responsible behavior on trails
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. Volunteers should plan to bring water and a snack if they plan to be out on the trails for an extended period. We also recommend walking the trails with a buddy when possible.
Schedule
Trail Stewards can volunteer by hiking the trails at any time the sanctuary is open, which is daily from dawn to dusk. Volunteers are asked to walk the trails at least once a month.
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. You can also share if you would be interested in volunteering as a Trail Steward at another location in addition to this one. A required training for all new Trail Stewards will take place Sunday, August 23rd at 10am at Wachusett Meadow in Princeton.
