So You Want to Volunteer? Please contact jrich@tnc.org for more information. Also download our Volunteer Application and Liability Release form.

Download a copy of the Fall 2008 issue of Let's JIVE, our volunteer newsletter (1.23MB, pdf).  Read past issues of our volunteer newsletter: Summer 2008 or Spring 2008.

LAND STEWARDSHIP WORKDAYS

Tree Tube Tacklers
September - October (exact day TBD- depends on when you are available)
1) Ogden’s Cave Natural Area Preserve, Frederick County, near Middletown, VA
-or-
2) Night and Fentress Tract near Virginia Beach, VA right on the ocean (Princess Anne Blvd)

Do you like to be outdoors?  Do you like to get your hands dirty?  We’re looking for 2-3 volunteers to spend a weekday (preferable, but if available on weekend let me know) tackling tree tubes.  It’s time to remove the protective tree tubes that have been protecting the saplings during their early vulnerable years.  Questions? Interested?  Contact Jen Rich at (434) 951-0572 or jrich@tnc.org.  

Video/ Photo Monitor: Long Term before, during, after restoration
MEADOW CREEK RESTORATION, Charlottesville

The Nature Conservancy is working with the City of Charlottesville to undertake the restoration of 7,000 linear feet of Meadow Creek in the vicinity of Greenbrier Park.  Meadow Creek feeds the Rivanna River and in order to reduce streambank erosion and improve water quality and habitat, the stream banks will be reshaped, trees will be planted along the stream, and habitats will be created for aquatic life. 

We need your help documenting this process before, during and after restoration. A video recording of the stream channel, stream banks, and buffer area along the stream is preferred, and would likely entail walking in the stream channel wearing chest waders. However, digital photos are also acceptable as long as they are taken every 10-50 feet and documented. We are also interested in getting GPS readings with notes so that before and after video/photos are similar. We can provide a GPS unit if you do not have one.

We are looking for 2 volunteers to claim a section of Meadow Creek who have a video camera and/or a digital camera, chest waders, potentially have a GPS unit and are excited to help several times throughout the year(s). We also ask volunteers to bring a friend while recording/photographing in the stream for safety purposes. The restoration is slated to begin next summer or fall. Volunteers should do a “before” session this fall, a “during” construction session and an “after” restoration session, with the potential of continued years of monitoring to document this big change. Please contact Jennifer Rich, volunteer coordinator, if you are interested by calling (434) 951-0572 or e-mailing jrich@tnc.org. 

JOINING US FOR A WORKDAY?  Please take a moment to read our tips for Proper Preparation and policy on Schedule Changes.

Proper Preperation:  Be sure to dress properly for your workday.  Generally, it is a good idea to wear long pants and hiking or work boots.  You should also bring work gloves, a backpack, water and snacks (lunch).  Depending on conditions a hat, sunscreen and insect repellent are helpful as well.  If you have them, you may also be asked to bring additional tools/equipment.

Schedule Changes:  Predicting our project needs and weather conditions months in advance is tricky business.  To that end, we will not work in thunderstorms, blizzards, tornados, hurricanes and the like.  However, progress typically continues through sprinkles, showers, sizzles and stickiness.  While cancellations are rare, sometimes we must change our plans with little advance notice.  If you are uncertain of the workday status please call the trip supervisor.
 

Nature picture credits (left to right): Photo © Mary Porter (Rappahannock River); Photo © Mary Porter (Volunteers build trail at Fortune's Cove).