The Nature Conservancy in Indiana is looking for a dedicated volunteer to be the eyes and ears of our Grand Calumet Nature Preserve in Lake County.
This 54-acre preserve is part of the Grand Calumet River Conservation Area, a patchwork of restored sites along the river that protect the globally rare dune and swale ecosystem. The preserve features wildflowers such as blue lupines, gentians, and blazing stars in addition to a vast array of waterfowl and shorebirds, some of which are quite rare. As a preserve monitor, you will assist our stewardship staff between their regular visits.
Your work and observations will help Grand Calumet Nature Preserve be welcoming and well-maintained for other visitors to enjoy!
Time Commitment: About 2 hours monthly
Days of Week: Volunteers can choose any day of the week to visit
Duties may include:
- Walking the trail at least once a month to observe the condition of the trail, parking area, signs and boundaries.
- Picking up and disposing of trash and litter found on the trail and on roadsides (not along the river's edge).
- Checking and restocking informational brochures at the trailhead.
- Taking photos of issues that may need to be addressed by staff.
- Cutting back branches that have grown over the trail using pruners or loppers (no chainsaws).
- Moving small branches and debris off trails.
- Monitoring the preserve for illegal ATV use or evidence, such as tire tracks.
- Reporting findings to TNC staff after each visit. Staff will discuss any issues and develop a plan to address them.
- Tracking your time and tasks so your efforts can be included in our annual volunteer reports.
- May also assist TNC staff with other trail maintenance and stewardship tasks as needed.
If you are interested in contributing your time and skills, please contact Esmé Barniskis at esme.barniskis@tnc.org.
