Do you enjoy mowing and wish you could do more of it, all the while helping nature? Join TNC's volunteer team as trail mower at Prairie Border Nature Preserve in Jasper County.
This 776-acre preserve is part of what was once the Grand Kankakee Marsh, which is an important site for a wide range of native plants and animals, including grassland bird species and oak savanna communities. Wetlands scattered throughout create a mosaic of plant community types for visual interest and biodiversity in each season.
The mower volunteer will assist with maintaining the trail at Prairie Border by regularly mowing to a walkable height. This will enable more visitors to enjoy the trail and preserve and add much-appreciated support to the Land Stewardship team.
This volunteer will work alongside the land steward for the property, and all supplies (including a mower) will be provided. Experience with large riding mowers is strongly appreciated but not required.
Time Commitment: About 2-4 hours monthly
Days of Week: Volunteer can choose any day of the week to visit
Duties may include:
- Mowing trail and fire lines
- Conducting basic maintenance on mower
- Coordinating with TNC stewardship staff on equipment availability
- Completing training on mower and equipment use
- Tracking volunteer hours for inclusion in program reports
- Supporting staff with other stewardship tasks as interested and available
Desired background or experience:
- Experience with push mowers, especially DR push mowers
- Experience with essential maintenance on mowers
- Comfortable working in remote areas off-trail
If you are interested in contributing your time and skills, please contact Esmé Barniskis at esme.barniskis@tnc.org.
