Volunteer land stewards are essential to OCT’s land management efforts.
This is a great opportunity to explore some new territory and get your hands dirty while doing valuable conservation work.
Land stewards receive training from OCT staff and are then tasked with monitoring the property (or properties) of their choice one to four times yearly, to ensure that the land is being managed in accordance with OCT’s goals.
Land stewards are expected to:
Conduct a minimum of 1–4 visits per year at the steward’s chosen property(ies)
Walk the property boundaries (first time will be with OCT staff) to ensure there is no encroachment and that the land is being used appropriately
If trails exist, walk the trails, documenting any major trail maintenance issues
On properties with non-native invasive vegetation, land stewards (once trained) may be asked to cut back invasives where feasible
“We get out in nature, we keep track of changes in the seasons and the plant and animal life around us. We learn about taking care of the land, and we get some exercise!”
—Volunteer land steward Charlie Thompson