Volunteer Opportunities
For over forty years the Hanover Conservation Council’s members and volunteers have enabled the organization to deliver it mission. The Council’s volunteers employ their talents and passions to accomplish a broad scope of activities. Opportunities to volunteer range from performing trail maintenance in the great outdoors to managing the Council website from the comfort of your own home.
Some of our volunteers bring a skill set from their careers and apply it in the new arena of conservation. Other volunteers join us to explore a new interest and find that they develop a passion. Please take some time to review the stewardship and administrative volunteer positions described below and imagine how volunteering with the Hanover Conservation Council might fit into your life. If you are interested please contact Sarah Peña, Volunteer Coordinator, at (603) 643-3475 or e-mail spena@sover.net.
Learn about volunteer opportunities with the Council
We will be sharing information about our growing volunteer program. A few of our dedicated volunteers will be recounting their favorite experiences volunteering with the Council. There will be opportunities to sign up for volunteer positions and for trail work party dates for the spring and summer.
To RSVP for the event, or if you are interested in helping us with the breakfast call Sarah Peña, Volunteer Coordinator, at 643-3475 or e-mail spena@sover.net
Council Volunteer Positions
Trail Monitors
- Walk designated Council trails to assess conditions. Volunteer’s assessment determines need for trail maintenance.
- Time Commitment: 2 hours/month (warm seasons)
Trail Maintenance and Work Parties
- Clear brush, manage downed trees, hang signs, and blaze trails in response to trail monitor’s observation. Some regularly scheduled maintenance in late spring and mid-autumn.
- Time Commitment: Variable, estimated 2 hours/month (warm seasons)
Educational Trip or Workshop Leader
- Lead trips and events on conserved land. This includes, but is not limited to, bird trips, land history tours, wildflower walks, animal tracking, kite day, hikes, snow shoeing, and cross-country skiing. The requirements and specializations will vary depending on the trip.
- Time Commitment: 2-4 hours/trip or event
Researcher of Scientific Features of Conservation Land
- Study flora, fauna, geologic, or geographic features of conserved lands. Studies could range from recording animal signs to comparing soil type along a tract of land. The topics of research on the conserved lands can be directed by the interest of a volunteer. The requirements will depend wholly on the concentration of the proposed study.
- Time Commitment: Depends on Project.
Researcher of Historical Features of Conservation Land
- Research significant historical elements of properties, for example historic cellar holes on properties or past uses of the lands by Native Americans or settlers. The topics of research on the conserved lands can be directed by the interest of a volunteer. The requirements will depend wholly on the concentration of the proposed study.
- Time Commitment: Depends on Project.
Invasive Plants Monitor and Eradication
- Identify invasive encroachment on conservation properties. When needed non native invasive plants will either be removed or treated. Following removal or treatment appropriate replanting of native species can take place. (?) Currently State Certification is needed for chemical remediation in or near wetlands. Invasive plant eradication will be coordinated by an expert in this field.
- Time Commitment: 2 hours/month (warm seasons)
Water Quality Monitor
- Monitor the quality of the water ways within the conservation lands, including Mink, Slade, and Trout Brook. Collect samples from each of these sources and deliver them to a lab work at Colby Sawyer College for chemical analysis. The Council is also looking to assess the presence and diversity of invertebrates as water quality indicators.
- Time Commitment: 3 hours/month (warm seasons)
Property Stewardship Committee
- Serve on a community committee for a Council conservation land. Primary responsibility is to ensure that the management plans are being met for each property. Committee members will have a strong commitment to the Council’s mission and to the responsibilities of the property committee. Committee members will ideally have diverse skills and interests.
- Time Commitment: 2-4 hours/month
Photographer for properties and events
- Keep a photo record of the Council's volunteer efforts and community events. Annually photograph conserved lands as a photo record. Volunteer must own and be able to operate a digital camera.
- Time Commitment: Depends on event.
Council Website Manager
- Manage the Council's website. Potentially help the Council redesign website to better serve current activities and focus. Volunteer must have past experience with professional website design and management. Website management can be performed remotely.
- Time Commitment: 2 hours/month
Administrative Projects Assistance
- Enter and edit data, proofread, and assist with mailings. Proficiency with FileMaker Pro and Microsoft Office Excel preferred.
- Time Commitment: 4-8 hours/month
Short Term Projects
- Create kiosks at entry points of Natural Areas.
- Create a self-guided interpretive nature trail along key corridors of Preserves.
Special Project
- You creativity is the limit! Please share any ideas with The Council.
- Time Commitment: Depends on the project.
Thank you to all of our volunteers!
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