Trail Steward + Trail Monitor Volunteers

 
 

For more than 80 years the Grand Traverse Conservation District has worked to conserve the natural resources that support and sustain the Grand Traverse region. As part of that work, the Conservation District manages 2,500 acres of public parkland and provides stewardship for the Boardman River.

Throughout these parklands are over 20 miles of trails, boardwalks, and bridges that need regular maintenance and upkeep. Volunteers serve to improve the quality of the trail experience for visitors and are responsible for the upkeep and regular maintenance of their adopted trail section.

The amount of time volunteers spend monitoring a trail is up to each individual, and the help provided is invaluable to our work with these public parklands.

There are two levels of commitment for volunteers looking to get involved:

Trail Monitors:

  • Monitor trail conditions

  • Pick up trash

  • Report issues that need attention (graffiti, trail damage, downed trees, etc.)

  • Maintain the overall quality and appearance of the trail and associated trailheads

Trail Stewards:

  • Monitor trail conditions

  • Pick up trash

  • Move fallen branches off trails

  • Sweep overlooks and stairs

  • Fill dog waste bags

  • Trim and prune vegetation

  • Report issues that need attention (graffiti, trail damage, downed tree, etc.)

  • Maintain the overall quality and appearance of the trail and associated trailheads

Volunteer Trail Monitors and Stewards are needed at each of the following parklands that are managed by the Grand Traverse Conservation District:

Responsible To: GTCD Parkland Stewards

Time Commitment: The Volunteer Trail Steward is asked to visit designated trails at least once a month from Spring to Fall (April-October).

Qualifications: Physically capable of hiking trails, self-motivated, dependable, and some knowledge of trail design.

Next Steps & Training: Please fill out the application and indicate you are interested in voluteering for “Trail Steward/Trail Monitor.” Irene Stibitz will reach out to you with information on upcoming volunteer orientations, and our parklands stewards will reach out and provide more details about the program and which trail/parkland you’d like to monitor! We will also place you on our general email list so you will receive info on other volunteer opportunities throughout the year!

Training for this specific position will be provided by parkalnds stewards. In addition, staff will be readily available for questions and assistance.

Trail Stewards: please submit trail reports here.