So You Want to Volunteer? Please contact jrich@tnc.org for more information. Also download our Volunteer Application and Liability Release form.

Download a copy of the Summer 2008 issue of Let's JIVE, our volunteer newsletter (831KB, pdf).  Read our Spring newsletter, too.

LAND STEWARDSHIP WORKDAYS

Berger Preserve Workday 
Date: Saturday, August 16, 2008

Who?  10+ volunteers. Bring your friends and family!
What?  Carrying in lumber to the trail and building puncheon/boardwalk... requiring hammering and nailing... be prepared to get your feet wet (bring something to get wet in and a change of shoes)
When?  Saturday, August 16. Meet in the Belvedere Plantation Market Parking lot a little before 10:30 a.m.
Where?  Alexander Berger Memorial Sanctuary (click for directions)
Why?  Because the beavers are flooding the trail and it's hard for folks to get by. 

Cattail Commandeers
Date: ASAP (exact day TBD- depends on when you are available)
Location: Forks of the Rivanna (Albemarle County)

What did the mouse say when the cat bit its tail? That's the end of me! Yes, that’s what we are hoping to say to the cattails at the Forks of the Rivanna site which the Conservancy has identified as a high priority conservation site due largely to its location at the confluence of the North and South Forks of the Rivanna River. Put on your knee high boots or hip waders and help us pull some cattails. We are looking for 4-6 hard working commandeers. Let Jen Rich know if you are interested and we’ll set up a time that works for everyone, preferably during a weekday, but if you are available during a weekend let me know. (434) 951-0572 or jrich@tnc.org.

Trail Clearing Whoopla!
Dates:
Saturday, September 20th: 10:30 a.m.– 4:00 p.m. Voorhees Preserve,  Westmoreland County
Saturday, October 4th: 10:30 a.m.– 4:00 p.m., Fernbrook Preserve, Albemarle County

Every year our trails need to be maintained by lopping overgrowth, picking up downed branches and repairing any accrued damage. Plan to help and enjoy a great hike by walking the trails and lopping limbs as you go. Contact Jennifer Rich, Volunteer Coordinator, at (434) 951-0572 or jrich@tnc.org to sign up, get directions and receive further information.

Purple Pullers
Date: August - September (exact day TBD- depends on when you are available)
Location: Stephen’s Tract near Chesapeake, VA

Help us eradicate the non-native invasive species purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) from our property and the adjacent right-of-way ditches. Do you know how to identify this invasive which establishes and expands readily to wetland areas? If not, we’ll show you! Join the purple puller team and help us protect nature and preserve life by pulling, digging and tugging purple loosestrife so that it doesn’t continue to outcompete and replace native flora and decrease wildlife habitat. With enough committed volunteers (at least 8) we are hoping to accomplish this task in a work weekday (but if a weekend works better for you let me know). For more information or to sign up contact Jen Rich at 434-951-0572 or jrich@tnc.org.

Vegetation Eliminators
Date: September (day TBD)
Location: Gasbury Granite Flatrocks (Brunswick County)

Stop encroaching vegetation. Help us protect a unique habitat, home to several rare and threatened species, by cutting, lopping, hand sawing and pulling vegetation along the granite rocks’ edge. Such a broad expanse of granite flatrock is unusual in Virginia, and the three globally rare plant species found there grow in the scant soil that accumulates in the rock depressions. Contact Jen Rich, volunteer coordinator, at (434) 951-0572 or jrich@tnc.org for more information or to sign up.

Tree Tube Tacklers
Date: September - October (exact day TBD- depends on when you are available)
Location:
1) Ogden’s Cave Natural Area Preserve, Frederick County, near Middletown, VA
-or-
2) Night and Fentress Tract near Virginia Beach, VA right on the ocean (Princess Anne Blvd)

Do you like to be outdoors?  Do you like to get your hands dirty?  We’re looking for 2-3 volunteers to spend a weekday (preferable, but if available on weekend let me know) tackling tree tubes.  It’s time to remove the protective tree tubes that have been protecting the saplings during their early vulnerable years.  Questions? Interested?  Contact Jen Rich at (434) 951-0572 or jrich@tnc.org.  

JOINING US FOR A WORKDAY?  Please take a moment to read our tips for Proper Preparation and policy on Schedule Changes.

Proper Preperation:  Be sure to dress properly for your workday.  Generally, it is a good idea to wear long pants and hiking or work boots.  You should also bring work gloves, a backpack, water and snacks (lunch).  Depending on conditions a hat, sunscreen and insect repellent are helpful as well.  If you have them, you may also be asked to bring additional tools/equipment.

Schedule Changes:  Predicting our project needs and weather conditions months in advance is tricky business.  To that end, we will not work in thunderstorms, blizzards, tornados, hurricanes and the like.  However, progress typically continues through sprinkles, showers, sizzles and stickiness.  While cancellations are rare, sometimes we must change our plans with little advance notice.  If you are uncertain of the workday status please call the trip supervisor.
 

Nature picture credits (left to right): Photo © Mary Porter (Rappahannock River); Photo © Mary Porter (Volunteers build trail at Fortune's Cove).