For potential volunteers looking for a more on-going opportunity, we are seeking new recruits for out Elfin Forest Trail Patrol program. In a nutshell, our Trail Patrol volunteers help maintain the trail system at the Reserve, provide information to trail users, and serve as ambassadors of our natural lands.
Volunteers are permitted to patrol on their bikes! Scheduling is extremely flexible. Volunteers make their own shifts any time and day of the week that works for them (within regular park hours, of course). All we just ask that Trail Patrol volunteers perform, at minimum, three hours of patrolling per month.
To become a Trail Patrol volunteer you have to:
- be at least 18 years old
- allow us to run a background check
- complete the training course that we provide
- contribute a one-time $40 Trail Patrol application fee (of which $20 is a refundable deposit)
- obtain First Aid, AED, and CPR certification
- patrol a total of 3-hours per month (exceptions permitted)
Training course topics will include a thorough explanation of the program and volunteer duties, park rules & regulations, safety & security, trail maintenance techniques, nature interpretation techniques, identifying native and invasive plants, an introduction to local wildlife, and how to use the specialized communication radio.
For the uniforms, there’s a standardized hat and a short-sleeve and long-sleeve shirt that we provide. When volunteers can no longer continue participating in the program we refund $20 of the $40 application fee upon the return of the uniform. Volunteers are responsible for providing their own hiking shoes and green-colored pants/shorts of choice.
All Trail Patrol volunteers must also have up-to-date adult First Aid, AED, and CPR certification (which is separate from the regular Trail Patrol training course). Since we don’t provide the certification ourselves, volunteers have to shop around the various independent certifiers in the area and sign up for the one that is most convenient for them.
Groupon has a limited time deal right now for this certification, done entirely online, for just $20 (which is an incredibly good deal):
