Get Involved: Larimer County Open Space - Plant Steward

Plant Steward

Description:

Nurture trees, shrubs, and native plants on Larimer County properties while promoting sustainability, providing wildlife habitat, and creating a welcoming space for visitors.

Plant Steward volunteers provide trees with the proper maintenance to ensure their longevity. Newly planted trees take a few years to establish under normal conditions and regular watering is the best way to prevent drought injury and ensure their best chance of survival. The schedule is flexible; choose the day & time that works best for you! No experience necessary. Just a desire to help young trees reach their full potential. Properly cared for trees provide maximum economic, environmental, and social value.

Time Commitment:

Schedule

• A regular one (1) or three - four (3-4) hour shift, every other week
• July - September (or longer)

Training:

• New Volunteer Orientation (includes overview of expectations, policies, emergency response procedures, etc.)
• On-site training with Department of Natural Resources staff 
• Training will cover appropriate tool use & safety

Volunteer Benefits:

• Spend your time outdoors while connecting with and giving back to the community.
• Decrease stress and lower your blood pressure by spending time with trees.
• Get valuable bird watching time.
• Be an integral part of promoting LCDNR’s mission, enhancing visitors’ experiences, and fostering stewardship values.
• Learn from experienced staff and volunteers
• Utilize your native plant and/or gardening experience.
• Be physically active outdoors.
• Enjoy quiet time in a beautiful setting.
• Know that you are making a difference with a visible impact.
• Complete 20+ volunteer hours in a calendar year & receive a LCDNR parking pass.

Documents:

Plant Steward Position Description

Requirements:

• Enjoy working outside and nurturing plants & trees.
• Must be friendly, courteous, and respectful.
• Able to work independently.
• Follow guidance, directions, and safety instructions of LCDNR staff and other volunteers.
• Good communication skills.
• Be in good physical condition: ability to lift up to 50 lbs., walk at least a mile, climb down steep terrain, bend, stoop, push and reach.
• Be flexible to accommodate changes in weather.
• Experience with physical labor skills such as maintenance or landscaping are helpful but not required.
• Ability to provide own transportation.
• Comfortable with utilizing computers and reporting data in a timely manner.
• Abide by all rules, regulations, and safety guidelines while on Larimer County property.
• Understanding and acceptance of the potential risks for this volunteer position such as inclement weather, potentially dangerous rattlesnake or other wildlife encounters, unpleasant interactions with the public and injuries resulting from the physical duties associated with a project.

Duties:

• Pick up and carry large, heavy hose & other equipment.
• Pick up & drop off supplies at the maintenance shop.
• Water trees which takes 1 hour or 3-4 hours
• Pick up trash including small or micro pieces. Report any hazards such as sharp or unsafe items.
• Listen to and follow all safety guidelines and instructions given by LCDNR staff or volunteer leaders.
• Communicate regularly with staff via phone, text or email.
• Use larimer.org, LCDNR’s volunteer software, to record your volunteer time and report any maintenance issues.
• Dress appropriately. Typically, this includes wearing sturdy closed-toed shoes, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), water, clothing layers for variable weather conditions, leather work gloves, and anything else you’ll need for working outdoors.
• All tools and project materials are provided.

Skills:

Native Plant Identification, Conservation Practices, Noxious Weed Identification, Reporting/Data Entry, Groundskeeping, Landscaping, Gardening, Communication