Conservation USA

Volunteer training handbook for land managers

On behalf of the U.S. Forest Service, Elaine coordinated the development of a guide for training volunteers working on public lands. The Conservation USA Leader Guide was developed through a partnership of 24 government agencies and nongovernmental organizations. Elaine and her staff developed content and design, conducted a pilot review by trainees, and finalized content and layout. U.S. Forest Service and University of Wisconsin Extension, Environmental Resources Center. 2009. . E. Andrews, PI., K. Reilly and T. Beaty, lead authors.

Conservation USA Project Leader Handbook: Comprehensive Resource for Training and Leading Volunteer Conservation Crews
Conservation USA: Instructor’s Manual

Volunteers initially need to work with land managers to learn the skills needed to take on a successful stewardship project. Once those skills have been developed, volunteers may be ready to take a leadership role in community conservation efforts. Volunteers can assist land managers and scientists in these efforts by participating in a variety of stewardship opportunities.

For example:

• Stabilize threatened stream banks.
• Remove invasive species, such as buckthorn or garlic mustard, and restore native plants.
• Clean up urban waterways.
• Construct and install nesting boxes and feeders.
• Build an observation deck or blind in a wildlife refuge.
• Construct and maintain a trail system.

Stewardship activities can be physically demanding, but there are components of a stewardship project, such as planning and organizing, for those looking for a less rigorous activity.