GET INVOLVED
Welcome to the volunteer page. Below is a list of opportunities to support the land trust. You can also support the land trust by becoming a member. Presumpscot Regional Land Trust relies on yearly donations from members as the primary source of funding to conserve, steward, and access local lands and clean water for current and future generations to enjoy. If you are already a member thank you. If not, please consider joining now online.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
On the Land
Water Quality Monitoring
Fish Count
Fish Migration Ambassadors
Trail Work
Preserve Stewards
Wildlife Stewards
Outreach & Engagement
Outreach
Office
Photographers / Videographers
Committees
See details for each volunteer opportunity below
VOLUNTEER On the Land:
1. Water Quality Monitoring
Every spring marks the start of our data collection season for water quality throughout the region, and we always need more volunteer help. Water quality monitoring volunteers attend a training led by the Maine DEP and then collect water samples and data every other Saturday morning from mid-May through mid-September. Sign up to volunteer for the 2024 season here, and if you have questions please email toby@prlt.org
2. Fish Count Volunteers
We are working in collaboration with USM and the Department of Marine Resources to support ongoing research on the largest fish migration from Casco Bay. You can support these efforts by becoming a Fish Count volunteer. Volunteers count fish as they enter Highland Lake in Westbrook for 30 minute at a time mid-May to early June. Sign up to volunteer for the 2024 season here, and if you have questions please email toby@prlt.org
3. Fish Migration Ambassadors
Mill Brook supports the largest migratory fish run in Casco Bay, as alewife travel from the ocean through Presumpscot River then Mill Brook to Highland Lake. There are now thousands of visitors who come to see the fish migration at our Mill Brook Preserve. As a result, we have started a new fish migration ambassador program. Ambassadors engage with visitors at the two fish viewing pools, welcoming visitors, answering questions and supporting a successful fish migration. No prior skills are needed and we will provide training. Sign up to volunteer for the 2024 season here, and if you have questions please email toby@prlt.org
4. Trail Work Volunteers
We always have exciting projects happening on our preserves during the spring, summer and fall. Volunteers help create trails, build kiosks, post new signage, and perform trail maintenance throughout the region. You can volunteer on your own or with a small group, whatever fits your interest and schedule. For trail work, sign up to volunteer here.
5. Preserve Stewards
We are looking for new volunteer Stewards for our Preserves. Volunteer Stewards get to know one preserve well, by regularly walking the trail and performing basic maintenance. This is a great way to get outside, get some exercise and enjoy the land throughout the seasons. It is a wonderful volunteer opportunity for people who want to help outside on their own schedule. Sign up to volunteer here.
6. Wildlife Stewards
We have a wide variety of projects to improve wildlife habitat at public access preserves. Projects include removal of invasive Japanese knotweed from floodplains, making and posting wooden boxes for little brown bats, planting pollinator gardens in meadows, and planting trees along riverbanks.
Please fill out our volunteer form if you are interested in becoming a Wildlife Steward Volunteer. Sign up to volunteer here.
VOLUNTEER IN Outreach & Engagement
1. Outreach Volunteers
We are continually expanding our outreach events. In addition to the monthly events, we host seasonal family-friendly events. Volunteers can help us with set-up, check-in, taking photos, and general outreach support.
Please fill out our volunteer form if you are interested in becoming an Outreach Volunteer. Sign up to volunteer here.
2. Office Volunteers
Volunteer to help with mailings a few times per year. Sign up to volunteer here.
3. Photographers and/or Videographers
Photos and videos help us tell the story of the beautiful lands and water we conserve, and the wide variety of people who enjoy them. We are looking for volunteers who enjoy taking photos and video and want to spend time visiting our preserves, capturing the different seasons, and joining us during our events. Sign up to volunteer here.
4. Committees
Interested in being a volunteer leader with the Land Trust? Join a committee and be a part of the inner workings of the Land Trust. We ask everyone who is interested in joining the Board of Directors to first be a part of a committee. Committees include: 1. Engagement Committee - help build financial resources; 2. Finance - review financial reports; 3. Leadership Development - design trainings for the Board of Directors. Click here to let us know you are interested.
By volunteering you will help the Presumpscot Regional Land Trust conserve, steward, and provide public access to local lands and clean water for current and future generations to enjoy. If you have questions about “Volunteering on the Land” contact Program Manager, Toby Jacobs at toby@prlt.org. For questions about “Outreach & Engagement” contact Community Engagement Manger, Brenna Crothers, brenna@prlt.org with any additional questions. Click here to become a member or make a donation.