Be a Volunteer Supervisor!
Our volunteer supervisors tell us it's tremendously satisfying to help others learn about the environment while making tangible improvements to our urban landscape. Anyone is welcome to become a volunteer supervisor; no previous knowledge or experience is required.
Who are Volunteer Supervisors?
Great River Greening’s Volunteer Supervisors are the gears of our events. They are the motivators and initiators leading work groups at restoration events. Supervisors provide on the job training to work groups consisting of 5-15 restoration volunteers. Work includes, but is not limited to, planting, exotic species removal, and native seed collection propagation. In addition, Volunteer Supervisors lead smaller projects throughout the year and educate community groups on issues related to ecological conservation and restoration.
Event Day Tasks:
On event day each supervisor will be in charge of a work unit of 5-15 volunteers. Their responsibilities include:
- Provide volunteers with information related to the history and mission of Great River Greening.
- Lead orientation of the site and the significance of the present day’s work.
- Provide volunteers with necessary training to properly perform planting and removal duties.
- Instruct volunteers in safe and proper use of tools and equipment.
- Ensure volunteers in work unit complete the assigned activity.
- Ensure work is completed in a manner that meets the high quality standards of Great River Greening.
- Keep their volunteers motivated!
Qualifications:
Excellent communication skills and the ability to effectively work with people of diverse backgrounds and ages. The ability to motivate volunteers and guide their efforts in a respectful and sincere manner. Previous experience related to ecological restoration and environmental conservation is preferred but not required.
Time Commitment:
At least one restoration event per year. Restoration events commonly occur on Saturday mornings during the spring and fall.
Training:
Completion of the Basic Supervisor Training session (3 hrs.). Volunteer Supervisors are able to shadow more experienced supervisors at Great River Greening restoration events until training is completed.
Online Trainings:
Basic Supervisor Training - Working With Volunteers (2MB pdf)
Tree Planting (1MB pdf)
Tree Maintenance (.5MB pdf)
Invasive Plant ID (3.5MB pdf - download may take a while)
For more information or to learn how to get involved as a Volunteer Supervisor, contact Volunteer Manager Laura Durenberger-Grunow at ldurenberger-grunow@greatrivergreening.org
