Join the Cause to Protect and Educate About Our Natural Habitats
ACRES relies on volunteers to maintain our preserves and help educate the public about the need to protect our natural environment. Here are some of the tasks performed in our preserves and at our office.
Preserve Preparation (Back to top)
Check our Open Projects page to see what tasks are needed done, then contact Ethel, our volunteer coordinator, at mcclellev@verizon.net.
- Determine boundaries and preserve goals.
- Remove non-natural objects such as fencing, buildings, junk, and litter.
- Remove non-native invasive plants.
- Determine trail system and clear new trails.
- Document plant and animal species.
- Install parking lot, preserve sign, and sign-in box.
- Post trail signs.
- Build bridges, steps, and boardwalks.
Preserve Maintenance (Back to top)
Check our Open Projects page to see what tasks are needed done, then contact Ethel, volunteer coordinator, at mcclellev@verizon.net.
- Regularly mow trails and easements.
- Keep trails clipped open and preserves free of litter.
- Keep invasive plants cleared.
- Monitor preserve for fallen trees and vandalism.
- Monitor bluebird houses for damage and house sparrow activity.
Work parties are announced periodically. Come in clothes you don't mind getting dirty and wear sturdy shoes (hiking boots are best). We usually have food and supplies, but you might consider bringing your own of the following in case we run out: work gloves, sunscreen and insect repellant, special extra food for yourself, plastic bag in which to put trash. Tools needed depend on the project, but usually include branch loppers, shovels, screwdrivers, pliers, and hammers.
Programs and Promotion (Back to top)
Check our Open Projects page to see what tasks are needed done, then contact Ethel, our volunteer coordinator, at mcclellev@verizon.net.
- Lecture on a topic involving a feature of the natural environment or its preservation.
- Lead nature hikes and on-site classes.
- Write an article for The ACRES Quarterly.
- Submit photographs for The ACRES Quarterly and the archives.
- Organize photos, slides and documents.
- Attend a booth for passing out ACRES promotional material at public events.
Volunteers with Equipment and Tools (Back to top)
Check our Open Projects page to see what tasks are needed done, then contact Ethel, our volunteer coordinator, at mcclellev@verizon.net.
- Haul trash.
- Wrench heavy items out of ravines.
- Grade gravel or soil.
- Mow trails.
- Provide foodstuff and picnic supplies for work parties.
- Build bluebird houses.
- Make trail signs and informational signs.
Volunteers Can Earn Credit for These Groups: (Back to top)
Boy Scouts of America. Scouts can earn some of their merit badges through work with ACRES. For large projects such as constructing stairs, a bridge, or a length of trail for a preserve, scouts have earned our ACRES Land Trust patch (shown at the left) plus credit towards their Eagle Scout rank.
Girl Scouts of America. Consider us for activities to earn scout badges.
Indiana Master Naturalist Program. Volunteer service time can be earned doing chores on our nature preserves.
