Volunteer
People who share their time and skills to benefit nature in our region are at the heart of what we do. It is thanks to hundreds of volunteers that we're able to accomplish so much, and make a difference for the species who call this area home.
Our volunteer recruitment period is now closed, and we are reviewing applications. Thank you to everyone who applied!
Help create content for social media and more! We are looking for people who are comfortable using Canva, video editing software, writing and other platforms.
We would like to update our trail rating and could use some help. This special project involves reviewing trail ratings through a broader lens to include accessibility, and write descriptions for each trail system (eg. Spoon Rating). Work with GIS staff to update descriptions of elevation, landscapes etc. Potentially visit the nature reserves and create mapping of trails (including elevation).
Commitment: 2 - 4 hours/mo
Timing: All year
The most common group work in the office is mailings. We do two large mailings per year, (spring & fall) as well as several smaller mailings. Volunteers are absolutely critical to getting these mailings out. We will be in touch when we are ready to fold, stamp and seal those letters!
There is a recurring weekly job doing office reception. This happens at least weekly, volunteers choose their own shifts and hours from a set of available times. We will orient you for the day when you arrive with answering phones, welcoming visitors and doing light admin in the down time. This jobs helps donor dollars go further by increasing staff efficiency – we are so grateful to our reception volunteers!
There are also ongoing jobs that require regular maintenance, these include, but are not limited to;
• Database Work (Computer based)
• Scanning & Filing (Manual)
We also have some special projects, for these projects you can book a time to come in that works for you, and there are some you can do from home! If you are interested in any, please let us know!
• Manage Google Listings (Computer based) - The ideal person would have an understanding of managing these listings, and/or would research best practices – good skill to learn!
• Server Photo & Video File Maintenance (Computer based) - The ideal person will have a familiarity with how the Microsoft Windows file explorer works
• Grant’s Woods Story (Manual) - The ideal people will have an interest in archives and the organization’s history
• Create Social media posts using Canva (Computer Based) - The ideal person will enjoy being creative on a computer
Positions available: 0
Every Conservancy nature reserve has a team of two land stewards that are the eyes and ears on the ground. Land stewards are the trusted experts of their property and gain their knowledge through exploration of the property, meeting staff and other volunteers, and review of stewardship plans.
The main job of a land steward is to know their property. They monitor the trails and property perimeter for trail maintenance issues and prohibited activities. Land stewards submit a report after each monitoring visit. We also ask for help with
- identifying species–at-risk and invasive species
- maintenance and stewardship projects which could include installing signs, building boardwalks, or managing invasive species
- providing input in stewardship plans
Skills and Equipment Needed:
- In order to monitor the property boundaries and trail, volunteers should be able to navigate on-trail and off-trail in all seasons. We strongly encourage volunteers to use our Landscape smartphone app to access property maps, track observations and submit monitoring reports, though we can provide paper monitoring reports if need be.
- Ability to work outdoors in remote areas in varying conditions (warm or cold weather, buggy, muddy areas, etc.)
- Snowshoes for going off-trail in winter are recommended.
- Volunteers may also want to bring binoculars, a camera, field guides or a species ID app.
Commitment: Four half days per year (spring, summer, fall, and winter) for property visits, visit reporting.
Training Required: We provide
- General orientation of the Couchiching Conservancy
- Working in the field safety training
- Invasive Species ID, Species-at-Risk ID, and Landscape smartphone app courses
- one-on-one field orientation of the property
Note that you may not bring dogs on monitoring trips.
Positions available: 0
The Property Maintenance volunteers are a roving team with carpentry and chainsaw know-how. They take on larger maintenance projects such as foot bridge construction and maintenance, erecting new property signs, and keeping our office in good repair.
Conservancy staff call upon Property Maintenance volunteers as work comes up and staff plan and lead all outings and projects. Work can vary from clearing fallen trees from trails, to simple repairs to our office, to more elaborate projects like installing a foot bridge on a trail. In 2023, if there’s enough interest, we plan to establish a Women’s Property Maintenance team, in addition to our existing Property Maintenance Team.
Skills and equipment needed:
- Carpentry skills, mostly woodworking (foot bridges, boardwalks, and other outdoor structures) but additional skills are handy, such as plumbing and working with concrete.
- Chainsaw training and experience.
- Experience using weed trimmers and brush saws.
- Ability to do physically demanding work requiring repetitive motions such as bending, lift, carrying, and hammering.
- Ability to work outdoors in remote areas in varying conditions (warm or cold weather, buggy, muddy trails, etc.)
Commitment: Eight half days per year (spring, summer, fall, and winter).
Training: We provide
- General orientation of the Couchiching Conservancy
- Working in the field safety training
- Landscape GPS app training
- Tool safety and use, if needed
Note that you may not bring dogs on Property Maintenance trips to Conservancy properties.
Positions available: 0
Invasive Species volunteers help Conservancy staff map invasive species on Conservancy properties using our Landscape smartphone app. This volunteer position is a great way to explore our many nature reserves, including some lesser known properties that don't see many visitors.
We also welcome help with removal of invasive species, though this work can be physically demanding requiring repetitive motions such as bending, pulling, and spading. Some invasive species, such as garlic mustard, are easier to remove and may be a good opportunity to help.
Skills and equipment needed:
- Able to go off-trail in forests and meadows in varying conditions such as sun, bugs, and occasional muddy areas.
- Able to use Landscape smartphone mapping app, which we provide training for.
Commitment: 5-10 half days per year. Invasive species work can take place throughout the year, though the majority occurs in late spring, summer and fall depending on the species.
Training: We provide
- General orientation of the Couchiching Conservancy
- Working in the field safety training
- Invasive species identification training
- Species-at-risk identification training
- Landscape smartphone app training
Note that you may not bring dogs on Invasive Species trips to Conservancy properties.
Commitment: 2 hours per month
Timing: Spring-Fall
There is no limit on the number of people who take on this job!
The Grant's Greeters team helps us connect with trail users and the community, and offers you flexibility to pick your own volunteering dates and visit our most well visited nature reserve. We estimate that over 7,000 people visit this reserve each year. Imagine if each person donated just $5 or started volunteering - what a big difference that would make! These people end up becoming members, volunteers and in some cases, end up working with us to protect their land. This role is fundamental to increasing our impact. And it all starts with having a conversation! We provide you with full training so you can be a representative for the work we do. You will become well-versed in our organization's mission, goals, and current projects and receive ongoing support and resources to enhance your ability to effectively communicate our message.
By volunteering in this role, you are making a positive impact on nature, species, and communities. You can be a crucial link between our organization and the community, fostering connections that drive positive change.
Ambassadors and Grant's Greeters are so critical to our work, that we have an entire webpage dedicated to this volunteer team. You can read more here!
Wildlife on Roads Job Description:
Positions available: 6
Summary:
Roads impact species movement and cause animal mortality. The data from this project helps us understand what species are impacted, while supporting the need for mitigation measures, such as eco-passages and exclusion fencing. At least once a month from spring – fall, trained volunteers walk along their assigned section of road and record observations of dead/injured/alive animals using iNaturalist.
Commitment:
Must be available to complete your monitoring visit at least once a month from April - October. Visits will take 1-2 hours to complete.
Site Location: Between Sebright and Uphill, Kawartha Lakes.
Skills needed:
• Able and willing to walk ~2 KM along road shoulder
• Able and willing to photograph roadkill
• Good vision
• Able and willing to remove roadkill from the road
• Able to bend and squat
• Road awareness and safety
Equipment Required:
* Indicates equipment will be provided by The Couchiching Conservancy
• Smartphone with functioning camera
• *Hi-vis vest
• *Measuring tape
• *Pylons
Training Required:
All training is provided by The Couchiching Conservancy upon confirmation of volunteer position.
In person classroom and field training, where you will learn:
• Why the information you collect is important
• How to survey a road for wildlife
• How to record your observations on smartphone app iNaturalist
• What we will do with the data
Positions available: 2
Currently looking to fill 1 position at Adams NR, and 1 position at Kris Starr Sanctuary.
There are eight species of bats in Ontario, and four of them are listed as endangered. Bats are active at night, emitting echolocation which cannot be heard by humans.
Bat Monitoring teams of 2-3 are assigned a property and cover a designated route 1/2 hour after sunset. Using an Echo Meter Touch 2 Pro, you will record the echolocation calls of bats which can then be analyzed to determine species.
Commitment: Must be available to make three evening visits of approximately 2 hours each in June and July, during your assigned dates (we organize monitoring dates based on everyone's availability in the program).
Skills and equipment needed: You will need a headlamp and something to protect you from the bugs – a bug jacket and gloves are recommended. You need to be confident that you can navigate along a trail in the dark, and be comfortable using a smart phone/tablet.
Training Required: There is no experience necessary, we will train you on how to use the bat monitoring equipment. There is optional training to use the Landscape mobile app (a mobile app we use to collect monitoring visit data/tracks/photos) which will take place in early to mid March.
Note that you may not bring dogs on monitoring trips.
Positions available: 0
About: This is our benchmark Community Science program, which began in 2015. Water Teams test for up to 9 different water quality parameters on-site including Temperature, Depth, pH, Dissolved Oxygen, Phosphates, Turbidity, Alkalinity, Nitrate-Nitrogen, Conductivity, and sometimes Chlorides.
Commitment: Volunteer teams visit their assigned stream site once per month when the water is free of ice (~April to Nov). Surveys take approximately 1 hour to complete (not including the time it takes to reach the site). Training is mandatory (see below).
Training:
- Step 1: In-person group training: Learn about the basics of hydrology, monitoring methods, safety, and take a look at the monitoring kits.
- Step 2: Supplementary: Online resources cover hydrology basics
- Step 3: Site orientation: A Couchiching Conservancy staff member will go with you for your first monitoring visit to show you your monitoring site and go over the monitoring methods
Please be aware that this job involves…
Handling chemicals with safety warnings (gloves and goggles provided)
Likely encounters with ticks, mosquitoes and other bugs
Walking down sloping stream banks
Wet, muddy, and uneven terrain
Carrying an awkwardly shaped tote bag and crate from your car to your monitoring site (distances vary)
…Peaceful sounds of fresh running water and the knowledge that you are contributing to water quality science in the Great Lakes region.
Note that you may not bring dogs on monitoring trips.
Positions available: 0
About: Volunteers are assigned a patch of milkweed to survey for monarch eggs and caterpillars. Volunteers report on the characteristics of the milkweed patch and the number of monarchs counted.
Commitment: Volunteer teams visit their assigned site once per month from June – September. Surveys take approximately 1 hour to complete (not including the time it takes to reach the site). The surveys are done 3 weeks apart to give the monarchs time to grow up and leave the patch. This prevents double-counting individual monarchs. Training is mandatory (see below).
Training: Volunteer training will take place in late May to early June and will involve:
- Step 1: In-person group training: Learn about the basics of monarch monitoring in a classroom setting
- Step 2: Supplementary: supplementary materials will be provided for reference, including a printed monitoring manual, and online resources.
- Step 3: Site orientation: A Couchiching Conservancy staff member will go with you for your first monitoring visit to show you your monitoring site and go over the monitoring methods
Please be aware that this job involves…
Likely encounters with ticks, mosquitoes and other bugs
Repeatedly bending down to carefully inspect 60 milkweed plants
Spending ~ 1 hr with little shade available
…the chance to observe the beauty of monarchs at all stages of their lifecycle and discover the biodiversity found in meadow/open habitats.
Positions available: 0-3
About: There are one toad and nine frog species in our region, and volunteers are trained to identify their calls both individually and in a chorus. Volunteers are given access to a playlist of reference frog calls that they can listen to (with headphones) to verify calls.
Commitment: In teams of two, volunteers visit their assigned wetland site 1/2 hour after sunset. From April to July, 1 trip is made per month. Each survey takes 7-17 minutes (not including time to drive and hike to the site). It is important not to miss monitoring visits, so having a flexible evening schedule in the spring is ideal.
Training:
- Step 1: In-person group training (early March): Learn how to identify each frog species and how to carry out the monitoring methods.
- Step 2: Supplementary: Online resources for reviewing frog calls.
- Step 3: Site orientation: A Couchiching Conservancy staff member will go with you for your first monitoring visit to show you your monitoring site and go over the monitoring methods
Please be aware that this job involves…
Listening to a jumble of frog calls and identifying individual species (ie. Requires good hearing)
Navigating nature reserve trails in the dark (uneven ground)
Driving to and from your monitoring site at night time
Mosquitoes and biting bugs (standing still at a wetland at night for 7-17 min)
…Magical experiences where choruses of frogs call out from the misty wetland while an owl hoots in the distance and fireflies dance around you
Note that you may not bring dogs on monitoring trips.
Positions available: 0-2
About: There are one toad and nine frog species in our region, and volunteers are trained to identify their calls both individually and in a chorus. Daytime monitoring focus specifically on identifying Western chorus frogs (a species-at-risk).
Commitment: In teams of two, volunteers make 3 visits to their assigned monitoring site when the air temperature is above 10°C. Visits are made between 10 am and 6 pm and is typically done in the early spring (late March - mid May). Must have at least 24 hours between monitoring visits. Each survey takes 7-17 minutes (not including time to drive and hike to your site).
Training:
- Step 1: In-person group training (late Feb, early March): Learn how to identify each frog species and how to carry out the monitoring methods. Mandatory for new volunteers.
- Step 2: Supplementary: Online resources for reviewing frog calls.
- Step 3: Site orientation: A Couchiching Conservancy staff member will go with you for your first monitoring visit to show you your monitoring site and go over the monitoring methods
Please be aware that this job involves…
Listening to a jumble of frog calls and identifying individual species (ie. Requires good hearing)
Navigating nature reserve trails in the dark (uneven ground)
Mosquitoes and biting bugs
…an immersive experience in the sounds of spring
Note that you may not bring dogs on monitoring trips.
JOBS AT CAPACITY FOR THIS YEAR
Positions available: 0
Many reptile species in our region are at risk either federally, provincially, or both. For this reason we will be focussing on finding some of these at risk species. The reptile monitoring program has evolved from monitoring specific Nature Reserves to surveying for certain species and will now consist of two branches: Snake Board Surveys and Targeted Species Surveys.
Snake board surveys
Equipment Needed: No equipment is required, but binoculars are encouraged.
Targeted species surveys
- Volunteers will be spaced evenly (2-3m apart) and survey transects of certain habitats
- Surveys will be different depending on the species but may include:
- Paddling (turtles, aquatic, and semi-aquatic snakes)
- Using chest waders in wetlands (turtles, aquatic, and semi-aquatic snakes)
- Walking transects off trail (Massasauga, Eastern Hog-nosed, Smooth Green, and other snakes)
- Using the Landscape app to collect data
- Record species locations and photos
- Habitats and transects for surveys will be visible on the map
- Tracks of each surveyor will be recorded to gauge search effort
Training Required: We will train you on how to identify the reptiles in our region, and how to conduct the surveys. There will be mandatory Reptile & Amphibian identification, Reptile Survey Methods, and Landscape Mobile App training in mid-late March.
Equipment Needed: Binoculars and a smart phone that you can use to submit monitoring visits through the Landscape mobile app (we would provide you with an account). A camera with a zoom lens is encouraged (we have easy-to-use cameras we can loan you)
Note that you may not bring dogs on any reptile monitoring trips.
Grassland birds are one of the fastest declining groups of birds in North America as they contend with land use changes and pressures throughout their entire range. In our region we are lucky to have the Carden Alvar, with habitat suitable for a wide variety of grassland birds, but this is still not enough space in the larger scheme of the declines they face. For these surveys we are focussing our efforts on private agricultural land where we hope to find breeding birds. We will then approach those farmers with incentives to adjust their agricultural practices slightly to allow the young birds to fledge successfully.
Commitment: Grassland Bird Surveyors (usually a team of 2) are assigned a route, or stations, where they will conduct 5-minute point counts of our three target species, Bobolink, Eastern Meadowlark, and Barn Swallows. These routes will be located along roads within our Conservation Acquisition Corridors throughout the region. When conducting surveys teams need to go out early in the morning (between 7-10am) at least 2-3 times between the end of May and mid-July.
Skills and equipment needed: Good hearing and eyesight are required. You will need access to a vehicle, binoculars, and comfortable using a smart phone.
Training Required: There is no experience necessary, we will train you on how to identify the target species and how to conduct the surveys. There will be a new volunteer orientation session (1.5 hr – March), In-person and online training (2-3 hr – April), and outdoor training at Bluebird Ranch (2-3 hr - late May).
Note that you may not bring dogs on monitoring trips.
Volunteers monitor salamander boards, that have been placed in the forest, checking for any salamanders that are using them for cover. Some teams will also be checking vernal pools (temporary ponds) in the early spring for salamander and frog egg masses.
Commitment: Teams of two are assigned a Nature Reserve to monitor, each one has roughly 10 salamander boards that are checked 3 times in the spring and 3 times in the autumn. Some teams may also make additional visits in the spring if they have vernal pools at the Nature Reserve. Each site visit varies in length depending on the Nature Reserve, but is generally around 2-3 hours. The timing of visits is critical to success (the conditions should be wet or damp), and volunteers need to have enough flexibility in their schedules to make their visits under prime weather conditions.
Training Required: There is no experience necessary, we will train you on how to identify the salamanders in our region, and how to conduct the surveys. There will be a new volunteer orientation session (1.5 hr – March), online training (3-4 hr – March - early April), and outdoor training (3-4 hr - late April – early May).
Equipment Needed: A smart phone that you can use to submit monitoring visits through the Landscape mobile app (we would provide you with an account). Wet weather clothes, rubber boots, and a bug jacket/net.
Note that you may not bring dogs on monitoring trips.
Questions?
Email Madeleine Fournier at engage@couchconservancy.ca for inquiries.