Volunteer Opportunity
Walk Leader

Position Description:

HCT Walk Leaders play a key role in the Trust’s interaction with the public by leading interpretive walks on conservation lands protected by the Trust, Town, and state. Walk leaders will have the opportunity to share their knowledge of local wildlife, habitats, and natural history with a variety of individuals in a natural setting while fostering environmental interest and raising awareness about the Trust’s land protection efforts.

Volunteer Responsibilities:

1. Lead scheduled interpretive walks in one or several conservation areas
   
2. Learn more about local wildlife, habitats, and natural history, enhance interpretive skills, and relate to HCT efforts
3. Enhance existing walks or create new walks

Volunteer Qualifications:

1. Strong communication/interpersonal skills
   
2. Commitment to conservation and continued personal development
   
3. Interest in and enjoyment of the outdoors and public engagement
   
4. Basic knowledge of local flora, fauna, and natural history will be helpful
   
5. Previous experience leading or participating in nature walks is preferred, but not required

Training Provided:

1. If necessary, basic principles of ecology, plant and animal identification, and natural history.
   
2. Introduction to land trusts, and the history and mission of HCT.
   
3. Recommendations may be made for additional reading on wildlife, habitats, and natural history.

Commitment:

Volunteer walk leaders should be able to reliably lead walks on weekends and/or weekdays, periodically throughout the year. While walks will be scheduled ahead of time, some flexibility will be helpful, as public interest fluctuates with season and weather conditions.

Benefits:

1. Satisfaction of directly increasing public awareness and appreciation of the local environment.
   
2. On-the-ground experience in educating about ecology, plant & animal identification, natural history, land conservation efforts, and land stewardship
   
3. Opportunities to learn from and interact with a wide variety of individuals with environmental interest.

Contact:

Ryan Mann, Outreach & Stewardship Coordinator Phone: 508-432-3997 Email: hctryan@cape.com