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Deep River Land Trust Seeks Volunteers: Take a Walk in Your Woods

When you crave a walk outside or a peaceful place to take a pause, there are plenty of opportunities very close by. There are 14 land trusts in the Connecticut River valley, all nonprofit conservation organizations with a common goal to preserve incredible open spaces in perpetuity, thereby protecting ecosystems and providing oases for people and wildlife.

The town of Deep River Land Trust (DRLT) protects and preserves properties that lie along the Connecticut River within the larger Silvio O. Conte National Fish and Wildlife Refuge. The properties are home to woodlands, streams, compelling geology, and a rare freshwater tidal marsh. DRLT is small but mighty, with 15 properties and 230 acres preserved all over town and the trust will soon to be adding another eight acres.

The DRLT's properties are open sunrise to sunset and all are encouraged to enjoy these open spaces. You can find a map of the properties on its website and you will see them marked by roadside blue and white signs. Many have trails and the DRLT only asks that a few simple rules are followed: Please do not hunt, camp, bike, make fires, smoke, use motorized vehicles, or remove or destroy plants. Dogs are welcome and must be on leash or under your control at all times.

The work of the DRLT benefits people who live, work, and play in Deep River. The DRLT is looking for help with its mission and understands that everyone has their own strengths. Volunteering with the DRLT, which has a variety of needs, can give you experience to add to your résumé, public service hours, or just a way to use your talents to volunteer for a great cause.

Here's how DRLT can help you:

Website Master:

Check out deepriverlandtrust.org. The DRLT is looking for someone to keep it fresh. Design and content development ideas are welcome.

Media Wizard:

The DRLT Facebook page could use your expertise and creativity as well as expansion to other platforms. You will be able to take the lead!

Educators:

Work with the DRLT's famous teachers to develop and deliver programs and property-related messages like how the Smythe Preserve keeps the Connecticut River clean.

Communications Commander:

There is so much to talk about and the DRLT needs some guidance on how best to present it, who really needs to hear it, and when to tell them.

Workers (get your workout outside):

This is for you if you want to work outside with trail design, trail building and maintenance, habitat enhancement, and wood working (signs, bridges, benches).

Naturalist-in-Training:

Work with the DRLT's ecologists, geologists, and biologists to help with research that feeds the property management and educational programs.

Finance and Investment experts:

Help keep it all going.

This story and photograph were provided by the Deep River Land Trust. For more information or to discuss the above opportunities or create your own, email deepriverlandtrust@gmail.com or visit deepriverlandtrust.org.