volunteer with us!
Volunteers are the heart of the Beaver Valley Bruce Trail club. If you are interested in joining our volunteer family, please reach out via the “Interested in Volunteering” form below.
Read on for brief descriptions of the some of the volunteer opportunities available. Don’t see something that matches your interests? The following list is not exhaustive – We have lots of jobs, big and small, for all abilities. Please feel free to get connected!
Trail Development and Maintenance:
A wide variety of opportunities are available for those interested in a more hands-on role in helping maintain our trails.
Land Stewardship
Volunteer Land Stewards actively care for each of the properties that are owned or managed by the Bruce Trail Conservancy. As an active caretaker of a protected natural area, you visit your assigned property at least twice a year, complete annual reports on the conditions of the land, provide input into the stewardship plans, and help to organize and carry out stewardship activities such as tree planting, garbage removal, staking property boundaries and installing signs and fences. Read more about Land Stewardship and/or apply directly for this opportunity here.
Hike Leader
Commitment: Our hope is that hike leaders will commit to at least one hike per month, in all four seasons if possible. We recognize that life happens and schedules/travel may preclude this. We still welcome whatever you can contribute.
Characteristics of a good hike leader: Has enthusiasm for hiking and sharing the experience with others, demonstrates a sense of responsibility and respect for all individuals
Skills required (Please note that training and mentoring will be provided to enhance the skills listed below before a volunteer leads hikes independently):
- Knowledge of safe hiking practices
- Knowledge of appropriate hiking gear and equipment
- Ability to clearly communicate information and expectations to a group
- Ability to work cooperatively
- Ability to respond appropriately if problems arise
- Shows awareness of proactive and reactive risk management techniques
- Has basic knowledge of computers for online entry of their upcoming hikes
- Hike leaders will choose the location, pace and length of their hikes according to their abilities.
- First Aid training is recommended
Communications and Publicity
The communication and publicity group are responsible for community outreach as well as communication with club members and the public. If you enjoy interacting at with people at an information tent, writing articles about the Bruce Trail/conservation/hiking or have other skills to contribute.
Board member
Interested in helping out but looking for a less physically-demanding position? Volunteering to help on the Beaver Valley Bruce Trail Club’s Board of Directors may be the right fit for you. Meetings of the Board of Directors occur at a minimum of four times annually. Exact time commitment will vary depending on the position. Board director positions are up for nomination annually at the club’s Annual General Meeting (with the exception of the Bruce Trail Conservancy Club Nominee, whose term is defined in the Bruce Trail Conservancy by-laws).