Since 1993, the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests (Forest Society) has trained volunteers to help monitor and manage its conservation lands through its land stewardship program. Land Stewards visit their adopted properties throughout the year conducting stewardship activities and serving as local ambassadors for the Forest Society.

Land stewards receive hands-on training in forest management, GPS/compass use, trail maintenance, and recreation management. Stewards also have opportunities to meet and work with land conservation professionals and other volunteers. Most importantly, Forest Society land stewards are an integral part of land conservation in New Hampshire!

Land Steward Qualifications

• Live within 20 miles of a targeted Forest Society reservation and be willing to visit at least 4 times per year.
• Have a desire to gain a thorough knowledge of your adopted property.
• Be able to attend a required two-day training session to learn about the Forest Society,trail maintenance, forest and recreation management, wildlife habitat improvement, and GPS/compass navigation.
• Be mentally and physically able to perform stewardship responsibilities.
• Have a strong interest in forest conservation and management.

Responsibilities

• Help to manage recreational and educational uses of the land.
• Monitor your adopted property frequently: act as the Forest Society's eyes and ears.
• Assist Forest Society staff with stewardship projects on your adopted property.
• Maintain gates, signs, kiosks and other property infrastructure.
• Perform basic trail maintenance and wildlife habitat improvement.
• Remove trash and debris from the property.
• Walk property boundaries to identify encroachments and/or maintenance needs.
• Act as liaison with local officials, schools, neighbors, conservation organizations, and other Forest Society members.
• File quarterly activity and property status reports.

Benefits

• Free core training in land management and stewardship as well as continuing opportunities for training in natural resource topics.
• Complimentary Forest Society membership, including a subscription to our quarterly magazine, Forest Notes.
• Work with Forest Society staff and other volunteers wtih similar interests and a commitment to conservation.
• Get to know a beautiful piece of land intimately, in all seasons. This is something few people take the time to do today!

For more information

Contact Carrie Deegan at or 224-9945 x318.