At Northeast Wisconsin Land Trust (NEWLT), we believe in the power of community to shape a better future. Founded by visionaries who saw the value in protecting our natural resources, we continue to rely on dedicated volunteers like you to drive our mission forward.
Why Volunteer with Us?
- Make a lasting impact on local conservation efforts
- Connect with like-minded individuals who share your values
- Gain new skills and experiences in environmental stewardship
- Enjoy the beauty of Northeast Wisconsin’s natural landscapes
Volunteer Opportunities
Preserve Stewardship
Perfect for nature enthusiasts who enjoy solo or small group activities. As a Preserve Steward, you’ll:
- Explore and monitor assigned preserves
- Conduct light maintenance and groundskeeping
- Represent NEWLT to visitors and neighbors
A good option for those who are seeking a solo project or one that can be completed with a friend. If you like walks in the woods and getting to know a particular place over time, becoming a Preserve Steward might be a good fit for you. You will be assigned to a Preserve within a comfortable driving distance for you, and you will be asked to walk the preserve a handful of times each year. As the eyes of the Land Trust, you will help us address and learn about preserve needs. Visit with the people you meet and keep the place safe and looking sharp. The duties may include light maintenance, groundskeeping, and repair. Representing the Land Trust to other visitors and neighbors. And a bit of garbage pick-up along the way.
Workdays and Events
Ideal for those seeking flexible, group-based activities:
- Participate in litter cleanups and invasive species removal
- Join BioBlitzes and other community science initiatives
- Assist with field trips and educational events
If you are looking for a chance to get outdoors and be active on an episodic basis with no long-term commitment. If you like the collegiality of working in a group and want to meet other members of the land trust community who share your values and interests. Take on a task that’s simple and requires little effort, or something to build your skills or your muscles. Participating in workdays or lending a hand with field trips and events is a great way to engage with others and have a lasting impact on conservation.
Throughout the year, NEWLT will coordinate various opportunities for community members to join staff in specific projects on our public preserves. These could include litter cleanups, invasive species removal days, BioBlitzes, and more. Participating in these events offers a way to contribute to our conservation work without needing to make a long-term commitment. Please sign up for our newsletters and watch the “Upcoming Events” page of our website to learn what events and opportunities are on the horizon.
Special Projects
Have a unique skill or passion? We welcome diverse talents:
- Contribute to academic research projects
- Assist with office administration
- Lead nature workshops or guided hikes
- Design signage or build information kiosks
Over the years, the Land Trust has benefited from the investment of volunteers in a myriad of ways. We have been fortunate to have people who’ve done everything from hand addressing letters to conducting frog surveys to singing opera music for the benefit of conservation.
To spark your interest we include the following list of projects we’ve have the privilege to be a part of:
- Academic Research projects that use our preserves or landowners to increase knowledge and enhance conservation efforts
- Office Volunteers who have regularly come by to help with administrative work
- Outdoor Volunteers who have led trips and workshops for others who enjoy nature
- People who have tackled a single big project. For example, to document the conservation values of a particular property/ies or have spent several months compiling information from records to update older project files.
- Corporate Groups who want to work outside on days dedicated to volunteerism in the community
- Designers, Scouts or School Groups who have created signage or built kiosks and posted signage at preserve entrances
We welcome any individuals or groups who are interested in conducting a volunteer project in support of the land trust’s mission.
Conservation Easement Monitoring
For dedicated outdoors enthusiasts ready for a professional-level commitment:
- Visit protected private properties annually
- Ensure conservation easement terms are upheld
- Support landowners in their conservation efforts
Are you responsible and ready to commit? Are you a skilled outdoors person with a desire to see some wildlife and gorgeous scenery? Every year, NEWLT conducts a monitoring visit to each of the private properties we protect through conservation easement, allowing us to ensure the terms of the easement are being upheld and to better support the landowner in conserving their land. These properties are located across multiple counties, many in remote regions. As one of our Land Monitors you would be assigned to visit one or more preserves about the same time each year. You get the chance to interact with landowners and work with staff in a more professional capacity. As a volunteer monitor, you support a core component of NEWLT’s mission while also getting the opportunity to visit protected lands not open to the general public.
