ACRES Land Trust · Volunteer Application

Legal Name *

First Name

Last Name

Preferred Name

First Name

Last Name

Address *

Address Line 1

Address Line 2

City

State/Province

ZIP/Postal Code

Country

County *

Phone (cell phone preferred) *

Email *

Verify Email *

Birthdate (used for background check) *

(mm/dd/yyyy)

About how many hours per month do you wish to volunteer?

Why do you want to volunteer for ACRES? *

Please list skills and hobbies

Personal References

List the name and email of two references that are not related to you. Provide address if they would prefer a mailed evaluation.

Reference #1 *

First Name

Last Name

Address

Address Line 1

Address Line 2

City

State/Province

ZIP/Postal Code

Country

Email *

Verify Email *

Reference #2 *

First Name

Last Name

Address *

Address Line 1

Address Line 2

City

State/Province

ZIP/Postal Code

Country

Email *

Verify Email *

Note: ACRES is an equal opportunity organization. Applicants to volunteer are considered without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, sexual orientation, disability, citizenship status, or any other basis prohibited by law. We are committed to selecting volunteers based on their character, ethics, interests and ability to participate. The character and reputation of our volunteers must be above reproach to protect our employees, other volunteers, and program participants. For this reason, it is necessary that ACRES verify information about each applicant's background as well as asking the following question:

Have you ever been convicted of a crime? *

Yes

No

If yes, please state when, where and final outcome.

Volunteer Applicant's Statement

Please indicate that you have read and that you understand each paragraph of this Applicant's Statement by checking the box next to each paragraph.

*

I certify that this application was completed by me and that all entries on it and all information in it are TRUE and COMPLETE to the best of my knowledge.

I authorize investigation of all statements contained in this application as may be necessary in arriving at a decision. I understand that information may be obtained through interviews with the references and public document searches. This inquiry may include information as to my character, general reputation, and personal characteristics.

I hereby release all parties, including ACRES Land Trust and references, from liability for any injury or damage that may result from their furnishing information concerning me or any action ACRES Land Trust takes on the basis of such information.

I further grant permission to ACRES Land Trust and/or agents authorized by them to use any photographs, videotapes, motion pictures, recordings, or any other record of me performing my volunteer duties for any purpose.

*

Your name in this box acts as your signature for the VOLUNTEER APPLICANT'S STATEMENT.

If volunteer applicant is under the age of 18, application must also be signed by parent or guardian.

Parent or Guardian: Your name in this box acts as your signature for the VOLUNTEER APPLICANT'S STATEMENT.

Volunteer Opportunities

Please check the areas(s) where you have the most interest.

Land Stewardship

Native Landscaping

Help keep the native plant beds at the ACRES Office tidy and welcoming to visitors.

Please read over the job description and qualifications to make sure this is a good match for you! Be aware volunteer duties may vary depending on your interest and desired level of involvement.

Native Landscaping Job Description:

Garden Maintenance—Landscaping includes upkeep of the beds and native species during the growing season.

Beds should be free of invasive species, weeds, litters and other obstructions.

Garden Planning—Opportunities for planning new beds and native species.

Create plans for new beds with other volunteers.
Research and work with local retailers to find plants suitable for the location.
Collect seeds, or pot plants, from current beds.

Qualifications:

At least 18 years old, or under 18 with parental consent.
Able to general gardening activities, such as bending and lifting.
Able to work in all types of weather.
Able to provide and use equipment safely (gloves and hand tools).

Trail Monitor

Regularly walk a trail, picking up trash, clearing light debris and reporting conditions to staff.

Please read over the job description and qualifications to make sure this is a good match for you! Be aware volunteer duties may vary depending on your interest and desired level of involvement

Trail Monitor Job Description:

Trail Maintenance—The parking lot and trail system should be cleared of trash and branches. The trails and parking lot should be monitored during each visit.

Fallen branches and foliage should be left on site but moved off of the trail system and out of the parking lot.
Overhanging branches or foliage should be trimmed back to fully expose the trail. Overhead branches or foliage should be trimmed to a height above 6ft.
Trash removed from the parking lot, roadside and trails should be properly disposed of.

Reporting—Monitors act as ACRES “eyes and ears” on the preserves. Regular visits ensure that if there are any preserve issues, they can be reported and delt with efficiently. Remember that your safety comes first, if the situation is dangerous please call the police. Plan to report:

Large trees and branches fallen across established trails or the parking lot that need to be removed by chainsaw.
Construction or maintenance needed on boardwalks, stairs or bridges.
Junk piles, abandoned cars and other large trash items that are not easily removed.
Vandalism, including cut trees, fire pits, broken structures or signs and spray paint on structures/signs or trees.
Tree stands, poachers, campers, foragers, commercial photographers and other individuals breaking preserve rules.

Qualifications:

At least 18 years old, or under 18 with parental consent.
Able to provide and use typical maintenance tools safety (pruning shears, gloves and trash bags).
Able to hike uneven ground and carry equipment/tools through the preserve
Aim to visit the preserve at least once a month.

What preserve are you interested at monitoring? If you're like a list of preserves that need a trail monitor please include what counties (or a driving distance) you'd prefer.

Preserve Stewardship

Adopt a trail system and commit to keeping it clean and clear for visitors. You must own, transport and operate your own equipment.

Please read over the job description and qualifications to make sure this is a good match for you! Be aware volunteer duties may vary depending on your interest and desired level of involvement.

Preserve Stewardship Job Description:

Trail Maintenance—Trails are clearly-defined, well-maintained earthen paths. They should be obvious to visitors (compared to deer or social trails) and regularly maintained to ensure positive visitor experience.

Mowing and/or spin-trimming should only occur in and around parking lots and established trail systems. Trails should be maintained at the current width of 4–8ft (distance can be as narrow as 4ft in dense woodlands or as wide 8ft in open meadows and fields).
Forested trails and open/grass trails must be checked at least twice a month. Grass should not be allowed to grow longer than 4in.

Removing Obstructions—The parking lot and trails should be cleared of trash, branches and fallen trees/snags. The trails and parking lot must be surveyed during each visit.
- Large trees and branches fallen across established trails must be removed or cast to the side of the trail. Branches overhanging the trails and parking lot should be trimmed to a height above 6ft.
- Trees and branches should be left on site but moved off of the trails and parking lot.
- Trash removed from the parking lot and trails should be properly disposed of.

Construction and Maintenance—The preserve may require the construction or maintenance of structures like stairs, boardwalks and/or bridges. ACRES will work to coordinate this with you if it is needed at the preserve.
Boundary Monitoring—Boundaries should be marked on each preserve where distinct boundaries aren’t obvious. These boundaries may require monitoring. ACRES will work to coordinate this with you if it is needed at the preserve.
Invasive Species Control—Encouraged, but not required. Training provided as needed.

Qualifications:

At least 18 years old.
Able to hike uneven ground and carry equipment/tools through the preserve
Able to transport, provide and use equipment safely (mower, spin trimmer, pruner and or chainsaw)
Visit the preserve at least twice a month (may need to visit more during growing season)

Preserve Stewardship Requirements *

You must be able to meet both conditions below in order to be considered for preserve stewardship. By checking each checkbox, you agree you can meet those conditions.

Yes, I am able to provide and transport my own equipment to the preserve.

Yes, I am willing to commit to 2-3 preserve visits per month. (1-2 visits per month in some cases.)

What preserve are you interested at stewarding at? If you're like a list of preserves that need a steward please include what counties (or a driving distance) you'd prefer. *

Miscellaneous Office Projects

Assist staff with office duties, like mailings, scanning projects, software/data projects and archiving.

Advancement

Event/Program Volunteer

Lend your customer-service skills to programs and events, such as open house events and booths.

Please read over the job description and qualifications to make sure this is a good match for you! Be aware volunteer duties may vary depending on your interest and desired level of involvement.

Event/Program Job Description:

Events and programs vary in consistency, and there may not always be an opportunity available. There are normally opportunities across ACRES service area.
Booth events—Greet visitors, share general information and answer questions.

Aim to share ACRES mission and encourage interested visitors to become members or attend an event.
Sell merchandise, normally using an iPad. Training is provided.
May need to help set up and tear down booth display and or direct parking.

ACRES Events—Aid a staff member at an event hosted by ACRES, normally at a preserve.

Greet visitors, share the sign in sheet and answer questions.
Provide general event/preserve information and answer questions.
Encourage interested visitors to become members or attend an event.
May need to help direct parking.

Qualifications:

At least 18 years old.
Comfortable speaking with strangers and being around groups of people.
Able to handle money transactions (cash, check, credit card).

Equipment Use Policy and Release and Indemnifying Agreement

EQUIPMENT USE POLICY

All persons operating equipment or using tools at any property owned or managed by ACRES, Inc. must follow the manufacturer's recommendations for operation, usage and maintenance, and must at all times exercise good judgment and common sense.

I have carefully read ths EQUIPMENT USE POLICY and I fully understand all of its contents and terms. I enter into and sign the below RELEASE AND INDEMNIFYING AGREEMENT knowingly and voluntarily. I understand that I am not permitted to operate equipment or use tools on any ACRES, Inc. property unless I obey this EQUIPMENT USE POLICY and sign this RELEASE AND INDEMNIFYING AGREEMENT.

Equipment Use Policy *

Your name in this box acts as your signature for the EQUIPMENT USE POLICY.

*

Date

RELEASE AND INDEMNIFYING AGREEMENT

The undersigned hereby requests to go upon property of ACRES, Inc. ("ACRES:) to participate in field trips sponsored by ACRES, and/or to perform activities to benefit ACRES.

The undersigned recognizes the possibility of personal injuries to himself/herself and recognizes the possibility of damage to his/her property might occur on property owned or managed by ACRES while conducting activities to benefit ACRES, and/or while on field trips sponsored by ACRES. The undersigned personally assumes all risks of any such injury and damage.

For and in consideration of the privilege of going on the property owned by ACRES, the undersigned, does hereby forever, acquit, release and discharge ACRES, its respective heirs, personal representatives, insurers, successors, assigns, and Board of Directors, and each of them, of and from any and all claims, debts, demands, actions and causes of action of every kind and nature whatsoever, past, present and future, which the undersigned has had, now has, or may at any time in the future have, against ACRES, Inc., arising out of, or in any manner connected with going upon any property owned or managed by ACRES, Inc., while conducting activities to benefit ACRES, and/or while on field trips sponsored by ACRES.

This release and discharge is without in any way limiting the general scope of this release, specifically including herein: all claims for pesonal injuries to the undersigned; all claims for medical and hospital expenses of every kind and nature incurred by reason of person injuries sustained by the undersigned; property damage; and any and all other types of expenses, claims, losses and damages which the undersigned may otherwise be in a position to assert by reason of injury, loss or damage resulting from going upon property owned by ACRES, while conducting activities to benefit ACRES, and/or attending field trips sponsored by ACRES.

As a further consideration for the privilege of going upon property owned by ACRES while conducting activities to benefit ACRES, and/or attending field trips sponsored by ACRES, the undersigned does hereby agree to indemnify, save and hold harmless ACRES, its respective heirs, personal representatives, insurers, successors, assigns, and Board of Directors, and each of them, from and against any and all claims, demands, actions and causes of action asserted against them, or either of them, by any other person, firm, corporation or organization which has made any payment or payments to the undersigned for wages and/or salary, disability, or for medical and/or hospital expenses, paid to or for or on behalf of the undersigned, or by reason of any other payment of payments made to or on behalf of the undersigned by any person , firm, corporation or organization by reason of injuries, damages, or losses sustained by the undersigned on account of going on property owned or managed by, while conducting activities to benefit ACRES, and/or attending field trips sponsored by ACRES; such agreement to indemnify, save and hold harmless also includes court costs and reasonable attorneys' fees of ACRES.

The undersigned grants, executes, and signs this RELEASE AND INDEMNIFYING AGREEMENT on

Release and Indemnifying Agreement *

Your name in this box acts as your signature for the RELEASE AND INDEMNIFYING AGREEMENT.

*

Date

Thank you for signing up to volunteer with ACRES Land Trust. We will be in touch with you as soon as we have reviewed your information and checked references. If you have questions, feel free to call us at 260-637-2273 or email Reena at rramos@acreslandtrust.org.

I would like to receive ACRES general email newsletter *

Yes, please sign me up!

No thanks.