Now Seeking: Volunteer Easement Monitors
Black Swamp Conservancy’s conservation easements are agreements made between landowners and the Conservancy to protect land in perpetuity. These easements place restrictions on land use to ensure the protection of conservation values, including wetlands, soil health, forests, and rivers.
The Conservancy visits each property annually to ensure the terms of the agreement are being met and to document any changes that have occurred. With over 165 easements and preserves—and more being added every year—the Conservancy relies on knowledgeable volunteers to accomplish this important task.
Key Responsibilities:
Easement Monitors report on what is observed while on site. Questions or requests from the landowner should always be directed to the Conservation Associate, whose responsibility is to interpret the terms of the easement. Easement Monitors are expected to:
- Understand the history and conservation values of each property you are assigned by reading critical documents such as conservation easement deeds and baseline documentation reports.
- Communicate with the landowner to schedule a monitoring visit and discuss their property. Communicating with Conservancy staff throughout the process is required. Inspect the property thoroughly and identify any changes.
- Report your observations and whether the terms are being met or a violation was found.
Outcomes & Impact:
- Increase Black Swamp Conservancy’s organizational capacity and conservation footprint
- Help landowners reach their stewardship goals for their lands
- Explore private, protected habitats that are not open to the public
- Learn the conservation strategies of a non-profit land trust
- Join a team of trained experts and volunteers pursuing a mission to protect and enhance natural habitats and family farms in northwest Ohio
Training:
Volunteers must complete the following training with the Conservation Associate and/or other Conservancy staff before entering the field::
- Learn the easement monitoring workflow and how to prepare for your visits, communicate appropriately, and complete reports
- How to use the Landscape Conservation Software, a desktop and smartphone app that pairs GIS technology with our easement monitoring forms
- Expectations and standards for all easement monitors
Skills and Qualifications:
- Valid driver’s license and willingness to drive to locations
- Ability to hike properties with uneven ground, including agricultural fields and unmaintained natural areas
- Able to tolerate harsh conditions such as biting insects, stinging plants, extreme temperatures, and inclement weather
- Observational skills are necessary, the ability to identify natural resource concerns is a plus
- Able and willing to use smartphone or tablet equipped with a camera to document and track site visits
- A love of the outdoors and conservation work in Ohio
Commitment
Time commitment varies based on the volunteer’s availability and interest, but often ranges from 2-4 hours to 8+ hours per month. Monitoring visits are best conducted during the daytime. Each volunteer must have reliable transportation to meet their monitoring assignments.
Volunteers are expected to monitor at least 2-4 properties over the course of a monitoring season. This may equate to 1 or 2 full days. The Conservation Associate will match you to properties based on location, availability, and willingness to travel.
If interested, please contact our Conservation Associate, Ellie Schiappa, by email at or by phone (419) 833-1025 ext. 5, or by filling out a volunteer interest form.