Restoration Site Steward

Restoration Site Steward Needs

Restoration Site Stewards (RSS) is a title for volunteers that have been assigned a particular habitat restoration site. These individuals occasionally work on their own engaging in stewardship activities at their assigned location (adopted site). Typically these individuals have had prior experience with tree care and plant maintenance. Much of this experience can be gained through participating in a tree stewardship course and participating in restoration Work Days. There is also opportunity to work in native plant gardens or become a seed collector. RSS are provided assignments and supervision from Cleveland Metroparks Restoration Project Coordinator and Ecologist as an off-shoot of WVP involvement.

1) Adopt a Site

Management Activities

• Installation and repair of deer protection caging or tree wraps

• Tree care and maintenance: including mulching, pruning, weeding, mowing, and string trimmer use

• Removal of invasive plant species

• Removing any accumulated trash or debris

• Site assessment reports

• Seed collection at given locations, season, and of designated species

• Assist with “Work Days," an all hands-on- deck effort based on a restoration site needs to help with the activities listed above.

Sites to Adopt

• Acacia Reservation (multiple locations available) *priority need

• Big Creek Reservation (Snow Road Picnic Area and Memphis Picnic Area)

• Bedford Reservation (multiple locations available)

• Additional locations (contact us for other potential opportunities) 

2) Native Plant Garden Assistants

Care for the native plant propagation garden in Bedford Reservation and the green house propagation garden at Acacia Reservation. Activities include: weeding, watering, mowing, planting, seed collection, care and maintenance.

3) Native Seed Collectors

Independent collectors are given locations, season and a list of desirable species to collect.

Work Days

In addition to attending a Tree Stewardship course, participating in a Work Day would be the best opportunity to learn about the functions and upkeep involved with maintaining a particular project site. During a Work Day, you’ll work with Cleveland Metroparks staff as well as other experienced volunteers as we conduct restoration projects.