Possible Volunteer Opportunity

Many of you are looking for volunteer projects that involve “hands-on” work with natural resources. One possibility is linking with NRCS and the Potomac Headwaters RC&D located in Martinsburg. Their Earth Teams are coordinated efforts that need volunteers. The contact person for these projects is Rebecca MacLeod MacLeod [Rebecca.Macleod@wv.usda.gov]. [Don’t tell me of your interest—contact Rebecca directly for details.] Here are descriptions of possible projects.


The Earth Team operates several ways: one-time events where something needs to happen (e.g. a tree planting ), or as a longer term volunteer taking on any number of task that are associated with NRCS programs or projects. When someone is operating under the Earth Team , they are covered by the government if something happens on the job, so there are protections.

Potomac Headwaters RC&D could use help with a new effort: a partnership with DNR to coordinate volunteers for public access sites that need to be monitored and maintained. We have some funds for developing a marketing campaign and enlisting help, as well, so it isn’t just brute force. Rebecca would LOVE HELP with that.

There are some kiosks near Dolly Sods that need to be checked, and the possibility of trail clearing and maintenance at a few locations.

NRCS has a Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program(WHIP) which helps fund projects on private lands, and is a partner with the National Turkey Federation. There are many opportunities for volunteers to help with loads of activities, but for Master Naturalists, projects on private lands must be open to the public. You will want to check about that before claiming the volunteer hours.

Ellen