Are you passionate about the outdoors? Do you enjoy hiking while promoting the conservation of our natural habitats? If you answered yes, then Audubon Vermont’s Adopt-A-Trail program might be the perfect opportunity for you!
What is the Adopt-A-Trail Program?
The Adopt-A-Trail program is an initiative that invites individuals, families, clubs, and organizations to effect change by pledging to take responsibility for a specific segment of trail at the Green Mountain Audubon Center. By adopting a trail, you can help maintain its beauty and accessibility while fostering a vibrant ecosystem along the way. This program not only enhances local wildlife habitats and benefits the community, but it also reinforces the importance of environmental stewardship for future generations. Adopt-A-Trail volunteers assist us to complete our mission to protect birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow.
Why Adopt a Trail?
- To Connect with Nature: Being outdoors has numerous benefits that can help relieve stress, increase mental well-being, and promote physical health. By adopting a trail, you will be able to immerse yourself in the beauty of Vermont's diverse landscapes while enjoying the myriads of local flora and fauna.
- To Foster Community Engagement: Join a network of like-minded individuals who are enthusiastic about protecting the environment. The Adopt-A-Trail program allows you to connect with your community, meet new friends, and bond over a shared commitment to preserving the environment.
- To Create a Positive Environmental Impact: Your participation helps sustain local wildlife habitats and improve trail accessibility for everyone. Adopt-A-Trail volunteers often participate in removing invasive species, cleaning up litter, and promoting biodiversity—all critical steps toward maintaining healthy ecosystems.
- To Encourage Stewardship and Responsibility: Adopting a trail instills a sense of place and ownership in volunteers. It provides a deeper understanding of nature and the responsibility we share to protect our planet. This connection often inspires volunteers to further advocate for environmental issues in their communities.
- Skills Development: Volunteering with the Adopt-A-Trail program allows you to develop valuable skills in trail maintenance and ecological restoration. Whether you’re learning how to identify native plants or understanding how to manage invasive species, you will gain knowledge that can only enhance your love for the environment. We do not ask volunteers to use any powered tools or equipment. If you can use loppers or a rake, you have the skills we are looking for! Perfect opportunity for any Scout or Youth group projects.
- Recognition and Support: Audubon Vermont provides training, resources, and guidance to all volunteers in the Adopt-A-Trail program. You will receive all the support needed to effectively care for your adopted trail. Plus, your contributions will be recognized through Audubon's community outreach.
How to Get Started
Taking the first step is easy! Here is a quick overview of how you can join the Adopt-A-Trail program:
- Choose Your Trail: Visit the Audubon Vermont website to explore available trails.
- Sign Up: Fill out the online application form to officially adopt your chosen trail.
- Complete background check: All volunteers are required to be screened before joining our team. It is simple to complete.
- Attend Training: Participate in a training session where you will learn the essentials of trail maintenance, local ecosystems, and best practices for sustainable stewardship.
- Get to Work: When you choose to come to clean-up and spruce-up your trail is up to you. However, ask that all volunteers come and enjoy your time outdoors while contributing to the health of the environment. Adopters will commit to three seasons (spring, summer, and fall) of conducting Trail Inspections and Trail Work Days on their selected trail
- Report to us: We don't expect volunteers to deal with bigger problems like downed trees, but it is important that we know about them. Your reports are part of our front-line maintenance for visitor safety
- Connect with staff: We will recognize your hard work and invite you to work parties where you can meet staff and other volunteers.
Join Us in Making a Difference
By volunteering for Audubon Vermont's Adopt-A-Trail program, you become part of a larger movement to protect our special places, educate the public about the natural world, and inspire stewardship in others.
Join Audubon Vermont today and help preserve the trails that so many have loved for over 60 years. Let’s work together to ensure that future generations can enjoy the breathtaking beauty of Vermont's landscapes just as we do now. Embrace the opportunity to make a difference adopt a trail today!
For more information and to apply, visit the Adopt-A-Trail page
