Stewardship Work Parties

Volunteering during COVID-19

Capitol Land Trust is excited to offer volunteer opportunities once again with added precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19. CLT will be following changing regulations and will be updating our guidelines for volunteers accordingly. As CLT staff communicates with volunteers about specific opportunities, more information will be given based on the program.

Our first priority is your health and safety. If you feel you cannot comply with these guidelines, please do not register to attend an event. Please review and agree to our COVID-19 Volunteer Guidelines before signing up for an event.

What is stewardship and why is it important?

Our weekly stewardship work parties connect people and conserve land. Stewardship means responding to the needs of the land and leaving it better than we found it. We care for the land to make sure ecosystems we rely on are rich with native plants and clean water.

While sharing ideas, learning about local ecosystems, and making friendships, you will be doing incredibly important work to help us steward conserved lands. Stewardship work parties typically include activities like planting native plants, mulching, removing invasive species or debris, and maintaining trails. These work parties are supported by our AmeriCorps Restoration Coordinator, who you can contact at americorps@capitollandtrust.org with questions.

Visit our events page or follow us on Facebook to join an upcoming event! Subscribe to our monthly Stewardship Newsletter or e-news, The Heron, to stay in touch about future opportunities.

Click here to review the Stewardship Work Party Volunteer Description.

Group Stewardship Parties

Interested in bringing your group or class out for a stewardship work party? Volunteering as a group can be a rewarding experience and a great way to give back to the land!

Group Size

We are currently limiting group registration to 10 people, which includes a CLT leader(s).

Schedule and Location

A typical work party schedule is 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. This does not include travel time to and from the work party location. We can work with you to schedule up to two, shorter volunteer shifts on the same day. An example schedule may be 10:00 am – 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm.  We can accommodate alternative schedules if needed.

Group stewardship parties are available in Thurston and Mason counties on a Capitol Land Trust preserve any day of the week besides Thursdays. Please fill out the form at least two months before your desired date to ensure a quality experience. For any questions, please email americorps@capitollandtrust.org or call 360.943.3012 ext. 0. Thank you!

Available Activities

Since stewardship work responds to the needs of the land, certain activities can’t be guaranteed or may only happen in a certain time of the year. Stewardship work parties typically include activities like planting native plants, mulching, removing invasive species or debris, and maintaining trails.

What It Takes

We want everyone in your group to have a great day outdoors. Here’s a checklist to help determine whether everyone in your group is ready to volunteer:

• • No experience necessary! CLT provides the training and tools you need.
  • Expect to be physically active at your own pace for up to 4 hours on uneven terrain.

What to wear (clothing you don’t mind getting dirty)

• • Sturdy shoes (like hiking boots)
  • Long pants
  • Long-sleeve shirt recommended
  • Face mask that covers your nose

What to bring

• • Work gloves and any recommended tools
  • Water, lunch, and snacks
  • Rain jacket and pants
  • Extra layers for chilly weather
  • A pack to carry personal supplies
  • A sense of adventure

How to Set Up Your Group Stewardship Work Party

1. Please fill out this group stewardship party request form. Once submitted, we will contact you within three business days to confirm your work party.
2. Once your work party is confirmed, CLT will create an agenda for your group’s day and forward you a link to a special group page for you to register the individual members of your group.
3. We require that you provide all names and email addresses of volunteers to ensure everyone receives important information regarding the work party.