The volunteer Trailhead Steward program is a new program for 2021 designed to equip hikers in the Green Mountains with the information they need to hike in the backcountry. By dispersing this information BEFORE hitting the trails, trailhead stewards will ensure hikers have a backcountry experience which is safe, successful and fun for all while also having a minimum impact on the natural resources of the Green Mountains. Trailhead stewards will be positioned at some of the busiest trailheads, during periods of peak use, on the Long Trail System. Trailhead Stewards should possess abundant enthusiasm for engaging with hikers, a basic familiarity with the Long Trail System, and patience and flexibility while developing this program as a resource for the hiking community.
Please review the below position description and, if you’re interested, complete the Trailhead Steward Application. We’ll follow up with you after receiving your application.
For further questions or inquiries related to becoming a Trailhead Steward Volunteer contact Lorne Currier, Volunteer and Education Coordinator.
Trailhead Steward Position Description
The GMC’s Trailhead Stewards will provide visitor information to the general public. They will be stationed at popular trailheads on the Long Trail System during times of peak hiking traffic. Trailhead stewards will encourage hiker preparedness, safe hiking practices, Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics all while providing general trail and hiking advice. This is a great opportunity to share your knowledge of the Long Trail System and improve public access to Vermont’s mountains. Trailhead stewards are the first line of education, conservation and stewardship for the many hikers that use the Long Trail System.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
- Collect and report accurate trail use data and provide this data in a online report to the GMC’s Field Programs.
- At the trailhead, provide information on safe hiking practices, weather, Leave No Trace, alpine zone etiquette and COVID-19 Guidance to visitors before they begin their trip.
- Tactfully approach and educate visitors on pertinent topics while representing the GMC.
- Provide information to hikers about the Long Trail System and the role of the GMC and our agency partners in managing the area’s natural resources.
- Act as a resource for fellow hikers and an advocate for the trail, not as a “ranger”.
- Use the online calendar to sign-up for your volunteer shifts.
- Submit a report at the end of each shift.
Desired Qualifications:
- Availability on weekends and holidays
- Friendly, self motivated, mature and able to adapt to a wide variety of social situations
- Patient and effective communicator able to connect to diverse groups of trail users
- Teaching and/or interpretive skills
- Familiarity with Long Trail System
- Familiarity with Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics
Additional Information
- GMC requests at minimum 3-shifts from all Trailhead Steward Volunteers.
- Shifts which become torrential rain or poor weather may be postponed.
