Become a Land Steward

Land stewardship is what we do. It is one of the main reasons Chikaming Open Lands was founded. We invite you to become an instrumental part of the land stewardship effort. We are always looking for help with river clean-up and habitat maintenance, which includes removing invasive plants and planting native ones. There are all sorts of other ways volunteers contribute to our efforts as well, including help with office and workshop activities.

Volunteers have always been essential to the success of Chikaming Open Lands. We began ten years ago as an all-volunteer organization, so it is safe to say that COL would not be what it is today without the energy and ingenuity of volunteers.

COL has compiled a "Talent Base" we draw on as we undertake and implement projects. This database includes everything from volunteer land stewards to attorneys, marketing specialists, botanists, and committee members. Whether you have a talent you would like to add to our database or simply want to become more involved in land stewardship, please contact us to let us know about your interest.

Examples of Our Land Stewardship Efforts

Clean the Galien

From 2005 through 2009, Chikaming Open Lands held an annual Galien River cleanup. One or several sites were identified and on the appointed day dozens of volunteers aged 8 to 80 rallied round the trash, digging and prying and pulling it forth from the river and its shores. Tires, broken glass, plastic bottles, stoves, refrigerators, light fixtures, bedsprings, kitchen sinks — yes, even kitchen sinks! — were just a few of the many items that filled our dumpsters and trucks. Each year between one and two tons of this trash were removed from the watershed ecosystem. Having cleaned up many of the worst-impacted sites along the Galien, COL currently directs our volunteer efforts to other worthy projects.

Monthly Stewardship Workays

Once a month spanning April through November, volunteer land stewards work to implement the management plans for COL preserves. These activities can include non-native plant removal, planting native species, monitoring and restoring habitats. The 2012 Stewardship Workday schedule can be found in the newsletter or by calling the office!