Off Trail Volunteers
The Friends of the LVRT has many fun and interesting opportunities to help support the Rail Trail. The LVRT contributes to the economic growth of the villages and towns along its route and this trend will only increase as the trail attracts more and more users. There are many "behind the scenes" roles that are very important to support our work as Friends of the LVRT.
Board Member
Ours is a working board where policy decisions are made, budgets prepared, projects planned and where individuals may take on an issue or project of interest. Board members recruit committee members for specific projects, research, report and bring projects to completion.
Project Manager
Aside from board members, individuals may take on a project to head up. Often these projects are of short duration, (for example, a few weeks or months), and can be administered from home. Others may require some local travel for meetings and a longer time-frame. Some examples of our projects are:
- Working with communities to share trailhead design ideas - these projects usually are comprised of one or two informational meetings with the public and/or Select Boards. PowerPoint presentations are generally prepared for these meetings.
- Interpretive sign development - these projects usually involve a commitment of several months and the project manager will work with the LVRT and content specialists such as local historical societies, natural history experts etc.
- Special event organizer - special events can include our FLVRT Annual Meeting, collaborations with other organizations and fundraising events.
General Volunteer
There are many opportunities to volunteer a few hours of your time at events or on a special project. Many people volunteers in more than one capacity such as helping with the FLVRT Annual Meeting or as a Worker Bee on the trail.
Trail Crew Volunteers
Please note that the following volunteer positions are for spring, summer and fall.
VAST maintains the trail during the winter.
Trail Crew Chiefs
Trail Crew Chiefs are key volunteers who, with the help of a team, take on a section of the LVRT to maintain. They recruit Trail Monitors and Worker Bees who report issues to the Trail Chiefs. The Trail Chiefs organize regularly scheduled work days when volunteers tackle a particular project or projects such as clearing brush, trash pick-up, culvert cleaning or general light maintenance of the trail. Trail Chiefs should have the ability and time to review the trail on a regular basis.
Monitors
Monitors are the "eyes and ears" on the LVRT. They are counted on to report to the Trail Chiefs any work or improvements needed on the trail such as culvert cleaning or trees down on the trail. Many jobs need special equipment and will be reported to the LVRT Trail Maintenance Supervisor. Smaller jobs can be performed by volunteers. Monitors often live near the trail, use it regularly and may sign up for defined mile(s) of the trail or a specific trailhead.
Worker Bees
Worker Bees are the heart of the Trail Crew volunteer system. They are individuals who, when using the trail, carry a plastic bag and pick up trash and who form the core of the work crews on seasonal maintenance work days. Also they report any problems they see to the Monitors or Trail Chiefs.
Volunteer Opportunities
The Friends of the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail is an all volunteer organization. There are many opportunities to help support the LVRT whether it is cleaning the trash from a section near your home to coming together with a group of volunteers on our seasonal maintenance events to serving on our Board of Directors or on the fundraising committee.
Our communities are filled with talented hard working people! If you enjoy the using the LVRT, please consider volunteering with us.
Please see below for full descriptions of our volunteer opportunities:
On the Trail support positions
Off the Trail support positions