handbook - nature.org€¦ · handbook. from top: sunset at ... eagles, ospreys, beavers, and river...
TRANSCRIPT
VANDELL PRESERVE
Updated2020byHollyLafferty
Handbook
Fromtop:SunsetatCumberlandMarsh©JamesShelton;Boardwalk2013©GlennaGoldman/TNC
PRESERVEVOLUNTEERPROGRAM at atCUMBERLANDMARSH
Table of Contents
Table of ContentsTable of ContentsPreserve Volunteer Community Overview Preserve Volunteer Community Overview ����������������������������������������������������� ����������������������������������������������������� 33
PreserveVolunteerCommunityMember ������������������������������������������������������������������������4PreserveSteward ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������4PreserveLeader ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������6
Preserve Information Preserve Information �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 88GuidetothePreserve �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������8PublicAccess �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������9
About The Nature Conservancy About The Nature Conservancy �������������������������������������������������������������������� �������������������������������������������������������������������� 1111Stewardship Hike Guidelines Stewardship Hike Guidelines ������������������������������������������������������������������������ ������������������������������������������������������������������������ 1212
WhattoLookforandActionstoTake ����������������������������������������������������������������������������12Reporting ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������13PoliciesandProcedures �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������13ProperPreparation ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������14Tools �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������14AvenzaMaps �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������15
Citizen Science/INaturalist Citizen Science/INaturalist ��������������������������������������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������������������������������������������� 1515Safety and Guidelines Safety and Guidelines ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 1616
EmergencyProceduresandGuidelines �������������������������������������������������������������������������16YouthSafety �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������16AutoSafety ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������16
Additional Resources Additional Resources ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 1717ContactInformation �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������17PreserveMap �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������18CommitmenttoYouthSafety �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������19PreserveInspectionReportForm �����������������������������������������������������������������������������������21AvenzaMapHelpSheet �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������22
Photo:CumberlandMarshTide©MaryPorter
Photo:CumberlandMarshSign©GlennaGoldman/TNC
Withmanypreservestomanagearoundthecommonwealth,itisnotalwayspossibleforthestaffofTheNatureConservancy(TNC)tovisiteachpreserveasoftenaswewouldlike.Thisiswhyitisvitaltohaveacommunityofvolunteersatourpreservestohelpmaintainandmonitortheircondition.TNCisdedicatedtoprovidingauthenticandinspiringexamplesofnaturalVirginianhabitats,andmaintainingourpublic-accesspreservesisoneofthebestwaystoaccomplishthisgoal.
TheCumberlandMarshPreserveVolunteerCommunityisorganizedintothreetiersbasedontheamountoftimeyouwouldliketodedicatetothepreserve.AsageneralmemberofthePreserveVolunteerCommunity,youwillreceivequarterlyupdatesaboutthepreserveandbethefirsttohearaboutworkdays,guidedhikes,andotherevents.PreserveStewardscommitto4-6stewardshiphikesayeartomaintaintrailsandmonitortheconditionofthepreserve.Lastly,PreserveLeaderstakeonadditionalresponsibilitiesforthepreserve(e.g.manageschedule,lead1-2workdaysayear).
The Preserve Volunteer Program is split into three tiers based on how much time a volunteer is able to dedicate to the preserve�
Preserve Volunteer Community Overview
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Preserve Volunteer Community MemberPreserve Volunteer Community Member
Summary:JoiningthePreserveVolunteerCommunityisagoodwaytobecomemoreinvolvedwithapreservewithoutcommittingtimetostewardshipwork.CommunityMembersareaddedtoanemaillisttoreceivequarterlypreserveupdatesandinformationaboutanyworkdaysandevents(e.g.citizenscienceprojects,interpretivehikes).CommunityMembersarealsoencouragedtoreachouttoTNCstaffwithanythinginterestingorconcerningtheycomeacrosswhenatoraroundthepreserve.
Time Commitment:None
Basic Qualifications:None
Benefits:CommunityMembersareabletolearnmoreaboutthepreserveandbecomeanactivevolunteer.IfyouareinterestedinbecomingaPreserveStewardbutdonotyetwanttocommittostewardshiphikes,becomingaCommunityMemberisagreatwaytolearnmorevvabouttheprogram.Alternatively,ifyouhavebeenaPreserveStewardinthepastbutdonotcurrentlyhavethetimetocommittohikes,becomingaCommunityMemberwillallowyoutostayintheloopaboutthepreserve.
Preserve StewardPreserve Steward
Summary:PreserveStewardsvisitthepreserveapproximately4-6timesayearonaregular,rotatingcalendarschedule.Whenmakingavisit,stewardsshouldthoroughlyinspectthepropertybywalkingtrailsandvariousareasofthepreservewhilecarryingatrailtool(e.g.loppers,handsaw)toperformbasictrailmaintenancebyremovingdebris,fallenbranches,overgrownvegetation,andtrashasneeded.
Whileatthepreserve,stewardsshouldalsolookforthefollowing:• Instancesoftrespassingandlandabuse(trashdumping,unauthorizedtrailuse,etc.).• Conditionoftheparkingareas,gates,kiosks,signs,trailsandboundaries(vandalism,
treeblowdowns,erosiondamage,etc.)
AnyissuesspottedshouldbeincludedinthepreserveinspectionreportsoTNCstaffaremadeawareofthem.
Lastly,PreserveStewardsshouldalso• CompletethepreserveinspectionreportandreturntotheScheduleManager.• Suggestideasforimprovementprojectsandfutureworkdays.• ServeasTNC’seyesandearsinthecommunitysurroundingthepreserveifpossible.
Ifthereisnewsaboutapreserveoritssurroundingarea,pleasepasstheinformationontoTNCstaff.
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Time Commitment:Whileflexible,aPreserveStewardshouldplanondoingatleast4-6stewardshiphikesayear.PreservestewardswillworkwiththeScheduleManagertosignupforweeksduringwhichtheyareavailabletohike.Ourgoalistohavethepreservevisitedatleastonceaweek.
Basic Qualifications:• Demonstratedinterestinthe
managementofnaturepreservesandcommitmenttothemissionofTheNatureConservancy.
• Someknowledgeofthepreserve(musthavevisitedatleastonce)andtheabilitytohikethetrailsatthepreserve.
• Abilitytooperatehandtools,suchasloppersandhandsaws,safely.
• GoodcommunicationbetweentheScheduleManagerandTNCStaff.
• Selftransportationtoandfromsite.• Abilitytoworkoutsideinvarying
weatherconditions.• Willingnesstoparticipateintraining
sessionsandhikesandattendPreserveVolunteerProgramgatherings.
Preferred Qualifications:• Abilitytotakeandsendphotosofissues(e.g.treefalls,trailerosion)• AccesstoasmartphoneortabletwiththeapplicationAvenzaMapstorecordthe
locationofanyissues(seeAvenzaMaps)
Benefits:BeingaPreserveStewardgivesyoutheopportunitytohelpprotecthabitatforplantsandanimalsthatisquicklydisappearing.Stewardswillgainvaluableexperienceinthefieldandhavetheopportunitytoincreaseskillsthroughpotentialtrainings.Itisalsoanopportunitytonetworkwithconservation-mindedindividualsfromthecommunity.
Groups:Groupsandorganizations(e.g.scouttroops,hikingclubs)arewelcometobecomePreserveStewardsaslongasthereisacentralorganizerforthegroupwhocancoordinatewiththeScheduleManagerandTNCStaff.
TrailBlaze2013©GlennaGoldman/TNC
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Preserve LeaderPreserve Leader
Summary:PreserveLeadersareinstrumentaltothesuccessofthePreserveVolunteerProgram.Leadersarepeoplewhohavedemonstratedtheircommitmenttothepreserveandarewillingtotakeonadditionalresponsibilities.ThereareseveralleadershippositionsincludingtheScheduleManager,WorkdayLeaders,andPreserveNaturalists.AnyoneinterestedinbecomingaPreserveLeadershouldcontactJenDalke([email protected])inordertoreceiveadditionalinformationaboutthepositions.
Schedule ManagerEssential Functions:TheScheduleManagerisinchargeoforganizingthePreserveStewardsschedulesandsendingreminderstovolunteerssignedupforstewardshiphikes.Theyarealsoresponsibleforcreatingandmaintainingthescheduleforstewardsonaregularbasis(quarterly,monthly),ideallyusingGoogleDocs.
AweekbeforeaPreserveStewardissigneduptoperformastewardshiphike,theScheduleManagerwillsendthemareminderemailcontainingthepreviousweek’sreport.Thiswillnotonlyserveasareminder,butwillmakePreserveStewardsawareofanyongoingissuesandwhichareashaverecentlybeenmonitored.
Basic Qualifications:• ServedasaPreserveStewardfor1+years.• ExcellentcommunicationskillswithothervolunteersandTNCstaff.• Greatorganizationandabilitytocoordinateschedules.• Basiccomputerliteracyandtheabilitytouseemailandothernecessarysoftware(e.g.
GoogleDocs)effectively.
Photo©ShainaHuynh/TNC 66
Workday LeadersSummary:Workdayleaderswillleadlargerworkdays(upto10volunteers)atthepreserveasneeded.Largerworkdayscouldincludetrailinfrastructureprojects,invasivespeciesremoval,etc.WorkingwithTNCstaff,WorkdayLeaderswillorganizeworkdays,determineobjectivesandsafetyrequirements,andsupervisevolunteers.Ifinterestedinbecomingaworkdayleader,TNCstaffcanworkwithyoutogettherequiredfirstaidandyouthcertifications.
Basic Qualifications:• ServedasaPreserveStewardfor1+years.• ExcellentcommunicationskillswithothervolunteersandTNCstaff• Abilitytoorganizevolunteersandcommunicatetheobjectivesandsafetyconcernsof
aworkday
Preferred Qualifications:• FirstAidCertificationorwillingnesstoobtain• YouthCertificationorwillingnesstoobtain• AutoSafetyCertificationorwillingnesstoobtain
Time Commitment:Workdayleadersshouldplanonleading1-2workdaysayearinadditiontoservingasaPreserveSteward(4-6stewardshiphikesayear).
Preserve NaturalistsSummary:PreserveNaturalistshavetheimportantjobofhelpingpeopleconnectwithnatureatTNC’spreserves.PreserveNaturalistsshouldhaveaninterestintheplants,animals,geology,etc.ofthepreserveandadesiretohelpotherslearnaboutthesetopics.Naturalistsareresponsibleforschedulingandleadingtwoormoreguidedhikesayear.Moreinformationaboutthisprogramwillbecomingsoon.
Photo©JenniferDalke/TNC 77
Preserve Information
Guide to the PreserveGuide to the PreserveNatural FeaturesVandellPreserveatCumberlandMarshisa1,094acrepreservelocatedonthesouthernbankofthePamunkeyRiver,amajortributaryoftheChesapeakeBay.
CumberlandMarshfeaturesamixofwoodeduplandandfreshwatertidalmarsh.Manywetlandspeciesthrivehere,includingVirginia’slargestpopulationoftheraresensitivejoint-vetch(Aeschynomene virginica),amemberofthepeafamilylistedasthreatenedunderthefederalEndangeredSpeciesAct.
SituatedalongtheAtlanticFlyway,themarshprovidesimportantmigratoryandwinteringhabitatforwaterfowl,includingsorarails,blackducks,andhoodedmergansers.Baldeagles,ospreys,beavers,andriverottersareamongthenumerousotheranimalsthatcanbespottedatthepreserve.
HistoryFor10,000years,theseproductiveriver,For10,000years,theseproductiveriver,marshandforestecosystemshaveshapedmarshandforestecosystemshaveshapedandsupportedthelivesofNativeAmericans.andsupportedthelivesofNativeAmericans.Traditionally,thePamunkeytribefished;Traditionally,thePamunkeytribefished;harvestedwildriceandarrowarum;harvestedwildriceandarrowarum;andhuntedmuskrat,beaver,turtle,andandhuntedmuskrat,beaver,turtle,andothergame.Today,thePamunkeyIndianothergame.Today,thePamunkeyIndianReservationislocateddirectlyacrosstheReservationislocateddirectlyacrosstheriverfromthepreserve.riverfromthepreserve.
CumberlandMarshboaststhelargestpopulationofthethreatenedsensitivejoint-velchinVirginia.Photo ©ShainaHuynh/TNC
ThehoodedmerganserisoneofthewaterfowlspeciesthatwinteratCumberlandMarsh.Photo ©thisisforthebirds 88
ThetownofCumberland,establishedhereThetownofCumberland,establishedherein1748,hasvanished.Initsplacearethein1748,hasvanished.InitsplacearethepreserveandCumberlandHospitalforpreserveandCumberlandHospitalforChildrenandAdolescents,whichusestheChildrenandAdolescents,whichusesthepreservefacilitiesinitsoutdoorrehabilitativepreservefacilitiesinitsoutdoorrehabilitativetherapyprogram.therapyprogram.
TheNatureConservancyacquiredtheVandellTheNatureConservancyacquiredtheVandellPreserveinDecember1993.The$1.4-millionPreserveinDecember1993.The$1.4-millionpurchaseculminateda14-yearefforttopurchaseculminateda14-yearefforttoprotecttheproperty.Theacquisitionwasprotecttheproperty.TheacquisitionwasfundedbygrantsfromNOAA,theNorthfundedbygrantsfromNOAA,theNorthAmericanWetlandsConservationCouncil,theAmericanWetlandsConservationCouncil,theW.AltonJonesFoundation,theMaryMortonW.AltonJonesFoundation,theMaryMortonParsonsFoundation,theNationalFishandParsonsFoundation,theNationalFishandWildlifeFoundation,andhundredsofTNCWildlifeFoundation,andhundredsofTNCmembers.Thekioskandtrailsarededicatedtomembers.ThekioskandtrailsarededicatedtothememoryofRobertVandell.thememoryofRobertVandell.
In2010,TheNatureConservancyremovedtwoearthenembankmentdamswithintheIn2010,TheNatureConservancyremovedtwoearthenembankmentdamswithinthepreserveonanunnamedtributarytoHoltsCreek.TheConservancy’sVirginiaAquaticpreserveonanunnamedtributarytoHoltsCreek.TheConservancy’sVirginiaAquaticResourceTrustFundProgramundertooktheproject,whichinvolvedcreatingnewwetlandsResourceTrustFundProgramundertooktheproject,whichinvolvedcreatingnewwetlandsandrestoringapproximately1,730feetofstreamchannel.Theformerdamsseveredtheandrestoringapproximately1,730feetofstreamchannel.TheformerdamsseveredthetidalconnectionbetweentheunnamedtributaryandHoltsCreek.ThisblockagedisruptedtidalconnectionbetweentheunnamedtributaryandHoltsCreek.Thisblockagedisruptedthenaturalecologicalfunctioningofthesystembypreventingthefreemovementofaquaticthenaturalecologicalfunctioningofthesystembypreventingthefreemovementofaquaticplantsandanimals,includingthesensitivejoint-vetch.plantsandanimals,includingthesensitivejoint-vetch.
Photo:riverotteratGreatDismalSwamp©TomHamilton
Public AccessPublic AccessNatureConservancypreservesareprivateproperties.Theyaremanagedtoprotectfragileresources-nativespeciesandplantcommunities.Thepointofallowingthepublictovisitthepropertyistoeducateandinspire.Duringdefinedhours,thepublicarepermittedtoparkattheentranceandenterthepreserveonfootusingdesignatedtrails.
A200-footboardwalkleadstoanobservationdeckaffordingviewsofthemarshandaprimevantagepointforbirding.
Preserve GuidelinesThefollowingaretheguidelinesforTNCpreserves.Ingeneral,donotconfrontpeoplewhoareusingthepreserveinappropriately.Dependingonthesituationandcomfortlevelofthepreservesteward,youcankindlyremindvisitorsofguidelines(e.g.gentlyremindingvisitorstonotpickflowers).Ifyouobserveillegalactivity(i.e.moreseriousthanjustbreakingguidelines),youmaycalllocallawenforcementandreporttoTNCstaff.Pleasereportanyevidenceorobservationsofrulebreakinginyourinspectionreport.
• Preservesareopentothepublicfromdawntodusk.• Passiverecreationsuchaswalking,birdwatching,andphotographyiswelcomed.
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Photo:CumberlandMarsh©JamesShelton
The Following Activities Are Not Allowed:
• Pickingflowers,mushrooms,etc.• Removingrocksorotherpartsofthelandscape• Bringingdogsontothepreserve• Smoking• Camping• Firesorcookouts• Drivingmotorizedvehicles,includingATV’s,exceptondesignatedaccessroads.Other
PowerDrivenMobilityDevices(OPDMD)asdefinedbytheAmericanswithDisabilityActareallowedunlessotherwiseprohibited.
• Biking• Fishing,trappingorhunting,exceptasotherwiseposted• Horsebackriding• Feedingwildlife• Releasinganimalsorintroducingplants• Disposingoftrashorotherwaste,includingbiodegradablematerials
To Minimize Your Impact, We Ask That You Please Also Observe the Following:
• Stayontrails.• Avoidwalkinginwet,boggyareas.• Inspectpantlegsandshoestoremoveseedsbeforeenteringandwhenleavingthe
preserve.Failuretodosocouldintroduceinvasiveweedstonewlocations.• Ifyouflushagroundnestingbird,stopandavoidwalkingnearthenestarea.• Observeallpostedsigns.• Pleasedonotremovestakes,signs,flagging,tapeorsimilarobjects.Thesemaybe
markersforaresearchproject.• Pleasedonottrespassonprivatepropertyadjacenttopreserves.
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About The Nature Conservancy
In1951TheNatureConservancystartedasagrassrootsorganizationinNewYorkinordertoprotecta60-acrehemlockforest.TNChassincegrownintoaninternationalnon-profit,activeinall50statesand79countriesandterritories.
TNCemploysscientistsacrosstheworldinordertomakestrategicandinformeddecisionstodriveconservation.Fromfindingandprotectingmigrationcorridorstousingfiretomaintainlandscapes,TNCishelpingleadthewayforscience-basedconservation.
TNC’s Mission:
Ourmissionistoconservethelandsandwatersonwhichalllifedepends.Ourvisionisaworldwherethediversityoflifethrives,andpeopleacttoconservenatureforitsownsakeanditsabilitytofulfillourneedsandenrichourlives.
TNC in Virginia
InVirginia,TNChasprioritizedtheconservationofseveralkeylandscapes:ClinchValleyinthesouthwest,VirginiaPinelandsinthesoutheast,theChesapeakeBayandEasternShoreintheeast,andtheAlleghenyHighlandsinthewestwhichincludesWarmSpringsMountain.Inadditiontotheselandscapes,TNCownsandprotectsothernaturepreservesthroughoutthecommonwealth.Whenpossible,TNCstrivestoopenthesepreservestothepublictoprovideauthenticexamplesofnaturalVirginianhabitatstoinspirefuturegenerations.
Formoreinformation,pleasevisitourwebsite�
TNC At A Glance
• 100+millionacresprotectedaroundtheworld,including350,000acresinVirginia
• 121,000+acresinVirginiaprotectedaspublicland
• Programsinall50statesand70+countries
• 600+staffscientistsworldwide• VirginiateamsbasedinCharlottesville,
Richmond,HotSprings,AbingdonandNassawadox
MILESTONES1960-All-volunteerVirginiachapterformedinRichmond1970-AcquiredfirstbarrierislandstocreateVirginiaCoastReserve1973-Brokered50,000-acrelanddonationfromUnionCamptoestablishGreatDismalSwampWildlifeRefuge2002-Purchasednearly10,000-acreWarmSpringsMountainPreserve2019-Negotiatingtri-statedealtoconserve250,000acresofAppalachianforest
Overtheyears,TNChasmorphedfrommainlyfocusingonprotectingareasofpristinelandscapetofocusingonachievingglobalsustainability.Toaccomplishthis,TNCisfocusingonfourmainareas:TackleClimateChange,ProtectLandandWater,ProvideFoodandWaterSustainably,andBuildHealthCities.
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Stewardship Hike Guidelines
Whileonastewardshipwalk,youshouldnotetheconditionofthepreserve’ssigns,trailmarkers,structures,andnaturalfeatures.Youshouldalsokeeptrackofanythingunusual.FilloutaPreserveInspectionReportFormandemailittoJenDalke([email protected]),SamTruslow([email protected]),andtheScheduleManager.Allissuesencounteredshouldbereportedregardlessofwhetherornotyouwereabletofixthem.
Parking Areas/ Signs/ Kiosks/ Structures/ Gates (locks)What to Look for:
• Litterordumpedgarbage• Overgrownvegetation• Conditionoffencesandgates• Conditionofkiosksandsigns
Actions to Take:• Pickuplitter(ifthereisasubstantial
amount,wemayneedtoscheduleaworkday)
• Weed-whackortrimovergrownvegetationwithhandtools
Trails/ Boardwalks/ BridgesWhat to Look for:
• Overallconditionoftrails• Treeblowdownsandothertrail
obstructions• Trailerosionorwetspots• Conditionofbridgesandboardwalks• Presenceofregulartrailmarkers
Actions to Take:• Removeovergrownvegetationwithhandtools(e.g.loppers).Weaimtohaveapath
thatis4’wideand7’tall(Tip:imaginesomeonecarryingachildontheirbacktogaugeheight).
• Removeanyblowdownsandobstructions(e.g.braches,smalltrees).Donotattempttomovelargetreesthatneedchainsawwork,butnotetheirlocationwithAvenzamapsifpossible(volunteersmustbechainsawcertifiedandfilloutadditionalforms.SeeToolsformoredetails).
• Replacetrailmarkersasneeded(contactTNCstaffifyouneedmarkers).• Noteanydamagetobridgesandboardwalks
Photo:WorkdayatVoorheesPreserve2019©HollyLafferty/TNC
What to Look for and Actions to TakeWhat to Look for and Actions to Take
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Inappropriate UseWhat to look for:
• Evidenceofinappropriateuse(seePreserveGuidelinesorPreserveInspectionReportForm)
• Graffitiorotherdamagetosignage• Trashdumping• Unauthorizedvehicleuse
Actions to Take:• Ingeneral,donotconfrontpeoplewhoareusingthepreserveinappropriately• Dependingonthesituationandcomfortlevelofthepreservesteward,youcankindly
remindvisitorsofguidelines(e.g.gentlyremindingvisitorstonotpickflowers)• IllegalactivityshouldbereportedtotheNewKentCountySheriff’sofficeandTNC
staffwhenappropriate(seeAdditionalResourcesforimportantphonenumbers)
ReportingReportingAttheconclusionofeachstewardshiphike,PreserveStewardsshouldcompletethePreserveInspectionReportForm.ThisreportissenttoJenDalke([email protected]),SamTruslow([email protected]),andtheScheduleManagerforthepreserve.Ifyouareunabletoconductastewardshiphikebecauseofinclementweather,pleasesendanemailtotheabovethreepeopleanywaytokeeptheminformed.Belowarethingstokeepinmindwhencompletingthereport:
• Youareoureyesandearsbothatthepreserveandinthesurroundingcommunity.Iflandisforsaleorundergoingdevelopmentaroundthepreserve,pleaseincludeitinyourreport.
• Besuretonotewhereyouhikedsowecanmakesurenotrailgoesunmonitoredforanextendedamountoftime.
• Ifpossible,pleaseuseAvenzaMapstorecordwhereissuesare(seeAvenzaMaps).• Includeanyinterestinganimalorplantsightingswithpicturesifyoucantakeone.We
recommendusingtheINaturalistApptorecordyourobservationsaswell(seeCitizenScience/INaturalist).
Policies and ProceduresPolicies and ProceduresReimbursements–TheNatureConservancyhascertainvendoraccountswheresuppliescanbepurchased.However,purchasesshouldbeapprovedinadvancebyTNCstaffinCharlottesville.ManyfieldsuppliesarekeptinCharlottesville,andeffortsshouldbemadetousethesewheneverpossible.
Visitor Liability –TheNatureConservancyassumesnoresponsibilityforaccidentstovisitorswhileatCumberlandMarshPreserve.Allvisitorstothepreserveassumeresponsibilityfortheirownsafety.
Preserve Publications–AllpublicationsshouldbeapprovedbyTNCstaffattheCharlottesvilleoffice.Allinquiriesfromnewspapers,magazines,televisionstations,etc.shouldbeforwardedtoTNCstaffaswell. 1313
Photo:TwoSamsWalkling2013©GlennaGoldman
Proper Preparation Proper Preparation
ToolsTools
Besuretodressproperlyforstewardshiphikesandwearweather-appropriateclothing.Generally,itisagoodideatowearlongpantsandhikingorworkboots.Youshouldalsobringworkglovesandwater/snacks.Dependingonconditions,ahat,sunscreen,andinsectrepellentarealsohelpful.
Iftheweatherisbad(e.g.hurricanes,severalfeetofsnow),pleasedonotputyourselfindangertoperformahike.Yoursafetyisourfirstpriority.
Handtools,includingloppers,clippers,handsaws,andswingblades,arehelpfultoremoveovergrowthandsmall,downedbranchesandtofixsectionsoftrail.Hoescanalsobeusedtofixminorissueswiththetrail.Youshouldonlyworkwithtoolsyoufeelcomfortableandsafeusing.Alwayscarrytoolsinasafemanner(sharpedgestowardstheground)andusecoversonsharpedgeswhenpossible.Besuretokeeptoolswellmaintainedtoavoidinjuries.
Withtheexceptionofchainsaws(seenotebelow),motorizedtoolsmaybeusedatthepreserve.Thisincludespushlawnmowers,stringtrimmers,leafblowers,andconstructiontools(e.g.drills,circularsaws).Alwaysbeawareofotherpeopleintheareawhenusingtoolsofanykind,especiallyifthetoolinhibitsyourawareness.Trytoavoidusingmotorizedtoolsatpeakvisitortimesforboththesafetyandenjoymentofvisitors.Toolsshouldalwaysbeusedinaccordancewithsafetyprotocolsinthesafetymanual,includingwearingallrequiredpersonalprotectiveequipment.Itisalsobestpracticetohaveanotherpersonpresentwhenoperatingtoolsifpossible.
InordertouseachainsawonTNCproperty,youmustbechainsaw-certifiedbyanoutsideagency(e.g.AppalachianTrailConservancy,USFS).Ifyouarechainsawcertifiedorareinterestedinbecomingcertified,pleasecontactJenDalke([email protected]).
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Citizen Science/INaturalist
Weinviteallvisitorstohelpustracktheplantsandanimalsfoundatourpreserves.INaturalistisafreephoneappandwebsitethatallowsyoutorecordobservationsofwildlife.Italsohelpstoidentifyplantsandanimals,sonopreviousexperiencewithidentificationisnecessary.EachpreservehasanINaturalistprojectassociatedwithit,andallobservationsmadewithinthepreserveboundarieswillautomaticallybeincludedintheproject.ThisenablesTNCstafftotrackwhen,where,andwhatspeciesvisitorsandstewardsarefindingatthepreserve.
ItisnotamandatoryforPreserveStewardstouseINaturalistwhileonstewardshiphikes;but,ifitissomethingthatinterestsyou,pleasehelpustrackanychangesinplantsandanimals.Ifyougetanespeciallygreatpictureofsomething,pleaseincludeitwithyourreportoremailittoJenDalke([email protected])ifyouareaPreserveCommunityMember.
Avenza Maps Avenza Maps
Photo©ShainaHuynh/TNC
AvenzaMapsisausefulphoneandtabletappthatallowsuserstokeeptrackofthelocationofissuesthatariseatthepreserve.Theappworksevenintheabsenceofcellphoneservice,andmapscaneasilybesharedwithTNCstaff,allowingformoreefficientworkdayplanning. AvenzamapscanbedownloadedfromtheAppleorAndroidappstore.ATNCstaffmemberwillsendanemailwiththemapofthepreservewhichcanthenbeopenedintheapp.MorehelpsettingupAvenzacanbefoundathttps://support.avenzamaps.com/hc/en-us�
Whenyouencounteraproblemonastewardshiphike(e.g.atreefallacrossthetrail),opentheappanddropapinwhereyouarelocated.Labelthepinwithanamethatdescribestheissue.WhenyousendyourcompletedPreserveInspectionReport,youshouldalsosendyourdatalayerofyourpinsasaKMLfiletoSamTruslow([email protected]).Formoredetailedinstructions,pleaseseetheAvenzaMapAppendix.
1515
Safety and Guidelines
Ifyoucomeacrossanemergency,firstaccessthesituation.Donotinvolveyourselfinadangeroussituation.
Intheeventofanyaccidentthatrequirestheimmediateattentionofmedicalpersonnel,call911.Beadvisedthatcellphonecoveragevaries.Ifyouneedtocallemergencyservices,notethefollowing:
• Knowthedirectionstothetrailheadclosesttowhereyouare.• Takenotesaboutthesituation:names,whathappened,inwhatwaythevictim
appearstobehurt,etc.• Usefromafirstaidkitonlywhatyouaretrainedtouse.
Iftheinjurydoesnotwarrantimmediatemedicalattention,theperson(s)injuredshouldbetransportedtothenearesthospital.
Afteryouhaveassessedthesituationanddealtwiththeemergency,pleasecallJenDalke(540-335-1302)orSamTruslow(434-825-5550).
Youth SafetyYouth Safety
Emergency Procedures and Guidelines Emergency Procedures and Guidelines
TheNatureConservancyisdedicatedtotheprotectionofyouth(individualsundertheageof18).WhilePreserveStewardswillgenerallynotbeworkingdirectlywithyouth,Stewardsmaycomeacrossyouthwhileonstewardshiphikes.Becauseofthis,werequirethatallPreserveStewardssignTNC’sCommitmenttoYouthSafetyform(seeCommitmenttoYouthSafety).
VolunteerswhowillinteractwithyouthasaWorkdayLeader,PreserveNaturalist,etc.morethantwiceinayearmustbeyouthcertifiedbyTheNatureConservancy.Inordertocom-pleteYouthCertification,youmustcompleteTNC’sonlineyouthtrainingandpassaback-groundscreening.
Auto Safety Auto Safety VolunteersarenotallowedtodriveothervolunteersorvisitorswhilerepresentingTheNatureConservancyunlesstheyhavebeenAutoSafetycertifiedbyTNC.
Oneofthemostdangerouspartsofpreformingastewardshiphikeorhelpingwithaworkdayisdrivingtoandfromthepreserve.Pleaseusecautionandavoiddistractionswhiledriving.
1616
Additional Resources
Contact InformationContact InformationThe Nature Conservancy in Virginia 652PeterJeffersonPkwy#190Charlottesville,Virginia22911(434)295-6106
Jennifer Dalke,VolunteerProgramManager(434)951-0572(office)(540)335-1302(cell)[email protected]
Sam Truslow,LandSteward(434)951-0579(office)(434)825-5550(cell)[email protected]
MedExpress4903NineMileRdRichmond,VA23223(804)222-3549
TNCstafffromallacrossVirginiaataretreatinNovember2019.Photo©DanielWhite/TNC 1717
Preserve MapPreserve Map
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Commitment to Youth SafetyCommitment to Youth Safety
TheNatureConservancy’sCommitmenttoYouthSafetyestablishesbehavioralstandardstoprotectYouthandappliestoallemployeesandvolunteers.RelevantexcerptsfromtheManualcanbefoundonthereversesideofthissheet.WheneverworkingwithYouth,employeesandvolunteersshall:
1. TreatYouth(anyoneunderage18)withrespectanddignityregardlessofrace,color,sex,age,language,religion,politicalorotheropinion,national,ethnicorsocialorigin,property,disability,sexualorientation,genderidentity,andbirthorotherpersonallydefiningcharacteristicsorstatus
2� PlanactivitieswithYouthtoprotectandenhancethehighestlevelofsafetyoftheYouthinvolved,whetherornottheYouthisaccompaniedbyparents/family
3. AdheretouniformstandardsofphysicalcontactandotherconductasoutlinedintheManual1,andavoidphysicalcontactwithYouthwhenoutofcloseproximitytooroutsidetheviewofotheradults
4� AvoidbeingalonewithoneYouth,andintherarecircumstancesthatbeingalonewithoneYouthisunavoidable,followtheguidelineforOne-on-OneActivitiesintheManual2
5. WhenworkingwithagroupofYouth,whereverpossible,ensurethatanotheradultispresentornearby
6� Besensitivetoandobserveboundarieswithrespecttolanguage,conversation,andphysicalcontactprovidedinthisStandardOperatingProcedureandtheManual1,followinglocalandregionalnormsifthesenormsaremorerestrictivethanthestandards
7. ForovernightactivitieswithYouth,providehighlevelsofsupervisionandfollowtheguidelineforMonitoringHighRiskActivities,OvernightActivitiesintheManual(notapplicabletothePreserveVolunteerProgram)
8� FollowanyprogramspecificYouthsafetyguidelinesandsafetyplansformanagingboundariesandhighriskactivitieswithYouth
I,___________________________________(printed name of volunteer)understandthatIamresponsibletonotengageinactionsorbehaviorsthatcouldbeharmfultoYouthorconstruedaschildabuse.
Signature of Volunteer Date
_________________________________________________________________________
1Appropriate Contact with Youth:
ThefollowingguidelinesprovidespecificexamplesregardingappropriatebehaviorthatpromoteapositiveenvironmentwhileprotectingYouth,EmployeesandStaffVolunteersfrommisunderstandings.TheseguidelinesshouldbefollowedbyallEmployeesandStaffVolunteersworkingwithYouthandwillassistEmployeesandStaffVolunteersinfulfillingtheirCommitmenttoYouthSafety.
A.PhysicalInteractions
• Sidehugsorshoulder-to-shoulderhugs
• Patsontheshoulderorback• Handshakes• High-fivesandhandslapping• Verbalpraise• Patsontheheadwhenculturally
appropriate• Touchinghands,shoulders,and
arms• Handsonshoulders• Holdinghands(withyoungYouth
inescortingsituations)• Allowingpre-schoolor
kindergartenYouthtositonEmployeesorStaffVolunteers’knees
• Full-frontalhugs• Tickling• Showingaffectioninisolatedareas• AllowingYoutholderthan
kindergarten(5or6)tositonEmployees’andStaffVolunteers’kneesorlaps
• Wrestling• Piggybackrides• Kisses• Whispering/talkingclosetoear• EncouragingYouthtohug/show
affectiontooneanother• Pickingup/carryingYoutholder
thankindergarten(5or6)
• Touching/combinghair• AllowingaYouthtoclingtoan
Employee’sorStaffVolunteer’sleg(suggestholdhandswithyoungerYouthifneededforescortingsituations)
• AnytypeofmassagegivenbyortoaYouth
• AnyformofaffectionthatisunwantedbytheYouthortheEmployeesandStaffVolunteers
• Complimentsorcommentsrelatingtophysiqueorbodydevelopment
• Touchingbottom,chest,orgenitalareas
Appropriate Physical InteractionsAppropriate Physical Interactions INAPPROPRIATE Physical InteractionsINAPPROPRIATE Physical Interactions
• Positivereinforcement• Appropriatejokes• Encouragement• Praise• Askingquestions/inviting
conversation
• Name-calling• Secrets• Cursing• Off-colororsexualjokes• Shaming,belittling• Bullying• Derogatoryremarks• Harshlanguagethatmayfrighten,
threatenorhumiliateYouth
• Discussingsexualencounters• InvolvingYouthinthecurrent
personalproblemsorissuesofEmployeesandStaffVolunteers.
• Sharingconfidentialinformation(forexample,“YourfriendCharliegotintroubleforX.”)
B.VerbalInteractions
2One-on-One Interactions:
MostabuseoccurswhenoneadultisalonewithoneYouth.TheNatureConservancyaimstoeliminateorreducethesesituationsandprohibitsprivateone-on-oneinteractionsunlessforemergencysafetyreasonsorapprovedinadvancebytheBusinessUnitDirector.
Inthosesituations,whereone-on-oneinteractionsareapprovedorcannotbeavoided,EmployeesandStaffVolunteersshouldhavetheactivitybeobservableandinterruptiblebyfollowingtheseguidelines:• Whenmeetingone-on-onewithaYouth,alwaysdosoinapublicplacewhereyouareorcanbeinfullviewof
others.• Avoidgoingtosecludedareaswherethepresenceofotherscannotbeknown.• AvoidphysicalcontactthatcanbemisinterpretedbytheYouth.Limitcontacttopatsontheshoulder,high-fives,
andhandshakes.• Ifmeetinginaroomoroffice,leavethedooropenormovetoanopenareathatcanbeeasilyobservedbyothers
passingby.• InformotherEmployeesandStaffVolunteersthatyouarealonewithaYouth,andaskthemtorandomlydropin.• Documentandimmediatelyreportanyunusualincidents,includingdisclosuresofabuseormaltreatment,behavior
problemsandhowtheywerehandled,injuries,oranyinteractionsthatmightbemisinterpreted.
Appropriate Physical InteractionsAppropriate Physical Interactions INAPPROPRIATE Physical InteractionsINAPPROPRIATE Physical Interactions
Preserve Inspection Report FormPreserve Inspection Report FormPreserve Inspection Report FormPreserve Inspection Report FormDATE:DATE:
STEWARD’S NAME:STEWARD’S NAME:PRESERVE:PRESERVE:
APPROX. TIME IN FIELD:APPROX. TIME IN FIELD: hrs.hrs.TRAIL/AREA(S) VISITED:TRAIL/AREA(S) VISITED:
1. Was the parking area in good condition along with all signs, kiosks, structures and gatesincluding locks)? Was the vegetation trimmed around these areas?
2. Were the trails in good condition? Any blow downs, obstructions, erosion problems?
3. Were there any signs of the following?
Actions Taken/Comments:Actions Taken/Comments:
Actions Taken/Comments:Actions Taken/Comments:
Actions Taken/Comments:Actions Taken/Comments:
Comments:Comments:
Comments:Comments:
Comments:Comments:
General Comments: General Comments: Did you notice any other problems or have suggestions for improvments?Did you notice any other problems or have suggestions for improvments?
VandalismVandalismDumping Dumping
Illegal HuntingIllegal Hunting FireFire CampingCamping Biking/Horseback RidingBiking/Horseback RidingLitterLitter Safety HazardsSafety Hazards Damaged VegetationDamaged VegetationUnauthorized Vehicle UseUnauthorized Vehicle Use
4. Did you notice any changes in surround land use or status?
5. Describe any interactions you had with preserve neighbors or visitors.
6. Describe any significant wildlife or plants you encountered at the preserve. We like tohear about what you observe! Please include photos if you have them.
This information is very useful! Thanks for your help!Please send this to Jen Dalke ( [email protected]), Sam Truslow ([email protected]) and the schedule manager.
Please include any photos and/or KML Avenza files you have in the email. 2121
2222
Avenza Map Help SheetAvenza Map Help SheetAvenzaMapsisausefulphoneandtabletappthatallowsuserstokeeptrackofthelocationofissuesthatariseatthepreserve.Theappworksevenintheabsenceofcellphoneservice,andmapscaneasilybesharedwithTNCstaff,allowingformoreefficientworkdayplanning. AvenzamapscanbedownloadedfromtheAppleorAndroidappstore.YoucandownloadthepreservetrailmapfromTNCwebsite,oraTNCstaffmemberwillemailyouacopy.MorehelpsettingupAvenzacanbefoundathttps://support.avenzamaps.com/hc/en-us�
Whenyougettoanissuetoreport,opentheapp.Yourlocationisshownbyadot.
ThefollowingstepsoutlinehowtomarkissueswithplacemarksandthensendthemtoourLandSteward,SamTruslow.Providingthisinformationisextremelyhelpfulandsavesourstewardshipstaffvaluabletime.
1�
Pressthearrowinthebottomleftcornertocenterthemapatyourlocation.
Next,usethepinbuttonbythearrowtocreateanewplacemark.
2323
Youcanaddatitle,photos,anddescriptiontotheplacemark.Themoreinformation,thebetter!
Whenyouaredone,selectSubmitinthetoprightcorner.
Youcanaddmultipleplacemarkstoamap,sokeeptrackofallissuesyoucomeacross.
Tosendthedatayoucollected,selectthelayerbuttoninthebottomrightcorner.
Onceyoufinishyourstewardshiphike,sendtheinformationtoSamTruslow.Youneedcellserviceorinternettodothis,soyoumayneedtowaituntilyouarehome.
2�
3�
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Selectthebuttonwiththeuparrowinthebottomrightcorner.
Next,selectExporttoOthers.
Feelfreetorenameyourfiletosomethingmoredescriptivebeforesending.
BesuretoselectKMLasthefileformatifitisnotalreadyselected.
Onceyouaredone,selectExportinthethetoprightcorner.PickyouremailappofchoiceandsendthefiletoSamatstruslow@tnc.org�
4�
5�
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6�
Afteryousendthefileforyourstewardshiphike,clearthemapsoyouarereadyforyournexthike.
FromtheMapLayersscreen(fromStep4),selectEditinthebottomleftcorner.
Selectthelayeryoucreatedandthenpressdeleteatthebottom.
Thankyouforcollectingvaluableandtime-savinginformation!