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Plant Steward

Nurture trees, shrubs, and native plants on Larimer County properties while promoting sustainability, providing wildlife habitat, and creating a welcoming space for visitors. 

We are not recruiting for this role at this time.

Plant Steward volunteers provide trees with the proper maintenance to ensure their longevity. Newly planted trees take a few years to establish under normal conditions and regular watering is the best way to prevent drought injury and ensure their best chance of survival. The schedule is flexible; choose the day & time that works best for you! No experience necessary. Just a desire to help young trees reach their full potential. Properly cared for trees provide maximum economic, environmental, and social value.

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  • Spend your time outdoors while connecting with and giving back to the community
  • Be an integral part of promoting LCDNR's mission, enhancing visitors' experiences, and fostering stewardship values
  • Learn from experienced staff and volunteers
  • Utilize your native plant and/or gardening experience
  • Be physically active outdoors
  • Enjoy quiet time in a beautiful setting
  • Know that you are making a difference and a visible impact
  • All tools & equipment provided
  • Complete 20+ volunteer hours in a calendar year & receive a LCDNR parking pass
  • Enjoy working outside and nurturing plants & trees
  • Work a regular schedule (bi-weekly)
  • Must be friendly, courteous, and respectful
  • Able to work independently
  • Follow guidance, directions, and safety instructions of LCDNR staff and other volunteers
  • Good communication skills
  • Able to identify native plants (or able to learn)
  • Be in good physical condition: ability to lift up to 50 lbs., walk at least a mile, navigate steep terrain, bend, stoop, push and reach 
  • Be flexible to accommodate changes in weather
  • Experience in physical labor skills such as maintenance or landscaping are helpful but not required
  • Able to provide own transportation
  • Comfortable with utilizing computers and reporting data in a timely manner
  • Abide by all rules, regulations, and safety guidelines while on Larimer County property
  • Understand and accept potential risks for this volunteer position such as inclement weather, potentially dangerous rattlesnake or wildlife encounters, unpleasant interactions with the public and injuries resulting from the physical duties of this position
  • Pick up and carry large, heavy hose & other equipment
  • Bi-weekly, schedule time to water newly planted trees; July - September (or longer)
  • Travel 30 minutes or longer to location
  • Pick up & drop off supplies at the maintenance shop
  • Water trees which takes about 3-4 hours
  • Pick up trash including small or micro pieces as needed. Report any hazards such as sharp or unsafe items
  • Listen to and follow all safety guidelines and instructions given by LCDNR staff or volunteer leaders
  • Communicate regularly with staff via phone, text or email
  • Use offero.larimer.org, LCDNR's volunteer software, to record your volunteer time and report any maintenance issues
  • Dress appropriately. Typically, this includes wearing sturdy closed-toed shoes, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), water, clothing layers for variable weather conditions, leather work gloves and anything else you'll need for working outdoors
  • All tools and project materials are provided
  • New Volunteer Orientation (includes overview of expectations, policies, emergency response procedures, etc.)
  • On-site training with Department of Natural Resources staff 
  • Training will cover appropriate tool use & safety
  • A regular four (4) hour shift, bi-weekly
  • July - September (or longer)

 

  1. Submit a New Volunteer Application
  2. Schedule an interview with the Volunteer Engagement Team
  3. Attend training
    • New Volunteer Orientation
    • Role specific training
  4. Start volunteering!
The Larimer County Natural Resources Volunteer Program is not obligated to provide a placement, nor are you obligated to accept the position offered. Opportunities for volunteers are provided without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex or age. Larimer County is committed to equality of opportunity.
nr-volunteer-contact.

Contact Us

Julie Enderby
Education and Volunteer Supervisor
jenderby@larimer.org
(970) 619-4552