Volunteer handbook
Volunteer Program Policies
The Volunteer Handbook is our guide to the volunteer program’s policies, expectations, and culture. Volunteers must review and approve to participate in our programs. These policies exist to protect our volunteers and staff.
Creating a welcoming and inclusive culture in the conservation sector is a core value at Restoring Lands. We are passionate about building and sustaining an inclusive and equitable environment for all staff and our community. We believe every member of our team, including each volunteer, enriches our diversity by exposing us to a broad range of ways to understand and engage with the world, identify challenges, and to discover, design, and deliver solutions. Restoring Lands seeks to take ownership of addressing barriers to
conservation by engaging, training, and empowering underrepresented communities in the work of fostering biodiversity, promoting climate resiliency, and enhancing public access to the outdoors.
We are so thankful for our volunteers and look forward to welcoming you to the land we care for!
Volunteer Opportunities & Volunteer Defined
Volunteer Program Opportunities
- Land Stewardship & Restoration: our weekly volunteer program working outside on Land Trust protected lands with staff; remove invasive species, plant trees, maintain trails, and other restoration-related activities as needed.
- Community Science/Wildlife Monitoring: a more specialized volunteer opportunity, orientation required; collect data for iNaturalist & E-bird contributions, Snake Board monitoring, Amphibian Calls and Egg Mass surveys, and Funnel Trapping.
- Site Steward: an independent volunteer opportunity to be a steward of one of our preserves. Help to maintain trails and monitor the site. Volunteer work depends on the volunteer’s interest and abilities. Individual training meeting required.
- Organizational Support: flexible schedule; assist in the office, at community events – tabling or leading activities, or graphic design work.
- Group Volunteer Workdays: we host various corporate groups, student groups, community groups, scouts, churches, etc. to do land restoration work. Contact the Volunteer Coordinator to schedule a workday. Please provide the following information in your email:
- Group Size
- Range of dates and potential times
- Preferred location (Milwaukee or Preserves in Ozaukee or Washington County)
- Special requirements (if applicable)
- Main contact name, email, phone #
Volunteer Code of Conduct
As a volunteer for Restoring Lands, I agree:
1. To act as a member of the team and perform my duties to the best of my abilities and to conduct
myself with honesty, courtesy, reliability, and dignity.
2. To strive for inclusiveness, equity and environmental justice.
a. I will not engage in racism, sexism, ageism, ableism, classism, homophobia, xenophobia.
3. To follow all the rules, adhere to the drug-free workplace policy, accept supervision, and ask for
clarification when needed.
4. To be punctual and notify staff when I will be absent.
5. To use office equipment for Land Trust business only.
6. To notify the Volunteer Coordinator when I am no longer able to volunteer.
7. Not to divulge any confidential information obtained while volunteering.
8. To refer members of the press to the main office of Restoring Lands. I understand that volunteers
are not authorized to make statements to the press on behalf of Restoring Lands, officially or
unofficially at any time.
9. That unless otherwise stated in a volunteer opportunity, under no circumstances should a
volunteer drive a Land Trust vehicle or operate any motorized equipment.
10. As a volunteer I am NOT an employee and will not receive any compensation and am not eligible for
any benefits including Workers Compensation.
11. To take any problems or suggestions to the Volunteer Coordinator or my supervisor.
As a volunteer, I will:
1. Treat others in a courteous, respectful manner demonstrating appropriate behaviors.
2. Recognize that verbal, sexual, physical abuse or harassment is unacceptable.
3. Act with respect toward plants, animals, and people.
4. Use language that will support and promote self-esteem.
5. Only use touch in an appropriate manner and with permission.
6. Refrain from using alcohol or illegal substances while volunteering and\or being under the
influence of alcohol or illegal substances while volunteering.
7. Not place another person in an unsafe situation.
8. Not carry a weapon, concealed or unconcealed, while volunteering for Restoring Lands at the
office, on preserves, or any other site.
9. Be engaged in the activity and work hard.
Restoring Lands agrees to:
1. Treat the volunteer as a member of the team and appreciate their contributions.
2. Respect the skills, dignity, and needs of the volunteer.
3. Provide supervision, information, training, and feedback for the volunteer to be effective.
4. Consider all legitimate volunteer comments, requests, suggestions and concerns.
Volunteer Dismissal & Harassment Policy
Dismissal of a Volunteer
A volunteer may be dismissed at any time and for any reason at the discretion of Restoring Lands. Without
limiting the generality of the foregoing, a volunteer who fails to satisfactorily perform their volunteer
assignment or fails to comply with the terms of this handbook is subject to dismissal. Possible grounds for
dismissal may include but are not limited to, the following:
- Being under the influence of alcohol and drugs
- Abuse, mistreatment, or harassment of the public, other volunteers, or Land Trust staff
- Misconduct or insubordination
- Theft of property or misuse of Land Trust equipment or materials
- Failure to abide by the Volunteer Agreement
Restoring Lands is firmly committed to providing a positive work environment free of discrimination and bias. Each volunteer is personally responsible for maintaining such a work environment. Restoring Lands prohibits any actions, words, jokes, or comments based on an individual’s race, sex, sexual preferences, ethnic background, age, religion, or physical condition. Any conduct or action, whether overt or subtle, which creates an offensive or hostile work environment is prohibited and will be grounds for dismissal.