Reserve Steward Guidelines

Walk designated reserve AT LEAST 2X annually

I. Maintenance

1. Wear:

1. Sturdy shoes, work gloves, eye & hearing protection if using power equipment

2. Carry
1. clippers or loppers, bag for trash, grubbing axe for removing tripping hazards

a. clean up trash, small branches, briars along trails

3. Report trees down along trails or perched precariously over trails
1. arrange work party to remove large debris
2. NEVER go out alone with chain saws or weed whackers on reserves – ALWAYS “buddy-up”

II. Scheduled Events

A. Spring Clean-up with assigned Boy Scout Troop

1. Trash & debris
2. Invasive species: garlic mustard, multiflora rose, burning bush, stilt grass

2. Fall Clean-up, tending trails
3. Annual Report due in April (activities, projects needed or completed, etc.)

III. Trail Marking

A. Check blazes to make sure marked trees haven’t been downed in weather

B. Ensure line-of-sight identification (always see the next blaze ahead)

C. Be sure trails follow land contours (No steep trails)

IV. Special events

A. Schedule “practice run” before the event date to be sure trails are clean and passable

B. Identify notable species

C. Talk about history of reserveand/or items of special interest (e.g. highest point, previous owners, etc.)

D. Be familiar with “your” reserve

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