Are you someone with a passionate interest in nature? Well, South Nation Conservation wants you.

For its Forest Stewardship Program, that is!

 

SNC owns more than 11,400 acres scattered across the 4,382 square-km jurisdiction extending from north of Brockville to Plantagenet. It’s divided into 153 individual parcels, with the numbers growing all the time.

 

“Having such a substantial land base provides another opportunity to increase awareness of the social, environmental and cultural importance of forests,” said Joseé Brizard, SNC Team Lead, Forest Resources. “That’s why we enlist members of the public to help us out.”

 

Volunteers receive training to assist SNC in the proper management of its forests, monitoring assigned properties in the vicinity of where they live and reporting deficiencies and requirements. New recruits are always welcome, with no previous experience needed.

 

Tasks include SNC property use observations, reporting issues for resolution, limited trail maintenance, species identification to help develop a comprehensive list, participation in planning and leading local educational activities, photo documentation, record keeping and submission, and representing SNC at public events.

 

Forest stewards reflect a broad range, from hunters and naturalists, to watershed residents with a general interest in protecting area forests. And the job isn’t restricted by gender or age, other than applicants must be at least 18 years old.

 

“We’re looking for eyes and ears on the ground,” Brizard said, “people on the lookout for blocked trails, hazards and signs of activities we don’t permit.”

 

“It’s a great way to get involved and help preserve the beauty and accessibility of the natural spaces maintained by South Nation for public use and enjoyment.”

 

Issued with photo ID cards, stewards are expected to submit brief reports of their findings at least three times a year. “A lot of our stewards would be in the woods anyway and appreciate the chance to get out there, often on behalf of their clubs and organizations.”

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Josee Brizard, 877-984-2948, ext. 231

jbrizard@nation.on.ca