The Berks Conservancy manages more than 600 acres of land and connecting trails in Berks County. Maintenance and rehabilitation of the existing trails is an ongoing process and is required due to public use, annual vegetation growth, and other forces of nature.

In order to provide for visitor safety and to protect our resources, Berks Conservancy staff and volunteers repair and enhance existing trails. In turn, the volunteers learn concepts of land stewardship and resource conservation while giving back to the trail system they enjoy. Trail opportunities currently include Neversink Mountain Preserve, Neversink Trail (Riverfront to Heritage Park), Earl Poole Sanctuary, Angelica Trail, Schuylkill River Trail (Reading Buttonwood St to Angelica Creek Trailhead) and Wyomissing Creek Trail (Schuylkill River Trail to Museum Road).

VOLUNTEERS ROLE

Volunteers provide maintenance on the trail system in a non-enforcement role. They will offer information to trail users, advising on trail etiquette, will record and report any problems on the trails to the trail manager and will take an active role in protecting the safety and beauty of the trails.

Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, commit to at least 3 hours a week from April to October and be able to communicate with the trail manager about potential issues.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Participate in pre-volunteer training with the trail manager and complete all paperwork
• Become familiar with the trail systems
• Interact with trail users in a friendly and courteous manner
• Report problems and concerns with the trails directly to the trail manager immediately
• Complete appropriate timesheet and submit it on a monthly basis
• Use approved equipment for proper clean up of trash and debris on the trails

If you are interested in becoming a Trail Ambassador, please contact John Hackman at 610-372-4992 ext 111 or john.hackman@berks-conservancy.org .