Countywide Natural Resources - 4.01 - 10.31: Landscape Stewards Group Leaders

 

General Description

Help us showcase what Minnesota natives have to offer. Landscape Stewards focus on maintaining areas that have been planted with native grasses and wildflowers in highly visible areas of our parks. These locations provide pollinator habitat as well as serve as demonstration gardens for park visitors that will hopefully inspire folks to “go native” in their own backyards. Tasks will vary but will include planning and leading groups of volunteers to assist with general garden maintenance such as weeding, pruning, watering, and planting as needed in each garden. 

 

Location(s)

Lebanon Hills Regional Park

  • Visitor Center Backyard
  • Visitor Center Boathouse
  • Holland Lake Bay

 

Date/Time

Nearly weekly opportunities throughout the growing season – varying shifts available. 2 - 3 hours per week. Additional shifts can be added based on the Landscape Steward Group Leader’s availability. 

 

Duties & Responsibilities

Lead Landscape Stewards will coordinate with Parks staff to determine management priorities for their chosen native planting site(s) prior to volunteer events. They will then help supervise and educate Landscape Steward Crew Members during volunteer shifts. Activities will vary but include planting, watering and weeding. You’ll learn (and teach) plant identification and native gardening skills.

 

Each site will have a workday scheduled every 3-4 weeks. We hope to have 2 Leads per site to accommodate folks’ schedule, and you’d of course be welcome to join the Landscape Stewards volunteer shifts at any location, not just the one you are the lead for.

 

Minimum Qualifications

  • Must be 21 years old or older. 
  • Must complete a background check with Dakota County.
  • Great people person who is willing to be inviting and engaging with an outside audience. 
  • Must be able to walk through tall vegetation and on uneven terrain.
  • Some familiarity with native plants, weeds, and pollinator garden maintenance.

 

Minimum Time Commitment

  • Leads may spend 1-2 hours coordinating with staff on priorities.
  • 2-3 hours supervising volunteer shifts every 3-4 weeks.
  • Leads will ideally commit to the entire growing season.
  • Leads can coordinate with staff to schedule volunteer shifts at their sites when they are available.

 

Activity Level 

Medium - May involve varying amounts of activity (rough terrain, and moderate physical exertion, bending over to pull weeds). May not be recommended for volunteers with physical limitations. Comfortable, sturdy shoes and long pants required.

 

Contact Information

Sara Nelson

Natural Resources Specialist

sara.nelson@co.dakota.mn.us 

612-643-0454

 

       

Qualifications Required

  • Accepted Data Privacy Notice - Tennessen Notice Must be Yes
  • Background Check Must be Completed: Cleared
  • Signed Volunteer Waiver Must be at least Yes
  • Some activities require that you complete a background check with Dakota County. Are you willing to undergo a background check? Must be Yes

Schedule Summary

This activity occurs between Monday, April 01, 2024 and Thursday, October 31, 2024