Trail Preservation Committee Member

The Trail Preservation Committee works to establish and maintain a permanently protected corridor for the Buckeye Trail. Committee members support land conservation efforts through easements, property acquisitions, landowner engagement, stewardship planning, and management of the Trail Preservation Fund to ensure the Buckeye Trail remains protected and accessible for future generations.

Duties/Responsibilities

Trail Preservation Committee Members may take part in some or all of the following, depending on individual interests/time commitment and committee needs:

• Attend and actively participate in monthly Trail Preservation Committee meetings
• Help identify opportunities to permanently protect portions of the Buckeye Trail through conservation easements, land acquisitions, and other preservation tools
• Work with landowners, volunteers, partner organizations, and public agencies to explore trail protection opportunities
• Assist with developing and maintaining positive relationships with private landowners, conservation partners, grant funders, and other stakeholders
• Review and evaluate potential parcels for acquisition, easement development, or trail reroutes
• Participate in field visits, ground-truthing efforts, and property evaluations when needed
• Assist with coordinating surveys, title research, boundary verification, and related due diligence activities
• Help develop volunteer training materials and best practices for volunteers who work with landowners
• Support stewardship and management planning for BTA-owned properties using ecologically responsible and conservation-minded practices
• Promote healthy ecosystems, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable land management on protected properties
• Provide recommendations regarding requests for Trail Preservation Fund assistance
• Assist with management of the Trail Preservation Fund, donor stewardship activities, and donor acknowledgment efforts
• Support communication efforts by providing donor information and preservation updates for BTA publications

Outcome/Impact

The Trail Preservation Committee plays a critical role in ensuring the long-term future of the Buckeye Trail. Through land protection, stewardship, partnership development, and strategic conservation planning, committee members help secure permanent trail corridors, protect natural resources, strengthen relationships with landowners, and preserve Ohio's landscapes for future generations of hikers.

Risks & Hazards

Outdoor fieldwork may involve hiking on uneven terrain, steep slopes, remote areas, road crossings, and varying weather conditions, as well as potential exposure to insects, wildlife, poison ivy, and other environmental hazards. May involve travel to meet with landowners, conservation partners, and survey project sites.

Term Length & Exit Clause Reminder

Committee membership is ongoing and continues at the discretion of the volunteer and BTA leadership. Members are encouraged to commit for at least one year to provide continuity for long-term preservation projects, and should provide advance notice if they are unable to continue serving. We deeply value your time and your willingness to support the Buckeye Trail in a volunteer capacity. We do our best to check in as needed with new volunteers to ensure you have the tools and support you need to make a difference. As a volunteer, you understand that your service is entirely voluntary. At any time and for any reason, either you or the BTA may choose to end your volunteer service. A volunteer position may also be adjusted, in conversation with the relevant BTA staff member, to better suit either the needs of the BTA or the interests of the volunteer. The best way to ensure you're well supported and providing meaningful service is to stay in regular and proactive contact with your BTA volunteer point person, who will be introduced to you during the onboarding process.

• Interest in land conservation, trail preservation, and the Buckeye Trail Association's mission
• Ability to attend monthly committee meetings
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Willingness to work with diverse stakeholders including landowners, volunteers, public agencies, and conservation organizations
• Ability to maintain confidentiality when required

Desired Skills

• Experience with land conservation, conservation easements, land trusts, real estate, property management, or natural resource management
• Knowledge of conservation funding sources and grant programs
• Experience building partnerships and working with private landowners
• Familiarity with land surveys, property boundaries, GIS mapping, or legal descriptions
• Experience in ecological stewardship, habitat management, forestry, or conservation planning
• Experience developing training materials or educational resources
• Knowledge of the Buckeye Trail and its route network

Expectations

• Attend monthly committee meetings regularly
• Participate constructively in committee discussions and decision-making
• Complete agreed-upon tasks and follow through on project responsibilities
• Represent the BTA professionally and respectfully when interacting with landowners and partners
• Support the long-term preservation goals of the organization
• Communicate promptly regarding project updates, availability, and committee needs

To express interest in joining the Trail Preservation Committee, please contact volunteer@buckeyetrail.org and provide a description of your experience with Land/Trail preservation methods.