Grassland Bird Monitor - Greenwood Farm

Opportunity Overview: 
The Trustees is seeking local birders and naturalists to help survey grassland habitat to document grassland bird populations. The Trustees has long identified the management of suitable nesting habitat for grassland birds as a key goal, and is actively working to balance habitat needs with other priorities, such as the production of high-quality forage for its agricultural operations. Comprehensive volunteer monitoring of grassland bird populations across fields with a range of management types will clarify the effectiveness of these efforts and help to inform our further stewardship measures. 
 
Responsibilities (may include but are not limited to the following): 

• Conduct a minimum of one site visit per month from May – July to assigned grasslands. However, we strongly encourage volunteers to visit more frequently, perhaps on a weekly, or bi-weekly (every two weeks) schedule 

• Conduct standardized point count surveys on each visit for bobolink, eastern meadowlark, savanna sparrow, red-winged blackbird, grasshopper sparrows, and American kestrel 

• Record survey results on a standardized data sheet or on eBird and submit results to the Trustees current TerraCorps member via email  

• Photograph survey points 

• Log volunteer hours on Volunteer Connect 

  
This data will be used to help determine which hayfields/pastures/other fields are important for sustaining grassland species and will inform field management activities. Over the long term, these surveys will allow The Trustees to assess grassland bird trends in our fields and evaluate the success of our management regimes to support grassland birds. 
  
Qualifications: 

• Be confident in identifying target grassland birds by sight and sound or have a desire/willingness to familiarize themselves with common grassland birds, especially bobolinks 

• Have the ability to make a minimum of three morning visits to their assigned grasslands (have access to transportation and have the time to commit) 

• Be able to navigate using aerial photographs and other maps and follow survey protocol 

• Be comfortable participating in light walking/hiking on variable terrain 

• Have the ability to withstand hot/humid conditions 

• Have access to binoculars 

• Please note: a background check is required for this role 

  
Volunteers will be given data sheets to record survey results, aerial photos of their assigned grasslands with survey points highlighted, and detailed instructions about how to conduct the surveys and submit the data. Birders are needed at our properties across Massachusetts.  
 
For more information Contact the Volunteer Services Team at [email protected] 
 
To explore other volunteer opportunities, visit our volunteer page at http://volunteer.thetrustees.org/ 
  
More about The Trustees 
Founded by landscape architect Charles Eliot in 1891, The Trustees has, for more than 125 years, been a catalyst for important ideas, endeavors, and progress in Massachusetts. As a steward of distinctive and dynamic places of both historic and cultural value, The Trustees is the nation’s first preservation and conservation organization, and its landscapes and landmarks continue to inspire discussion, innovation, and action today as they did in the past. We are a nonprofit, supported by members, friends and donors and our 116 sites are destinations for residents, members, and visitors alike, welcoming millions of guests annually. www.thetrustees.org. 
  
Inclusive Spaces for All 
We are committed to providing a welcoming environment for all. Together, alongside our partners and volunteers we are creating inclusive spaces of community for people of all backgrounds to enjoy and preserving these open spaces for everyone, forever. We are committed to inclusion across race, gender, age, religion, identity, ability, and experience. 
  
The Trustees is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal employment opportunity for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, age, military service, application for military service, veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law. The Trustees makes reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law. 
 
Covid-19 Volunteer Safety: The health and safety of Trustees’ volunteers, staff and visitors is our top priority. 

• If you are not feeling well, please stay home 

• If you have been in contact with someone with Covid-19 or someone displaying symptoms of Covid-19, please stay home 

• For our most current Covid-19 updates, please visit our main Trustees site