Volunteer Programs
We love our volunteers at the Land Trust! From retirees and families to working professionals and students, we enthusiastically welcome volunteers of all backgrounds and experience levels into our stewardship community to help care for our shared natural resources.
Our stewardship activities are designed to support our conservation and management goals. Activities include habitat management, trail maintenance, river stewardship, community science, and more. Whether you have a few hours to spare or are looking to make a longer-term commitment, there are opportunities to get involved that fit various interests and schedules.
Volunteers are supported through program orientations, training, and, where possible, professional development opportunities.
Explore the opportunities below to learn more about how you can get involved. Email info@concordland.org to get started!
Beecology Community Science Program
The Land Trust is deepening its work to understand plant-pollinator interactions across several of our conservation properties, and you can play a role in this exciting effort! Help observe and identify bumblebees, butterflies, and other insects alongside the plants they depend on. The data you collect contributes to ongoing research led by Dr. Robert Gegear and his team at the Gegear Lab at UMass Dartmouth, advancing scientific understanding of pollination systems across Massachusetts and New England, while also directly informing the Land Trust’s land management practices.
Step into the role of a community scientist and help digitally record plant-pollinator interactions on Land Trust properties. No experience is necessary—just curiosity and a desire to support at-risk species!
Position description: click here.
Interested? Email info@concordland.org
As a Beecologist, you will:
>> Learn to identify native bumblebees, butterflies, and local flora
>> Build skills using tools like the Beecology Web App and iNaturalist
>> Collect valuable data that supports land stewardship and conservation
>> Contribute to real scientific research and conservation strategies
>> Connect with others who share your passion for nature and biodiversity
Weed Warriors
The Weed Warrior Program, developed by the SuAsCo CISMA, empowers volunteers to take action against invasive species across the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord watershed. The Land Trust participates as a host organization, offering Weed Warrior workdays on our properties. Roll up your sleeves and make a hands-on difference in protecting native habitats.
Build the skills to identify and remove invasive species—get certified to lead or work independently, or join workdays guided by experienced volunteers and staff. You’ll also have opportunities to participate in additional CISMA Weed Warrior trainings and events throughout the SuAsCo watershed. Together, we’re restoring landscapes and supporting healthier ecosystems.
Learn more: click here.
Interested? Email info@concordland.org
As a Weed Warrior, you will:
>> Learn to identify invasive species and their native lookalikes
>> Gain hands-on experience removing and properly disposing of invasives
>> Take part in impactful restoration projects across Land Trust properties
River Stewardship Program
The River Stewardship Program gives volunteers a hands-on way to protect the Sudbury River by managing invasive water chestnut. From June through early August, volunteers spend summer mornings in canoes and kayaks removing water chestnut plants and composting them at designated upland sites above the floodplain. All equipment is provided, though you’re welcome to bring your own watercraft or personal flotation device (PFD, i.e., life preserver). Together, volunteers remove around 750 bushels of water chestnut each season, making a real impact on the river’s health.
In 2025, the Land Trust partnered with the Conantum community to clear all the water chestnut from Fairhaven Bay to the Sudbury Road bridge, and we’re excited to partner again in 2026!
Paddle into action and help carry out this meaningful invasive species work on the river.
Position description: click here.
Interested? Email info@concordland.org
As a River Steward, you will:
>> Spend summer mornings in canoes and kayaks on the Sudbury River
>> Learn to identify water chestnut and its lookalikes
>> Understand the life cycle of water chestnut and best removal practices
>> Remove water chestnuts from the river and compost them offshore with fellow volunteers
>> Make a tangible impact on river health while gaining hands-on stewardship experience
Trail Stewardship Program (Full)
Taking care of more than 1,000 acres of land and 27 miles of trails is no small task—and that’s where Trail Stewards make a big impact! Since 2018, this program has paired volunteers with specific Land Trust properties and trail systems. At least once a month, Trail Stewards walk their trails, performing light maintenance like removing fallen branches, clipping back brush, and picking up trash. They act as the eyes and ears of the Land Trust, reporting conditions and helping us care for and manage our properties. Trail Stewards also participate in trainings and are invited to the annual MLTC Land Conservation Conference, connecting with a passionate community of fellow conservation volunteers.
Step into action and help care for Concord’s trails while learning valuable stewardship skills!
Position description: click here.
Interested? Email info@concordland.org
As a Trail Steward, you will:
>> Walk a specific Land Trust property at least once a month
>> Clip back brush, clear small debris, and pick up litter along the trails
>> Report fallen trees, trail issues, or other observations to the Land Trust
>> Participate in monthly meetings and hands-on trainings
>> Connect with fellow volunteers and gain hands-on stewardship experience
Habitat Helpers
Support ad hoc trail and property maintenance and habitat projects on your schedule! Habitat Helpers pitch in episodically with a variety of Land Trust projects, from trail and habitat restoration to helping at special events. No long-term commitment is required—just come when you can and lend an extra set of hands.
Make a difference caring for Concord’s natural areas while gaining hands-on stewardship experience! Your name will be added to a list of helpers who are contacted periodically when projects or events need extra support.
Interested? Email info@concordland.org to get involved.
Project or Community Service Opportunities
The Land Trust has benefited from many outstanding Eagle Scout projects, including trail improvements. We have also worked with enthusiastic students completing community service requirements and enjoy partnering with Concord’s public and private schools to organize student volunteer groups.
If you wish to work with the Land Trust on a project or to meet a requirement, please email info@concordland.org and we will get in touch with you.
Group Volunteering
As a small land trust, group volunteers can make a big impact in caring for Concord’s natural resources. While our staff capacity means we cannot accommodate every group request, we do our best to offer meaningful volunteer opportunities whenever possible.
For corporate volunteer days and community group activities, we can accommodate groups of up to 10 people for our River Stewardship Program (June to early August) and larger groups for Weed Warriors (March through October). Group volunteers help care for Concord’s natural resources while learning about local ecosystems and the importance of conservation stewardship. Projects are tailored to the season and the size of your group, and all necessary tools, materials, and guidance are provided.
Please email info@concordland.org and we will get in touch with you.
