Developing an Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust Volunteer Community Through the Support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation

outreach436
12 minutes ago
2 min read

The Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust (ORMLT) is celebrating the support we received through the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) Resilient Communities Fund. With the support of this OTF grant, we’ve modernized our website and enhanced our volunteer program, ensuring our organization is best equipped to reach community members and advance our mission of protecting biodiversity across the Oak Ridges Moraine region.

Receiving this grant has allowed us to create meaningful opportunities for volunteer engagement. By funding a Volunteer Coordinator position, the ORMLT has been able to re-build the volunteer outreach program in order to better engage and empower volunteers. We have implemented practices to ensure the long-term sustainability of our volunteer program. This includes the development of a new online volunteer portal to better track and engage our volunteer base.

“Changes brought by the pandemic have significantly affected our programming, prompting a shift to webinars and an increased social media presence. This organization has faced staffing challenges over the past few years. Many of our supporters were significantly financially impacted by the pandemic.” says Susan Walmer, CEO of the Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust”

“Serving in the role as the Volunteer Coordinator for our organization has allowed me and the team to engage existing volunteers and reach new participants. Updated orientation materials, virtual training sessions, and volunteer recognition initiatives are helping to grow, engage and empower our volunteer base.” says May Matchim, Education, Communication & Event Coordinator.

One of the greatest successes of the reimagined volunteer program has been the stewardship work of the community group Greys for Greens at the Beeton Heritage Forest. This organization of retired persons concerned about environmental issues has been an incredible asset in the effective management of this protected property.

VOLUNTEER WITH US

If you’re interested in volunteering with the Oak Ridges Moraine Land Trust, please visit https://www.oakridgesmoraine.org/volunteers to learn more about volunteer positions and submit an application.

Available volunteer positions include:

· Nature Reserve Guardian – help monitor and steward our nature reserves.

· Invasive Species Removal – help manage the spread of species like Garlic Mustard at our protected properties.

· Education Lead – share your knowledge of biodiversity by leading educational events like guided nature walks and webinars.

· Public Engagement – build positive relationships with community members by tabling at public events.

· Photography and Videography – donating pictures and videos to use on our website and communications materials.

If you have any questions about volunteering with us, please contact Education, Communication & Event Coordinator May Matchim at outreach@oakridgesmoraine.org.

Learn more about upcoming events and volunteer opportunities by visiting https://www.oakridgesmoraine.org/workshops-and-events. We have a number of exciting webinars and guided walks planned for the coming months.

LEARN MORE: 

Visit: http://oakridgesmoraine.org/ 