MHLC has a wide variety of volunteer opportunities in several different categories. To volunteeer for any of the following tasks please contact the MHLC office at (518) 436-6346 or send an email to hsmithmhlc@nycap.rr.com.

Select from the following types of activities:

Working on MHLC's Preserves
Office Assistance
Making use of your Special Interest / Expertise
Helping with Fund Raising - Development

Working on MHLC's Preserves:

1. Maintain trails at Conservancy properties.
   Time commitment: One to two days per season
2. Update kiosks and collect visitor cards at properties.
   Time commitment: One time to develop overall plan and design for kiosks Ongoing: A few minutes every month to update information and collect cards
3. Organize work days
   Time commitment: Periodic 10 to 20 volunteers needed per work day
4. Work with local landowners to develop their conservation interest
   Time commitment: Variable
5. Plan events at preserves, Hike-a-thon, etc
   Time commitment: Several months
6. Lead hikes at preserves
   Time commitment: Couple of hours per hike
   Requirements: naturalist; background in botany, geology, wetlands, etc.
7. Lead hike of special interest – such as wildflower ID, mushrooms, animal tracks, birds etc.
   Time commitment: Couple of hours per hike
   Requirements: background/expertise in this special interest
8. Organize a bird count – maintain Blue bird boxes.
   Time commitment: Several hours per year
   Requirements: knowledge of different kinds of birds

Office Assistance:

1. Volunteer Coordinator – screen, assign, maintain list of volunteers
   Time commitment: On going -- 4 to 8 hours per week on average
2. Assist with mailings on a periodic basis (stuff envelopes, stamps etc)
   Time commitment: 2 to 3 hours a few times per year
3. Organize clipping file
   Time commitment: 10 to 12 hours initially,
   Ongoing: a couple of hours per month
4. Staff booths at community events.
   Time: 3 to 4 hours a couple of time per year
5. Identify opportunities for news articles, media contacts
   Time: Minimal but ongoing and timely
6. Organize a program for a targeted audience to increase awareness of our preserves, activities, issues.
   Time commitment: 10 to 20 hours

Using Your Area of Special Interest / Expertise:

1. Develop management plans for Conservancy properties Time commitment: Significant one time Requirements: knowledge of natural resources (possible college internship)
2. Inventory plant and wildlife at Conservancy properties and develop list into brochure or trailside signage - Time commitment: Significant one time Requirements: specific knowledge of botany and animals (possible college internship)
3. Prepare title searches, surveys, environmental reviews
   Time commitment: Occasional but potentially time consuming
   Requirements: specific background/knowledge of surveys and searches

Helping with Fundraising / Development:

1. Annual Gala
   Silent auction: Solicit donations for silent auction.
   Solicit donations (financial or inkind) for invitations, food, and other needs.
   Assist with set up, hosting, clean up
2. Gatherings – host an informal gathering at your home for friends who may be interested in MHLC activities
   Time commitment: One time 10 to 20 hours