Volunteer

a group of people in the woods removing branches and vines and putting them into a black trash bag

“Like a bag of potato chips where you just can’t eat one, once you volunteer for the LPCT you keep coming back for more.” Deb Sofia, volunteer since 2001

Thanks to people like you – volunteers who care about Lowell and the conservation of its special places – Lowell has some of the best urban walks, parks, and “hidden gems” around.

But we can’t make this happen without you.  Volunteering is a great way to get to know new people and build new skills.  

If you would like to take part in helping us create community through conservation, we invite you to join our team of volunteers.  We need extra eyes and ears on our properties, extra hands in the office, and people who share our love of the land and special places in Lowell.

Explore our volunteer opportunities below (under the photo gallery) and, if you’re interested, please fill out our brief application:

Volunteer Application

Feel free to call Jane or Leigh at (978) 934-0030 or you can reach out to us via email.

Please contact Jane Calvin, Executive Director, at (978) 934-0030 to discuss group/corporate volunteer opportunities. The more notice we have the better, but sometimes the last-minute volunteer group is exactly what we need.

Here’s what some of our volunteers have said:

Alewife Monitoring- “I really enjoyed reading others’ observations.  It was like we were writing a communal nature journal!  This delightful perk took the edge off of not seeing fish!” – Sheila, volunteer from Lowell and Board member

Office Help- “I enjoy the change and conversation during mailings. Call me anytime. I’ll be glad to come down to help.” – Maria, volunteer from Lowell

Landscaping/Gardening- “I enjoyed working at the park (Jollene Dubner Park)…I was so inspired.  I got some flowers for my front porch and puttered around my yard all afternoon!” – Nancy, volunteer from Lowell

MORE TESTIMONIALS

Thank you for the terrific work accomplished by our community volunteers.  See some snapshots of their work together in the gallery below.

Gallery

Constellation volunteers built a viewing platform at the vernal pool at West Meadow.Corporate volunteers from Constellation
CBS EcoMedia Partnered with Lahey Health and the Lowell Parks & Conservation Trust to celebrate ACTree's Neighborwoods Month by planting 15 trees in LowellCorporate volunteers from Lahey Health
Motorola volunteers worked to clean up River Meadow Brook.Corporate volunteers from Motorola
Student interns with ARRIS volunteered to do some landscaping along the Concord River Greenway.Corporate volunteers from ARRIS
Bob Gagnon, a volunteer from Lowell Canalwaters Cleaners, often coordinates river clean-ups between the Trust and LCC.A volunteer from Lowell Canalwaters Cleaners
UMass Lowell Professor Lori Weeden volunteers with Lowell youth to share her water quality expertise.UMass Lowell instructor Lori Weeden visits Lowell students
Brian Chapman, LP&CT Board member, and Mill City Environmental president shares clean-up tools with elementary students.Corporate volunteer from Mill City Environmental
Polycom volunteers on the Concord River GreenwayCorporate volunteers from Polycom
A land steward walks through West Meadow, which serves as a corridor to the Lowell-Dracut-Tyngsboro State Forest.

Land Steward

General DescriptionHelp look after a Trust property; monitor and steward conservation land (LP&CT properties, parks).
Volunteers NeededOne+ volunteer per visit (alone or with a friend). Up to two people are assigned to each property.
Time CommitmentHalf-hour per month
When OfferedMonthly
Special Training RequiredShort training on-site
Work ConditionsOutside, some rough terrain
Level of ResponsibilityMedium
Special SkillsNo special skills required, just a love for Lowell's open, green spaces. Check out the wildlife, bring binoculars. Talk with abutters and those that use property.
Physical DemandsWalking, pick up trash as needed. Be our eyes and ears on our properties. Boundary checking, as needed.
PerksA heart-healthy way to get outside and give back to the community.

Land Steward Monitoring Form

The baffles control the flow and turbulence of the water so that the fish are attracted to go up the ladder and around the dam.

Fish Monitor (for alewife)

General DescriptionHelp find and count adult river herring going upstream (spring) and juveniles going downstream (summer/fall), take air and water temperatures, make written observational comments, and monitor underwater video footage.
Volunteers Needed20 to 30 people
Time CommitmentTen minutes per monitoring session - as often as you want over a 6 to 8 week period
When OfferedEvery spring, beginning late April/early May
Special Training RequiredMinimal - training session provided each spring
Work ConditionsOutdoors - rain or shine
Level of ResponsibilityMedium
Special SkillsGood observational skills
Physical DemandsSome walking, steady on your feet since you'll be looking over the edge of the fish ladder to monitor fish moving below you. If you get vertigo, this is not for you.
PerksHelp evaluate the recovery of the river herring to the Concord River! The more data we collect, the more we can advocate to protect this crucial river habitat. You'll also have the chance to appreciate riverside wildlife, to discover the "emerald jewel" we have in the Concord River, and to enjoy nature and quiet reflective time.
a man leaning against a metal red gate, he is wearing a life vest and orange hat, in the background a stone wall and water below

Lock Tender

Lock tending positions are currently not available because Lower Locks needs some restoration work.  This means we are not operating the locks for the whitewater rafting program.  We’ll be sure to let  you know when we are operating the locks again.

The Concord River Greenway relies on volunteer stewards for maintenance of its rain gardens and perennial beds, like these volunteers from Middlesex Community College.

Park Angel

General DescriptionHelp maintain landscaping at various Trust parks & properties: Spalding House, Jollene Dubner Park, Coburn Park, Donahue Park, and others
Volunteers Needed1-2 people per property
Special Training RequiredNone
Work ConditionsOutdoors!! You set your own hours
Level of ResponsibilityMedium
Special SkillsGeneral gardening/yard care skills, depending on your interests. Be our eyes and ears on the property. Talk with abutters and those enjoying the property. Check boundaries periodically.
Physical DemandsMowing, weed whacking, trimming, litter clean-up, planting
PerksYou get to play in the dirt!
Constant Contact Volunteers at the Spalding House after a fall clean-up.

Spalding House Steward

General DescriptionHelp maintain the landscaping in the Spalding House Garden or at Spalding House Park. Give historical tours of the Spalding House during special events when the Spalding House is open to the public (Doors Open Lowell).
Volunteers NeededOne+ person/people per visit
Special Training RequiredMust be trained by a Trust staff or board member.
Work ConditionsOutdoors; indoors in a historical house museum
Level of ResponsibilityMedium
Special SkillsGardening skills and a passion for history!
Physical DemandsMowing, raking, litter clean-up, planting, weed-whacking, navigating through the historical home including staircases
PerksThis is a unique opportunity to learn about Lowell's pre-industrial history up close.
7 college fraternity students, stamp and help mail letters sitting at a conference table, a woman leaning over table helping nearby

Office/Outreach Associate

General DescriptionHelp with various Trust mailings – letters, invitations, etc.
Volunteers NeededTwo to four people
Time CommitmentApprox. two hours per mailing
When OfferedEvery six weeks or as needed
Special Training RequiredKeep names in order and assemble several items together, following a sample
Work ConditionsOffice and conference room, coffee and tea provided, good conversation!
Physical DemandsMinimal
PerksA chance to socialize while performing a much-needed task for the Trust