Hudson River Special Management Area Volunteer Program

Job Title: Conservation Volunteer

Location: Hudson River Special Management Area, Lake Luzerne, New York
Reports To: James Sullivan, Volunteer Steward


Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Morgan Duke Conservation Society.

Volunteers play an important role in helping protect and care for the Hudson River Special Management Area in Lake Luzerne, New York. Whether you are volunteering as an individual, with your family, or as part of a group, your efforts help keep public lands clean, safe, and enjoyable for everyone.

No experience is required, and no special skills are needed.

ABOUT MORGAN DUKE CONSERVATION SOCIETY

Morgan Duke Conservation Society is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to conservation, stewardship, environmental education, and the protection of public lands and natural resources.

Since 2013, Morgan Duke Conservation Society has helped protect the Hudson River Special Management Area ecosystem and biodiversity through a Volunteer Stewardship Agreement with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).

WHO CAN VOLUNTEER?

Everyone is welcome including individuals, families, middle school students, high school students, college students, scout groups, school clubs, community organizations, civic groups, and volunteer groups.

Volunteers under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

 

VOLUNTEER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collect litter and record pounds collected.
• Rake leaves and sticks from picnic areas and accessible trails.
• Help maintain bear slides and recreation areas.
• Paint picnic tables, trail gates, and outhouses.
• Remove unauthorized fire rings and illegal fire pits.
• Restore degraded sites.
• Participate in DEC-approved tree planting projects.
• Monitor area conditions and report maintenance concerns, resource damage, or safety concerns.

TRAINING AND SUPPORT

• Safety training materials.
• Stewardship guidance and project instructions.
• Ongoing support from James Sullivan.
• Stewardship supplies and equipment.
• Live and pre-recorded volunteer updates from Morgan Duke Conservation Society.

DEC VOLUNTEER APPLICATION

All volunteers must complete a DEC Volunteer Application.

• Complete all required sections.
• Skip Section B (Vehicle Information).
• Volunteers will not operate State vehicles.
• DEC has informed Morgan Duke Conservation Society that copies of volunteer driver's licenses are not required.
• Volunteers under 18 must have parent or guardian signatures where required.

BENEFITS

• Flexible scheduling.
• Family-friendly volunteer opportunities.
• Stewardship supplies and equipment.
• Safety training materials.
• Workers' Compensation coverage through applicable New York State volunteer programs.
• Opportunity to enjoy the outdoors while helping protect the Hudson River Special Management Area.

 

CONTACT

James Sullivan
Volunteer Steward
Morgan Duke Conservation Society
Jsullivan@morganduke.ngo

Protecting the Hudson River Special Management Area Through Stewardship, Conservation, and Volunteer Service Since 2013.