
Be A Volunteer
With over 5,200 acres of protected land, many sets of eyes, ears and hands are needed to monitor, preserve and maintain our special places in this world. Keeping our operation running smoothly and accurately takes many hours of record keeping and data input. Join us as we work to keep a treasure for generations to come.
Volunteer Opportunities
We wouldn’t be where we are today without the work of volunteers. Join us as we work to keep Steep Rock Association a treasure for generations to come. There are many opportunities for you to help (see below). If you have other ideas or ways to volunteer, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Denise Arturi. Seasonal opportunities are directly below or scroll down for ongoing opportunities – we need your help throughout the seasons.
Snap Happy People
Calling all snap happy individuals. We are looking for volunteer photographers to photograph events and happenings in our preserves. We can provide a camera if you do not have your own.
Judea Garden Project
There are so many ways to help, whether in the Garden itself, helping with distribution or doing supportive work that keeps the Judea Garden project going. There’s a place for every volunteer to use their skills or develop new ones.
Admin Help
Help is needed to keep our Preserves and programs running smoothly. Ongoing work includes: data entry, scanning and organizing.
Data for Science
Do you enjoy observing nature? Will you help us collect data for science. Training is on us. Collect info on frogs, birds, plants, insects and more. Conservation science needs you now more than ever. Duties, Skills Needed, Commitment: An interest in the natural world
Tip Top Shape
With over 40 miles of trails and many more miles of boundaries, volunteers are needed to help keep it all in tip top shape.
Upcoming Events
april, 2021
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The soil is warming up and seedlings are calling out to get planted. On Sunday, April 18 from 9:00 – Noon we’ll plant the crops that don’t mind a little
Event Details
The soil is warming up and seedlings are calling out to get planted. On Sunday, April 18 from 9:00 – Noon we’ll plant the crops that don’t mind a little cold – in fact, they like it! Kale, lettuce, collards, beets and more are on our list. All are welcome to participate no matter your skills or age (children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult). Safety protocols including masks and social distancing will be in place.
Judea Garden, The Giving Garden, grows and distributes organically grown produce to our neighbors in need. Now in our 13th season, we have helped fill plates and bellies with over 40,000 pounds of fresh vegetables. This could not have happened without our volunteers.
Please register and complete the 2021 volunteer registration form (if you haven’t done it yet). Contact Denise Arturi (denise.arturi@steeprockassoc.org) with any questions.
Time
(Sunday) 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location
Judea Garden
124 Christian Street
Register Here
Register Here20apralldayGive Local 2021(All Day)
Event Details
Double your impact! Your donation to Steep Rock Association will be matched dollar for dollar up to $15,000 by supporting our non-profit
Event Details
Double your impact! Your donation to Steep Rock Association will be matched dollar for dollar up to $15,000 by supporting our non-profit land trust during this 36 hour community fundraising sponsored by the Connecticut Community Foundation. Find us here: https://www.givelocalccf.org/organizations/steep-rock-association and join us on April 20 and 21, 2021.
To become a Fundraising Ambassador or for questions about this event, contact Monica Roberto at 860-868-9131 x 106.
Time
april 20 (Tuesday) - 21 (Wednesday)
Event Details
Join Executive Director Brian Hagenbuch on a casual stroll around the Macricostas Hayfield and reflect on the significance of Earth Day on Thursday,
Event Details
Join Executive Director Brian Hagenbuch on a casual stroll around the Macricostas Hayfield and reflect on the significance of Earth Day on Thursday, April 22, 2021 from 8am-10am. The walk will feature some of Steep Rock’s recent stewardship efforts and we’ll look for signs of spring in the natural world. Participants are invited to bring a favorite quotation, poem, or Earth Day memory to reflect upon and share. Meeting Place: Macricostas Preserve parking lot, 124 Christian Street, New Preston, CT 06777. This is a family-friendly event. Dress appropriately for muddy conditions. Bring your own snacks, water, mask, and Earth Day memory. Inclement weather will postpone the event. Terrain is flat to rolling and about 2 miles long. Advance registration is required.
Time
(Thursday) 8:00 am - 10:00 am
Location
Macricostas Preserve
124 Christian Street
Event Details
Enjoy the outdoors? Have some time to share? Become a volunteer Trail Manager for Steep Rock Association (SRA) and help care for
Event Details
Enjoy the outdoors? Have some time to share? Become a volunteer Trail Manager for Steep Rock Association (SRA) and help care for some of our 46 miles of hiking, biking, and horseback riding trails. Join us on Saturday, April 24, 2021 from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. for an online training session for both new and veteran trail managers.
Trail Managers help steward a designated trail over a one-year period, regularly scouting the trail for environmental concerns and safety hazards as well as performing light trail maintenance duties. As one Trail Manager noted, “It’s a fun way to explore the preserves while also volunteering for SRA.”
To kick off the Trail Manager program for the season, SRA staff will hold a 1.5-hour online training through the meeting platform Zoom. During the training, volunteers will learn how to assess trail conditions, perform light trail maintenance techniques, and use a GPS mobile app to track their positions and report their findings.
Families with teens and older children are welcome, but an adult must participate with children under 16 years of age. Registration is required to access the Zoom training session.
PROGRAM LEADER: Mike Giapponi, SRA’s Trails and Preserves Manager, will lead the program. Mike leads volunteers in various conservation projects, including the maintenance of SRA’s 46-mile trail network.
Steep Rock Association is a nationally-accredited land trust whose mission is to conserve ecologically and historically significant landscapes and riparian corridors in and around Washington CT and to enhance the community’s connection to nature through outreach, education, and passive recreation.
Time
(Saturday) 9:30 am - 11:00 am
Location
Zoom Meeting Room
Register Here
Register HereEvent Details
Visit Steep Rock Association during this Town-Wide Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, April 24 from 10:00 – 1:00 OUTSIDE on the Washington
Event Details
Visit Steep Rock Association during this Town-Wide Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, April 24 from 10:00 – 1:00 OUTSIDE on the Washington Town Hall lawn. Social distancing and mask wearing rules will be in place.
Time
(Saturday) 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Location
Bryan Memorial Town Hall
2 Bryan Hall Plaza
Organizer
Washington Environmental Council