Some of our West Creek residents

West Creek Preservation Committee has long relied on the participation of volunteers to accomplish our goals. We often need volunteers for one-time only events, or for on-going projects. We hope you will be able to offer us some of your time and energy as we continue to work to improve our community.

Here are several projects in need of volunteers:

Grant Writing/Research Team

Purpose: Join the West Creek Preservation Committee’s grant writing team. We research grant opportunities that provide our organization or constituent communities with project funding and then we accomplish the task of writing and submitting the grant application. As the process and competition for securing grant funding grows increasingly challenging, the addition of new skilled and passionate volunteers to our grant writing team is important. For those that like writing and camaraderie this is a volunteer opportunity for you!

Responsibilities:

• To attend periodic evening grant writing meetings as capable. We understand that our volunteers are busy and that one cannot always attend every meeting so much of our communication is conducted via email.
• To write segments of grant applications. Typically, we each take sections of a grant application that we each feel comfortable in writing and fill it out at home.
• To review grant applications prior to submittal. Once we have written a section of a grant we usually send it to the other team members via email so that everyone can review it.

Qualifications:

• The ability to effectively, concisely, and persuasively convey your message via the written word.
• The ability to give and receive constructive criticism! Remember that we are members of a team.
• Since all grants have deadlines, the ability to complete work on schedule is also important.

Resources and Available Support: You will need access to a computer and the internet. We will provide references, technical assistance, and snacks during the grant meetings.

Length of Appointment and Time Requirement: On average, evening grant writing meetings are held monthly or twice monthly depending on the number of grants in progress.

For More Information Contact Derek Schafer at dschafer@westcreek.org or call (216) 749-3720.

**************************************************************

Henninger House Lawn & Garden Volunteers

Purpose: To provide general landscaping and lawn upkeep activities at the historic Henninger House. To make and keep the Henninger House grounds look beautiful for all area residents to see and enjoy. The Henninger House is in a prominent location just north of the intersection of Snow Road and Broadview Road.

Responsibilities:

• Periodic mowing of the grass as necessary to keep the lawn at a presentable height.
• Springtime flower planting and mulching, depending on material availibility.
• Periodic weeding of flower beds.
• Periodic litter pick-up along the sidewalk and mown areas.

Qualifications:

• It is preferred that this position be filled by an adult(s) or supervised youths.
• The physical ability to perform yard work. A portion of the property contains a steep slope.
• The ability to conduct self-guided work.

Resources and Available Support:

West Creek Preservation Committee will provide a self-propelled lawnmower, weed-eater, and the necessary fuel. A rake, shovel, and other basic lawn maintenance tools are also available at the site. The amount of flowers available for planting and mulch will be dependent upon the willingness of donors. Volunteers are not expected to supply anything other than their time and labor, unless you wish to use your own tools.

This project can be accomplished through a team approach, with different volunteers responsible for different aspects of the lawn upkeep, or one volunteer or group could take care of all responsibilities if they are so willing. Any necessary training with the equipment and a walkthrough of the Henninger House grounds will be provided prior to beginning the project. We will be available throughout the project to answer questions or offer advice.

Length of Appointment and Time Requirement:

We would like this to be a one-year commitment if possible. On average, the volunteer activities will take four to six hours every two weeks.

For More Information Contact Derek Schafer at dschafer@westcreek.org or call (216) 749-3720.

**************************************************************

Conservation Easement Baseline Survey & Monitoring Volunteers

Purpose: As the number of our protected properties increases, we need help in performing the task of adequately marking our property boundaries, documenting property conditions, and upholding and enforcing the terms of our conservation easements and deed restrictions.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct a visual, walking inspection of the properties.
• Document the property condition through photographs and notes.
• Mark property corners (as necessary) with carsonite posts.
• Visually monitor the property for violations of the conservation easement or deed restriction.

Qualifications:

• Good writing and basic photography skills.
• The ability to communicate well with others. While conducting the surveys, it is very possible that neighbors or fellow citizens may question your activities; it is important to be able to explain what you are doing and why you are there in a friendly and nonconfrontational manner.
• The ability to read and understand survey and topographic maps, and the ability to locate property corners/pins. The ability to read survey descriptions is also helpful.
• The ability to navigate difficult terrain since some of the properties are in non-maintained areas, steep slopes, creek crossings, and dense forest/underbrush habitat.
• The ability to carry a 20-lb weight and lift it over your head repeatedly. This is required when using the carsonite post driver.

Resources and Available Support:

West Creek Preservation Committee will provide all necessary materials, including the carsonite post driver and a camera. Training and guidance will also be provided.

Length of Appointment and Time Requirement:

We would like this to be a minimum 3-month commitment, hopefully more if you enjoy it. Time requirements will be dependent on the volunteer’s availability.

For More Information Contact Derek Schafer at dschafer@westcreek.org or call (216) 749-3720.

**************************************************************