Volunteer FAQ

At Friends of the Blue Hills (FBH), volunteers are at the heart of everything we do — from keeping trails safe and beautiful to helping events run smoothly and sharing our mission with the community. Whether you love being outdoors, prefer working behind the scenes, or want to try a bit of both, there’s a place for you here. This list of frequently asked questions (FAQ) will guide you through the basics of volunteering with us, so you’ll know exactly how to jump in and start making a difference.

Q: What training is required for volunteering as a program or stewardship leader? 

A: Leadership training generally takes place twice a year, once before the trail season begins and once midway through the season. The training includes a combination of online and in-person sessions to help participants develop both foundational knowledge and hands-on skills.

The program consists of seven training sessions: The mandatory trainings are bolded.

Online:

• Introduction to the Blue Hills and Friends of the Blue Hills
  
• Introduction to Stewardship
  
• Leadership 101
  

In-person (on the trails):

• Day-to-Day Trail Stewardship Skills: Raking, Brushing, and Other Trail Work
  
• Invasive Species Management
  
• Tracking Erosion and Flooding
  
• Advanced Trail Skills
  

The time required to complete leadership training depends on your background and experience. If you have prior leadership experience or have attended multiple events, you may be able to complete the training in as little as 10 hours. However, if you are new to trail work or have limited experience, you will need to volunteer with the trail crew at least twice before becoming a trail leader. This flexible structure supports both new and returning volunteers while ensuring that all leaders are well-prepared.

Q: Can I volunteer in more than one area at a time? 

A: Yes! We welcome volunteers to participate in as many different areas of need as they like. For example, if you volunteer for an invasive plant removal event, feel free to also volunteer to assist with preparation of a mailing in office, too. As long as the opportunities don’t overlap in timing, you’re good.

Q: Are all volunteer opportunities in the park?

A: No. There are tasks that go beyond the park’s borders but still support the FBH mission. They’re done at the FBH office in Canton, at events outside the park, or in the comfort of your own home. Examples include: mailing preparation, data entry to record event attendance, newsletter and blog planning, writing or editing, social media and email planning and content creation, helping with FBH events outside the park (e.g., summer and annual celebrations), plus participation in an FBH committee.

Q: What kinds of opportunities are more behind the scenes instead of public facing?

A: We know that not everyone wants to be in the spotlight and offer lots of volunteer opportunities that can be done behind the scenes. Helping with event planning, doing data entry, and working on communications projects are just a few examples.

Q: Do volunteers need to bring their own supplies or tools?

A: Regardless of how you volunteer with FBH, we will provide all materials that are required for the work you’re doing. You don’t have to buy the stamps for a mailing or bring your own gardening tools to a trail maintenance event. Sunscreen, bug spray, drinking water and the like aren’t provided as part of the volunteer experience unless explicitly stated in the volunteer event description. 

Q: I need to report volunteer hours to my school/workplace. How do you track volunteer hours? 

A: Currently, we are tracking volunteer participation manually in spreadsheets. However, we are working toward automated tracking. If you’re volunteering to fulfil a requirement for your school, community group, or workplace and need a form to be completed to prove you participated, please share it with Volunteer and Education Program Manager John Harrell by sending an email to: john@friendsofthebluehills.org.