Volunteer

Each year, dozens of volunteers help CPF do its work. Volunteers bring their existing skills or use the opportunity to develop new skills while helping the community. Areas of volunteer interest include:

• trail work,

• stewardship of protected land,

• educational programs,

• special events, and

• office tasks.

Take a few moments to read our Volunteer Job Descriptions below, and see what interests you. Please contact Jen Wong at jwong@cazpreservation.org to become involved as a volunteer.

Volunteer Job Descriptions

2025 Trail Work Volunteer Days

On the last Thursday of the month, from April through October, you can join CPF board members, staff, and other volunteers to improve your community trails. We meet up in the parking lot of St. Peter's Church (10 Mill Street, Cazenovia) to collect tools and divide into groups, then continue to the work locations. 

For details on the trail work activities, see the event descriptions.

Trail Stewards

It is important for the safety and enjoyment of our visitors that trails are kept open and well maintained. Trail stewards will commit to regularly walk a particular section of one CPF trail to alert CPF of maintenance issues for that trail. The trail steward may also help to maintain that trail section or may help with special projects. Maintenance could include clipping and pruning shrubs and small trees, invasive plant removal, water control or weed trimming. Basic tool use and plant identification training will be provided.

Chainsaw Crew

Some of the biggest safety hazards and impediments to trail usage are downed or dangerous trees. Members of the CPF chainsaw crew will be responsible for removing hazardous or downed trees from the trail. Crew members are required to demonstrate sound knowledge of chainsaw use and safety, and to complete the chainsaw safety training course selected by CPF. Full protective gear must be worn at all times when volunteering on the chainsaw crew.

CPF Alert Volunteer

One of CPF’s roles is raising awareness about projects and public proceedings in Cazenovia that are of a historical, agricultural, or environmental nature. Alert Volunteers will be asked to monitor Village and Town Board meeting agendas and notify CPF about public hearings and events relevant to its mission.

Office Help

Do you have organizational, computer or research skills you would like to share? CPF needs office volunteers to fill a variety of roles, including research for grant writing and digitizing much of our informational materials. Training provided.

Woodworker

One of the ways we are trying to improve people’s trail experience is by increasing our signage. Woodworkers will make trailhead or directional signs for use on trails.

Other

Have a special skill you would like to share with us? We would love to hear from you!

If you are interested in volunteering with us, please contact Jen Wong at jwong@cazpreservation.org.