Portland Trails is a small nonprofit making a big difference in Greater Portland. We rely on a robust community of volunteers to help us maintain & build trails, run our annual events, and help out in the office. Thank you for volunteering for Portland Trails!
Volunteer on the trails
We have three opportunities to volunteer on the trails: Public Trail Volunteer Days, Group Volunteer Days, and our Trail Steward Program.
For those who are volunteering with us for the first time, please click below to read through our commonly asked questions.
What is Portland Trails' COVID-19 volunteer protocol?
We strictly follow and enforce all current Maine CDC recommendations to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and we adapt our policies as changes are announced. We will communicate exact protocol when we schedule your volunteer day.
What does a typical volunteer day entail?
While no two trail work days are the same, some common activities include: clipping/pruning plants, raking trail heads, moving and spreading trail surface materials, helping build small bridges, and cutting and removing invasive species.
What should I bring/wear?
Trail work can be dirty work. Please wear clothing appropriate for the weather and closed-toed shoes. Portland Trails will supply all the tools necessary but feel free to bring your own gloves. Please bring a face mask, water, snacks, and any medications you might require for the duration of the activity.
Still have questions?
Contact Daniel Bishop at daniel@trails.org with any questions about volunteering on the trails.
PUBLIC TRAIL VOLUNTEER DAYS
We hold Public Trail Volunteer Days one Saturday a month, April through October. Sign-ups now available for the following volunteer day:
- Saturday, August 5th
GROUP VOLUNTEER DAYS
Interested in bringing your office, class, or team out on the trails? A day of trail work is a great opportunity for team-building and connects your group with the Portland community and local trails. Locations and projects are dependent on the number of participants and when you want to volunteer. Once we establish these details, we'll send you directions to the trail. For more information and to submit a request for a group volunteer day, click here. Our Volunteer Coordinator will be in touch within two weeks of your request.
TRAIL STEWARD PROGRAM
Trail Stewards are committed, knowledgeable trail users who work alongside staff to ensure the trails are consistently maintained. The primary responsibility of a Trail Steward is to monitor one assigned section of trail weekly by foot or by bike, keep track of any maintenance needs on their trail, and report back to Portland Trails. Daniel, Portland Trails’ Stewardship and Volunteer Coordinator, will train each Steward on what to look for and proper reporting methods.
Thank you to our Trail Steward Program Partner Evergreen Credit Union, whose support has greatly enhanced our program.
Volunteer at an event
Our event volunteers help bring our events to life each year! We'll share event volunteer opportunities as they become available.
Portland Trails works hard to keep our staff and volunteers safe. We will communicate our latest COVID-19 safety protocol with you prior to your volunteer shift.
Volunteer in the office
Our office volunteers keep the administrative side of Portland Trails running smoothly. If you're interested in volunteering in our office, please email info@trails.org with your name, contact information, and your availability. Our Office Administrator will reach out when volunteer opportunities become available.
Portland Trails works hard to keep our staff and volunteers safe. We will communicate our latest COVID-19 safety protocol with you prior to your volunteer shift.