WWTLC 2018 Summer Land Host Application

Thank you for your interest in being a WWTLC Volunteer Land Host. As a Volunteer Land Host, you will help establish our presence on The Land, welcome day visitors and perform small tasks. In exchange, you will have a beautiful place to pitch your tent or park your RV among fields of ferns in an old growth forest under a magnificent canopy of stars.

Qualifications:

  • Outgoing, friendly personality. Ability to make visitors feel welcome.
  • Knowledgeable about WWTLC, Land Conservancy of Southwest Michigan and local campsites and businesses (information provided in training).
  • Strong communication skills and ability to converse with a diverse group of visitors.
  • Able to work unsupervised.
  • Able to host for at least one week and up to 4 weeks, in week long increments. Weekends-only may be available upon request with preference to volunteers who are able to commit for longer periods.
  • Maintain positive attitude toward The Land and WWTLC.
  • Able to follow direction of WWTLC and work in team environment.

Guidelines:

  • Volunteer Land Hosts may volunteer starting May 1 through October 30, 2018.
  • Hosts must camp in area designated by WWTLC visible from the internal road.
  • Volunteer Land Hosts must camp with at least one other woman in the interest of safety. Please note that you may be the only ones camping in the middle of 651 remote acres along with wildlife and variable weather conditions. One additional tent/RV may be allowable on a case-by-case basis and upon request.
  • Volunteer Land Hosts must be at least 18.
  • Families with girls and teens and boys under age 5 are welcome as Volunteer Land Hosts. Children and teens may not be left alone and unsupervised at any time.
  • Volunteer Land Hosts must have their own vehicle and may park next to designated campsite.
  • Host must be able to work outdoors in inclement weather.
  • Volunteer Land Host campsite must be kept neat and clean at all times.
  • Campsite must be left better than it was found. Leave no trace. Carry out all trash.
  • Pets are not permitted. Service animals are allowed with certification. Service animals must be leashed and/or constrained at all times. Land Hosts with service animals are responsible for making sure any service animal waste is picked up.
  • Land Hosts will be asked to wear a nametag provided by WWTLC, for identification as the Volunteer Land Host.
  • WWTLC does not condone the use of illegal substances, nor the over-use of any intoxicants, while working as a representative of this organization. As stewards of the land, it is imperative that a clear and solid presence be presented to women and children at all times. While working as a Land Host, you are asked to abide by these expectations.
  • Hosts must provide own phone in case of emergency.
  • Hosts must complete WWTLC Board and Volunteer Agreement and Confidentiality Agreement.
  • Must complete WWTLC Volunteer Release and Waiver of Liability.
  • Violation of any WWTLC guidelines could result in the immediate dismissal as Volunteer Land Host. Being a Volunteer Land Host is a privilege and as such requires a level of professionalism. A Volunteer Land Host serves at the discretion of WWTLC and may be terminated at any time.

Duties:

  • Complete virtual Volunteer Land Host training.
  • Greet day visitors, provide information about WWTLC, Land Conservancy of Southwest Michigan, information about local campsite and businesses. Day visitors will be directed to check in with Volunteer Land Host via signage near treeline.
  • Greet neighbors who inadvertently wander onto the Land. Explain that The Land is private property, is now part of the Land Conservancy of West Michigan and politely ask unauthorized visitors to leave. No Trespassing signs are posted at all gates, however, off-road vehicles do not always use roads.
  • Enforce all WWTLC / Land Conservancy guidelines:
    • Day visits only
    • No overnight camping (camping options nearby)
    • No pets
    • No campfires outside of designated areas
    • Motorized vehicles must stay on the main dirt road
  • Drive along main road loop at least three times daily (morning, mid-day and evening) and respond to any concerns or questions from visitors.
  • Know, understand, follow and communicate to visitors established rules and standards for sanitation.
  • Pay attention to weather reports, communicate as much as possible to day visitors and take appropriate precautions.
  • Complete weekly Volunteer Land Host Activity Report.
    • Check locks on all three gates (Front Gate, Gate 7 and Back Gate). Until further notice, chains should be locked to the gates and gates closed using the heavy-duty twist tie. Report damage to gates, locks, chain, Conservancy signs, WWTLC signs, etc.
    • Report any overnight camping. Explain WWTLC/Land Conservancy rules and ask campers to find camping at local campgrounds.
    • Report any visitors with pets. Explain Land Conservancy rules and ask women to remove pets.
    • Report any campfires or signs of campfires outside designated areas. Explain Land Conservancy rules and ask that fires be put out.
    • Report presence of anyone other than Friends of WWTLC (women). Explain this is private property and now part of the Land Conservancy of West Michigan and politely ask unauthorized visitors to leave.
    • Report and take photos of any damage to infrastructure (electric, phone, well markers).
    • Report and take photos of trees and debris across roads.
    • Report and take photos of any vehicle tracks (car, 4 wheeler) off the main dirt road.
    • Report any personal accidents or those of day visitors immediately to WWTLC.

WWTLC will provide:

  • Flyers/brochures about WWTLC, the Land Conservancy of Southwest Michigan, maps and local campgrounds and businesses, etc.
  • ADA compliant portable toilet close to Host campsite.
  • Water and electric may be provided for periods during the summer while testing systems and completing preliminary campground inspections. Generators and alternate means of charging cell phones and medical devices are recommended. Provision should be made to bring personal water supply for the duration of your service.
  • WWTLC Land Host sign to display outside your tent/RV**
  • White Board for visitor communication and sign-in if you are away from your site.**

** may not be available until later in the summer.

Application reviews will begin April 15 and continue until positions are filled.

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