BCP Volunteer Opportunities:
Invasive Plant Mapper and Remover

Organization

Travis County Balcones Canyonlands Preserve (BCP)

Job Title

Volunteer Invasive Plant Mapper and Remover

Objectives

Travis County BCP Volunteer Program involves the community in endangered species conservation, land stewardship, wildlife management, monitoring, research, education, outreach, mapping, and information management.

Duties and Responsibilities

The volunteer will identify, map, and remove invasive plants on the preserve.

Qualifications and Requirements

The volunteer must provide his/her own transportation to work locations. Volunteers less than 18-years of age must have consent of parent or guardian. The volunteer should have an interest in plants and land management.

Lines of Communication

Staff will supervise your work. The volunteer's supervisor will coordinate access into the BCP, provide training for the identification of invasive plants and mapping and removal techniques.

Orientation and Training

The volunteer will receive orientation about the BCP, volunteer policy and safety. The volunteer will work with County staff or an experienced volunteer to learn plant identification, mapping, and removal procedures.

Times Needed and Place of Work

The volunteer will work outside on the preserve. The volunteer should expect to work at least 3 hours per visit.

Commitment Required

The volunteer may commit to a single day or may commit to longer service periods. If the volunteer has an interest in a particular part of the preserve, they could "adopt" a tract to monitor and remove invasive plants. 

Benefits

The volunteer will receive experience with identification of both invasive and native plants. The volunteer will learn about mapping with GPS/GIS and techniques and removing invasive plants. The volunteer will be trained by experienced staff. The volunteer will enjoy the spending time at the preserve and improving wildlife habitat.

Special Considerations

The volunteer must be comfortable working in the wilderness. There is a possibility that volunteers will encounter rough terrain, snakes, scorpions, fire ants, poison ivy and other wild land hazards. Monitoring and removal of invasive plants requires working in woodlands and brush, using shovels, lopper, and saws, and requires the ability to hike off-trail. Any pesticides would be applied in work areas by a certified pesticide applicator. Activities would be cancelled in event of inclement weather.

Dress Code and Supplies

We recommend you bring a cell phone and drinking water and wear boots and protective clothing. The volunteer should bring sturdy gloves and eye protection.

Contact Information

William Burch, Travis County BCP Volunteer Coordinator
9512 RM 620 No
Austin TX 78726
(512) 219-6190 x3
william.burch@co.travis.tx.us