To go back to RestoreCorps, please click here.
How do I join RestoreCorps volunteers?
Where will the RestoreCorps events be held?
When are the RestoreCorps events taking place?
How long will each RestoreCorps planting event take?
What should I wear to the planting?
What should I bring to the planting?
What will be provided by RIVERKEEPER?
What kind of physical activity is expected of volunteers?
As a RestoreCorps volunteer, how many RestoreCorps events am I expected to participate in?
Can I bring a friend to a RestoreCorps event?
How will I get to the different restoration sites?
Will my work increase the value of property belonging to private landowners?
Why should I contribute to a project that increases the value of someone else’s property?
Who maintains the work once it has been completed?
How can I get RestoreCorps volunteers to carry out a planting on my waterfront property?
What is included on the Riverkeeper waiver?
Do I have to sign the RIVERKEEPER waiver?
How do I join the RestoreCorps volunteers? Contact our Forestry Volunteer Coordinator Emily McAndrews on (716) 853-7483 ex. 31 or email emcandrews@bnriverkeeper.org. Or click here to download an application form. Applications can be submitted electronically.
What is the difference between the Niagara River Riparian Restoration Program, the Habitat Restoration and RestoreCorps? The Niagara River Riparian Restoration Program (NRRRP) is a program funded by the New York Power Authority (NYPA) through the Niagara River Greenway Commission with specific objective towards resorting natural habitat along the Niagara River and it tributaries. It is one of several projects being implemented by Buffalo Niagara RIVERKEEPER under the larger category of ‘Habitat Restoration’. For the NRRRP we need volunteers to help us plant and RestoreCorps is that group of volunteers.
Where will the RestoreCorps events be held? RestoreCorps events will take place on waterfront properties throughout Erie and Niagara counties, in the ten municipalities of the Niagara River Greenway: Cities of Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Tonawanda and North Tonawanda; Towns of Youngstown, Porter, Niagara, Wheatfield, Grand Island, and Tonawanda; and the villages of Lewiston and Kenmore.
When are the RestoreCorps events taking place? There are going to be at least 16 events requiring RestoreCorps volunteers between April and first week of November 2011. Specific dates can be obtained by contacting our Forestry Volunteer Coordinator.
How long will each RestoreCorps planting event take? We would like volunteers to commit to about 4 hours of work at each event.
Do I have to pay anything? No, this is a free volunteer opportunity for all who wish to learn more about restoring our local watershed and are willing to get their hands dirty!
What should I wear to the planting? Dress for outside conditions. Our weather can vary based upon the time of year, so dress please accordingly. Please do not wear any clothing that you do not want to get dirty. You may wish to bring the following items of clothing: Boots with a hard sole, pants, jacket, hat. Remember, in cool wet conditions, always layer clothing and never allow cotton to be in contact with skin. Long pants are advisable.
What should I bring to the planting?Snacks, sunscreen, and camera. Volunteers should not bring any type of power tools.
What will be provided by RIVERKEEPER? Drinking water, gloves, a complimentary RestoreCorp t-shirt, more snacks, plants and hand tools.
What if it rains? We will be restoring habitat RAIN OR SHINE!
What kind of physical activity is expected of volunteers? Volunteers should be able to lift and carry small to medium sized loads. Although heavy lifting will not be required by all participants, those who can lift around 40 pounds will be useful in lowering larger trees into holes for planting. Volunteers will not use any power tools.
As a RestoreCorps volunteer, how many RestoreCorps events am I expected to participate in? There will be at least 16 RestoreCorps events between April and November 2011. You can participate in as many or as few events as you wish. All events will have a brief period of training at the start of the day. The time commitment for each is event is just 4 hours, but don’t worry if you cannot stay that long.
Can I bring a friend to a RestoreCorps event? Absolutely! It is preferred however, that all RestoreCorps participants fill in an application form prior to an event. Please let us know prior to the event, as we wouldn’t want too many willing volunteers and not enough work to go round!
How will I get to the different restoration sites? RestoreCorps participants are required to make their own way to the different restoration sites. Maps and directions will be made available.
Who pays for the plants? A grant from the New York Power Authority, administered through the Niagara River Greenway Commission.
Will my work increase the value of property belonging to private landowners? Yes this is very likely. The United States Forestry service estimates that trees could increase the value of a property as much as 10%.
Why should I contribute to a project that increases the value of someone else’s property? Not all of the properties that RestoreCorps volunteers work on are private. All restored properties however, regardless of ownership, will have a great influence on the overall health of local waterways. Water is the property of everyone; we should all do what we can to keep it healthy.
Who maintains the work once it has been completed? Usually, the landowner will be responsible for site maintenance, with RIVERKEEPER periodically inspecting sites to ensure landowner compliance (all landowners sign a contract of agreement prior to any work being carried out). Sometimes, landowners are not available to maintain the planting and volunteers will be recruited to do this work. Please let us know if this ongoing work is something that interests you.
How can I get RestoreCorps volunteers to carry out a planting on my waterfront property? To see if your property qualifies for a habitat restoration by RestoreCorps volunteers, please click here. To read more about the habitat restoration program, please click here.
What is included on the Riverkeeper waiver? You can find a copy of the waiver by clicking here. Paper copies of this form will be provided for you to sign on the day of the planting.
Do I have to sign the RIVERKEEPER waiver? Yes. It is not mandatory however to sign the part about the release of your photo, although this is strongly encouraged so your family and friends can recognize you in potential future RIVERKEEPER publications.
If you have a question that has not been answered here, please contact our Forestry Volunteer Coordinator Emily McAndrews on (716) 853-7483 ex. 31 or email emcandrews@bnriverkeeper.org.
