Storm Damage Cleanup

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** IN ORDER TO REGISTER AS A VOLUNTEER FOR THIS EVENT YOU MUST COPY AND PASTE THE LINK BELOW INTO YOUR BROWSER**

https://www.cervistech.com/acts/console.php?console_id=0105&console_type=event_list&ht=1&event_id=1460

In early February of 2020 Durant Nature Preserve was hit by a windstorm. This event caused considerable damage to our forests, resulting in several trees falling across our trail system. The Preserve was closed for almost a month while parks staff cleared the trees off of the trails and made everything safe for the public to access. Unfortunately, all that we were able to do was to cut up and push the downed trees to a position just off of the trails. Then COVID-19 hit; leaving our staff with other responsibilities to prioritize.

We would like to be able to continue our tree removal/relocation and we would like to ask our wonderful volunteers for some help!

Impact:
Volunteers will considerably help park staff by aiding in the removal of downed woody debris from right along the sides of the trail system; they will aid in the identification, separation, and pilling of suitable firewood; and they will aid in the creation of valuable wildlife habitat by creating brush piles.

Volunteer Duties:
Join Preserve Staff in cleaning up storm damage along the sides of our trail system. Volunteers will be cutting (only cutting precut brush into smaller pieces with handsaws) and dragging brush to designated areas deeper into the woods to create brush piles. Volunteers will also be separating and stacking predesignated precut pieces of wood for firewood.

Work Environment:
We will be working in the woods on uneven terrain. We will be working in areas with a large amount of tripping hazards. There may be contact with snakes and bugs. The farthest that we will be from a restroom facility will be 1 mile. The work that we are doing will be physically demanding. There is a restroom on site.

Volunteer Requirements:
Pre-registration is required. Volunteers must be at least 14 years old. Adults must register and accompany children under the age of 16. Everyone who volunteers must sign a release form. If anyone is under the age of 18, then a parent or guardian must sign their form as well.

Volunteers under the age of 16 will not be able to use hand tools to cut away invasive plants, but will be able to help drag them out and pile them up.

Other Instructions:
Please bring a water bottle, wear sturdy close-toed shoes and clothing you can get dirty, and bring a pair of work gloves. We will supply the tools.

COVID-19 Policy:
Volunteers and staff must follow the COVID-19 policies below so that projects are safe for everyone.

• Social distancing must be practiced (6-feet between individuals)
• Individuals must participate in infrared temperature checks upon arrival
• Everyone must wear a face mask or face shield (not provided)
• State, federal, and local mandates must be followed
• If you have been out of state two weeks prior to the event, please do not register

Group Registration Information:
Registration as a volunteer is first come, first served. A group leader must email rachel.vannoordt@raleighnc.gov to register. All groups will be required to provide a list of names and emails for their volunteers.

Per department policy, this volunteer opportunity is not to be used towards court-appointed/ suggested community service hours.