Adopt-a-Trail Steward

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Petersburg National Battlefield began the "Adopt-A-Trail" program in 2009 to help enhance the trails in the Eastern Front Unit. Since then, a new system, consisting of 8.5 miles of trails, was developed at the Five Forks Battlefield Unit in Dinwiddie County. Those who choose to adopt a trail will be responsible for maintaining a ½ to 2-mile section which will include the clearing of downed debris, picking up trash, repairing the trail surface, repairing and cleaning signs and bridges, pruning back of limbs/vines encroaching on the trail, and addressing erosion issues.

Goals for This Position to Accomplish:

• Create cleaner, more sustainable, and well-maintained natural and physical environments within Petersburg National Battlefield for the benefit of the environment and community that utilizes this important greenspace.
• Further cultivate a culture of stewardship and sustainability within Petersburg National Battlefield.

Brief Description of Work to be Performed:

• Collecting and removing trash and debris from assigned trail.
• Hiking/biking trails and removing hazards, fallen branches, or other materials blocking the trail.
• Identify drainage and erosion issues. Notify Park personnel of any safety related issues.
• Cutback overgrown vegetation and reporting trail conditions.

Skills/Training:

Volunteers will receive formal and informal on-the-job training in general maintenance operations, emergency

procedures, safety, equipment use, and park regulations related to their tasks.

• Ability to communicate effectively with visitors, employees, and other volunteers.
• Ability to remain calm and act according to proper procedures during emergencies.
• Willingness to follow safety guidelines and use protective equipment.

Physical Requirements of Work:

• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Ability to stand and walk for moderate to long periods of time. (Up to 3 miles.)
• Good physical donation- may require heavy physical la

About Petersburg National Battlefield:

Petersburg National Battlefield commemorates the 1864-65 siege of Petersburg, VA during the Civil War. General Grant’s goal was to cut off supply lines to the Confederate capital, Richmond. The siege ended when U.S. troops captured Petersburg and Richmond on April 3, 1865. General Lee surrendered his army at Appomattox Court House one week later. The park is comprised four separate units: Grant’s Headquarters at City Point, the Eastern Front, the Western Front, and the Five Forks Battlefield - that lay to the east, south, and west of Petersburg.

Petersburg National Battlefield preserves the historic sites, structures, and landscapes where the Civil War campaign, siege, and defense of Petersburg took place, and fosters an understanding of these events, their causes, impacts, and legacy to individuals, the community, and the nation.

Start Date - 2024-06-01

End Date - 2025-06-01

Activities include: Construction/Maintenance;Natural Resources Planning;Trail/Campground Maintenance;Weed/Invasive Species Control