WPC’s Volunteer Land Stewards supported by REI
by Tami Campbell, Stewardship Coordinator

The WPC Land Steward Volunteer Program was implemented in 1998 to augment staff capacity to monitor and implement management activities. Volunteer Land Stewards are conservation leaders who devote themselves to monitoring and managing WPC conserved lands. After undergoing rigorous training, Land Stewards serve as WPC eyes and ears, as well as WPC Ambassadors to the surrounding communities. Trained volunteer Land Stewards complete regular monitoring visits of an assigned tract of land, they document existing land conditions and any threats, assist with property maintenance and resource management issues and provide a WPC presence on the land.

Land Stewards “adopt” a property and gain knowledge and appreciation of that property through a commitment of two years of service. Over half of the 72 Land Stewards have now volunteered for three years or more and many have said, “I will continue as long as WPC needs me.” A long-term benefit of a volunteer stewardship team is the continued education and positive reinforcement shared between volunteers. Land Stewards participate in trainings and educational workshops together, partner on large tracts of conserved land and complete property maintenance and resource management projects as a team.


The 2004 Land Steward volunteer training could not be possible without a grant received from Recreational Equipment, Inc (REI). REI dedicates a portion of its operating profits to help protect and restore the environment, increase access to outdoor activities, and encourage involvement in muscle-powered recreation. Their contribution to WPC’s Land Stewardship program will help support volunteer education.

If you would like to support the WPC Land Steward volunteer program or would like to become a trained volunteer Land Steward, please contact Tami Campbell, Stewardship Coordinator, at 412-586-2318 or by e-mail at tcampbell@paconserve.org.

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