Delaware Greenways Trail Stewards

Early in 2009, Delaware Greenway's Executive Director Mark Chura, drew attention to the need for community support in maintaining the Northern Delaware Greenway Trail, the jewel that took 20 years of devoted attention to create. Glen Stubbolo, Director of Volunteerism for Delaware State Parks, offered the Park Watch program of Delaware State Parks as a framework developing the needed volunteer assistance. The resulting collaboration has helped Delaware Greenways to realize this goal. To-date, more than 45 volunteers have answered the call to stewardship of the NDG Trail.

After receiving three hours of orientation, volunteers hit the trail to become ambassadors and provide eyes-and-ears for the trail's managing partners. NDG Trail Stewards assist trail users with directions and advice. They promote use of the trail and report on trail conditions, visitor needs and safety concerns. They may also choose to participate in NDG Trail Maintenance Days and volunteer for events sponsored by both organizations. NDG Trail Stewards choose their own time and place to perform their volunteer service, although a minimum of 4 hours per month is suggested.

For their efforts, NDG Trail Stewards receive an identification badge and gear, free entrance to all Delaware State Parks, and the satisfaction of providing an important service in a time when budget constraints make cut-backs in service a reality; all this, while enjoying time outdoors in some of Delaware's the most scenic spaces.

What you need to be a Trail Steward:

Click to download a volunteer application form for this program and return it to Julie Lawrence at Delaware State Parks, or call Delaware Greenways 302-655-7275 for more information (the Trail Steward program is run jointly by Delaware Greenways and Delaware State Parks).