Application to Volunteer at Chester Woods

 We are excited to announce a new partnership with AmeriCorps Seniors which offers benefits to Friends of Chester Woods volunteers aged 55+.  The AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP program works with area nonprofits to support their volunteers.  You would remain a FOCW volunteer serving in the same capacity as you currently do, just with some added benefits.  Your information is kept confidential and you would not be added to any new mailing lists.  This program is free for FOCW and we encourage all eligible volunteers to enroll – it’s a win-win! 

 Supplemental Insurance: We all hope that no accidents happen, but if you were to get into an accident while traveling to/from or during your volunteer time the supplemental insurance works alongside your own insurance to help cover out-of-pocket costs.  All enrolled volunteers are eligible, but it is up to the volunteer if they choose to file a claim or not.  This coverage includes:

1. Accident Medical Coverage
2. Volunteer Liability Insurance
3. Excess Automobile Liability Insurance 

 We encourage all eligible volunteers to apply by following the link below to the online or PDF enrollment form.  You can also pick up a paper copy at the Chester Woods office. 

   Mileage Reimbursement: Reimbursement is optional and the funding comes from a federal AmeriCorps Seniors grant.  Travel to/from volunteering as well as any miles put on at the volunteer site are eligible for reimbursement.  More details in attached Mileage Reimbursement sheet. 

1. Volunteer Recruitment: Local AmeriCorps Seniors staff can help to recruit new volunteers and promote FOCW at area events
2. Volunteer Recognition: AmeriCorps Seniors will help out financially in volunteer appreciation events
3. Partnerships such as this help to show community connections which can help in grant applications

If you would like to volunteer regularly at Chester Woods and learn about many of the activities of the park, this volunteer category is for you. There are volunteer opportunities that include inside office and maintenance help or many outside nature opportunities. We've recently added help needed for renting Winter recreation equipment from the park office in January and February.

Chester Woods and Friends of Chester Woods offer many programs for park visitors.  We can use your help.

There are over 15 miles of trails at Chester Woods which cover the 1333 acres of the park. These trails need maintenance all 4 seasons of the year.

FOCW volunteers work with two resource management groups. (1) Weed Warriors work to control invasive species in the park, and harvest prairie seeds to be used in our Olmsted County Parks. (2) Buckthorn Beavers work in different areas of the park to eradicate buckthorn with the use of a herbicide. 

Chester Lake is a 110 acre reservoir. It is used year round for non-motorized recreational purposes.

Chester Woods is a premiere site in Olmsted County where a number of areas are being returned to native prairie habitat. 

Monitoring the populations and health of our birds and insects is a special volunteer activity at the park.

Chester Woods has an interesting history of ownership along with a wide variety of natural history areas.

Located in the developed area of the park, this natural playscape uses natural materials to foster creative play.

We have volunteers who have a specific skill that is very useful for the park. Do you fit into this category?