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SLELO PRISM

ST. LAWRENCE EASTERN LAKE ONTARIO PARTNERSHIP FOR REGIONAL INVASIVE SPECIES MANAGEMENT

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Our volunteers are the heart of our work. Their dedication, passion, and commitment make conservation, habitat restoration, and invasive species management possible, creating lasting benefits for our natural resources and communities. We are deeply grateful for the countless hours, talents, and enthusiasm our volunteer community contributes each year.

Whether you’re a long-time volunteer or looking for a meaningful way to get involved, we invite you to join us in making a difference. Explore this page to learn about volunteer opportunities, sign up to become part of our growing community, and discover how your efforts are celebrated through our Volunteer Engagement & Impact Structure. Together, we can protect, restore, and preserve the places we value for generations to come.

"Volunteering with SLELO has given me a great deal of satisfaction. I’ve learned how I can protect my favorite fishing and hiking spots from the impacts of invasive species."
Frank Williams
Frank WilliamsEcosystem Ambassador
"While helping out hemlock trees, volunteering provided an outlet for teamwork, nature therapy, cold weather exercise and incentive to plan more adventures, local and afar."
Lucas Russell
Lucas RussellHabitat Guardian
"I volunteer with SLELO PRISM to connect with people, care for places I love, and feel good about the difference we make for regional habitats."
Emily fell
Emily fellHabitat Guardian
"Volunteering with SLELO is one way I show gratitude towards the land that has done so much for me on my journey."
Hope Teichroew
Hope TeichroewSapling Steward
"Volunteering with SLELO has sharpened my conservation focus and reinforced my interests in environmental conservation and science."
Dannon Trahan
Dannon TrahanSapling Steward
"My advice for anyone who is considering volunteering with SLELO is that you're never too old to do good for our community!"
Robert Foster
Robert FosterSLELO Volunteer

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Volunteer Engagement & Impact Program

Through the five-tier achievement program outlined below, our volunteers earn recognition for their dedication to participation, stewardship, community science, training, and conservation impact.
 
This program is more than a milestone checklist, it honors the conservation identities our volunteers cultivate through their deep commitment and service.
 
Inspired by the natural growth of a forest, each level reflects a profound connection to our natural world. Just as a forest develops layer by layer, our volunteers grow from curious learners into the dedicated stewards, habitat guardians, and ecosystem ambassadors who sustain the landscapes and communities we all cherish.
The first step in the journey, focused on learning, curiosity, and connection.
This tier recognizes volunteers who are beginning to make a difference through conservation learning.
Achievement Criteria:
  • Fill out volunteer form above to join our listserve and Pledge to Protect

 

Tucked beneath the canopy, these volunteers are actively growing their skills. They are rolling up their sleeves for stewardship and participating in activites.
This tier represent the vital, busy life layer of the forest, turning curiosity into consistent action.
Achievement Criteria:
  • All above criteria
  • Participate in at least 1 activity or event in any year
  • Contribute one hour or more of volunteer time over any given year 
View Events & Volunteer Opportunities
Record Time
Reaching upward, these volunteers provide the shelter and strength that keeps our programs thriving. Their dedication mirrors the growth of a forest canopy, which protects and sustains the entire ecosystem.
This tier highlights those who have deepened their conservation training and elevate our community science efforts. Their contributions ensure a lasting, positive impact on our land and waterscapes.
Achievement Criteria:
  • All above criteria
  • Become an iMapinvasives and/or iNaturalist user & join SLELO PRISM projects
  • Volunteer and join events with us for 3 or more years. 
Get Started with iMap/iNat
Standing tall above the rest, these individuals see the bigger picture and act as true guardians.
This tier acknowledges those who have advanced early detection efforts, contributed data, and take action to safeguard our lands and waters. 
Achievement Criteria:
  • All above criteria
  • Volunteer and join events with us for 4 or more years. 
  • Data contributed (iMap or iNat)
  • Attended land or water protector session(s)

 

Record Time
Attend land/water protector sessions
This tier represents the highest level of service and commitment within the program. It represents enduring dedication and deep-rooted impact. 
These are the volunteers whose years of service demonstrate lasting impact. Like an ancient root network, their contributions sustain the health of ecosystems leaving a legacy for next generations.
 
Achievement Criteria:
  • All above criteria
  • Volunteer and join events with us for 5 or more years. 
  • Adopted a Trail and/or Waterbody to survey for and report invasive species

 

Record Time
Adopt a Trail
Adopt a Waterbody

2026 Volunteer Appreciation & Recognition

Conservation is not accomplished by a single organization, a single program, or a single project. Conservation succeeds because people choose to care. It grows when people choose to learn, to show up, to take action, and to inspire others to do the same. 
 
True environmental stewardship requires an entire community, and our volunteers are the driving force behind everything we protect. Listed below are the honorees whose outstanding contributions and dedication have sustained conservation and management efforts.