Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers are the heart of the trails community. We’re continuously grateful and in awe of those who give their time to champion local trails and give others the opportunity to experience the joy of nature and connection. Across the Discovery Routes region there are at least 56 separate community trail partners responsible for the stewardship of local trails – many of these groups rely entirely on volunteers who donate their time, energy and talents to our trails. Read the stories of what motivates local trail volunteers through our Trail Champions program.
Want to Become a Trail Champion?
Join our Near North Trail Champions Facebook Group to find volunteer opportunities with local trail organizations such as:
- Trail builds and general trail maintenance activities
- Trail clean-ups, tree plants, and other trail stewardship activities
- Trail events requiring volunteers
- Trail programs like hike leaders, cycling instructors, etc.
- Trail committee/ board member opportunities
- Maintenance of portages/ water trail access points
- Trail sign audits/ installations
Volunteer Opportunities with Discovery Routes
Discovery Routes Board of Directors
Discovery Routes seeks enthusiastic board members to help advance our charitable mission to invest in partnerships for the development and promotion of sustainable trails and active transportation systems throughout the Near North.
Having a diverse board, united in the belief that a thriving trails network contributes to our health and well-being while also providing economic and environmental benefits, boosting tourism and creating green infrastructure, is critical to Discovery Routes’ leadership in our sector. See the 2023-2027 Strategic Plan for more detail on our priorities.
Representation from a broad range of interests, skills and experience from across the Near North and Almaguin Highlands is needed.
- Government and Stakeholder Relations
- Fundraising
- Marketing and Communication
- Advocacy
- Finance and Accounting in NFP and charitable sector
- Risk Management as related to public lands and trails
- Indigenous Knowledge Keepers
- Involvement in Sector(s): health promotion, tourism, economic development, environment, education and/ or transportation
BOARD MEMBER COMMITMENT
Board members:
- act in a position of trust for the community
- are responsible for the effective governance and leadership of Discovery Routes.
- are informed on organization matters
- participate in the Board’s discussions and decisions in matters of policy, finance, programs, fundraising and advocacy.
WHO? Discovery Routes is governed by a Board of Directors consisting of 5-15 Directors elected by the membership at the Annual Meeting.
HOW OFTEN? Second Tuesday of every month except July and August at 5PM for 1-2 hours. Schedule of meetings is subject to change based on availability of members.
WHERE? Virtually or in-person at the Discovery Routes offices on Main Street in North Bay.
TERM? Directors serve for a one-year term starting after the Annual Meeting in November each year.
TO APPLY: Applications for a Discovery Routes Board of Directors position are closed until early fall each year. However, if you are interested in a board position, you are welcome to attend a board meeting to see if it is a good fit. Contact any of our current directors or our Executive Director.
CONTACT: Have questions? Any of our current board members would be happy to chat or contact our Executive Director, Jennifer McCourt at jennifer@discoveryroutes.ca or 705-499-6653.
Fund Development Committee
We’re recruiting volunteers with fundraising experience who share Discovery Routes’ vision to participate on a new Fund Development Committee.
Our Challenge
Established in 1992, Discovery Routes has accomplished a lot over the past three decades thanks to passionate, hard-working volunteers. Many of our successes have relied almost entirely on grants that restrict funding and consume valuable staff time. With the pandemic creating a dramatic increase in demand for trails and safe cycling facilities, a great burden has been placed on the largely volunteer trails community to keep these treasured resources safe, connected and well-maintained. Recognizing that our previous funding model is not sustainable and adaptable to the needs of the trails community, we are committed to diversifying our revenue streams to sustain the organizational capacity to best support community trails.
We Need Your Help
We are currently recruiting committee members for a Fund Development Committee. Interested? Please read the Fund Development Committee’s Terms of Reference. Tell us about yourself in this short application. Apply Now.
ReCycle Bikes Program
Consider volunteering for ReCycle Bikes and making a difference in the community by giving others the opportunity to own a bike. We are a welcoming community of enthusiastic like-minded volunteers offering the chance to build life skills and give back.
Volunteer Opportunities Include:
- Lead Mechanics
- General Bike Volunteers
- Administrative Support Volunteer
- Student Volunteers
Generally, the commitment is 2-3 hours per session from May to September. We generally have 2-weekday sessions per week. Administrative support is needed throughout the year but is minimal through the winter. Interested? Find out more about the program and fill out our volunteer form.
Other Trail Volunteer Opportunities in the Region
- The North Bay Mountain Bike Association does regular trail builds throughout the season at the Three Towers Trails in North Bay.
- Almaguin Community Trails is expanding their trail network at Almaguin Secondary School. Find them on Facebook
- Friends of Laurier Woods needs volunteers to participate on the Board of Directors and help with trail projects throughout the year. Contact the Friends through their website.
Visit Our Trails Community page listing clubs and organizations across the region with more volunteer opportunities on local trails.
