Field Safety

To ensure volunteers are properly identifiable when in the field, HRWC volunteers are strongly encouraged to wear branded gear with HRWC’s logo, such as t-shirts, hats, ID badges, safety vests, or waders, .

In many of HRWC’s field-based volunteer programs, volunteers are asked to visit sites that may be on or adjacent to private property. When asking volunteers to visit sites on private property, HRWC works with property owners to provide advance notification and receive consent for volunteer access. In other programs, notably the Creekwalking Program, volunteers and interns are asked to visit streams adjacent to private property and public waterways that flow directly through private property. In these situations, HRWC works with volunteers, interns, and local law enforcement to ensure safe access to public waters near private property:

1. Dispatch Notification: Prior to volunteer outings near private property, HRWC notifies local dispatchers to provide advanced notice of activities.
2. Public Waters Education: HRWC has developed a public waters factsheet to educate local landowners and law enforcement about Michigan law protecting public access in navigable streams and rivers.
3. De-escalation Training: During program and pre-outing orientations, HRWC staff members conduct de-escalation trainings with all advanced volunteers. To view training content, please contact Jason Frenzel.

While in the field, HRWC volunteers may be approached by members of the public with questions about fieldwork. Most often, these individuals share an interest in, and passion for, the Huron River and are eager for more information. HRWC provides volunteers with talking points as a resource for answering questions and encourages volunteers to share their own experience. In cases where the public has additional questions or immediate concerns beyond the volunteer’s capacity, volunteers can provide contact information for HRWC staff members.

When volunteering for HRWC, volunteers serve as representatives of the organization and therefore, need to communicate and act in a professional manner. HRWC will provide any resources necessary to make interactions with the public positive.

HRWC’s programming is predominantly during the growing season, often when it is sunny and warm. If you’re working in the field during this time, dress appropriately including light clothing that shades you well. Always bring enough water to keep hydrated. You may also want to bring sunscreen and/or bug repellent. Other HRWC programming is offered in the winter or on cool, rainy days. When the weather is inclement, dress in appropriate layers, wear warm shoes/boots, and bring hand and head protection. Cold weather can also pose a risk for dehydration, so make sure you always bring something nonalcoholic to drink. Any field work that is being conducted in terrestrial or aquatic ecosystems must be halted at any sign of lightning. It is recommended that volunteers wait in a safe place, such as under a pavilion or in a vehicle for 15 minutes to determine if the lightning will pass.

HRWC offers volunteers the opportunity to visit beautiful locations throughout the watershed, some of which have physical hazards that require caution. Most of our field locations require the physical ability to navigate uneven terrain either terrestrial or aquatic. Some of our programs offer accessible locations. For folks interested in volunteering with concerns regarding accessibility, please contact our Stewardship Coordinator to discuss opportunities for involvement. Many of our field locations mandate parking or walking along roadways. The upmost care must be taken when traversing these sites. HRWC will provide volunteers with signs to indicate your vehicle is being officially used under our auspices.

Some of our field locations have poison ivy and occasionally poison sumac. Being able to identify these plants is important. Please make sure you are able to identify them by visiting this website. If you are exposed to either, make sure to wash well with soap and cool water within a few hours. Pre- and post-exposure treatments are available from many stores.

Preventing Lyme disease is critical and can be done through physical measures and chemical dissuasions, such as applying insect repellent and wearing long pants and closed toe shoes. Volunteers should take proper precaution when visiting wooded areas in an effort to prevent ticks. Identifying ticks and Lyme disease symptoms is also critical. Additional information on ticks, including symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, visit www.michigan.gov/lyme.

Many of our volunteers like spending time in the water helping HRWC because they find it inspiring and fun. However, if you ever feel unsafe do not get in the water. Cold water, without appropriate clothing, can quickly lead to hypothermia. HRWC will provide waders to all volunteers accessing water. Please dress appropriately for the temperatures and your volunteer activity. Fast moving and deep water can quickly create unsafe situations. If water velocity and/or depth threaten safe site access, cancel your outing, choose another location, or do not get in the main current.