BEFORE WORK BEGINS
Each new volunteer must sign a waiver at the sign in area. No exceptions. The sign-in area will usually have pictures and/or brochures of oriental bittersweet and poison ivy for new volunteers to look at.
The first 10 +/- minutes of all new volunteers' work session should consist of a brief orientation conducted by the Event Coordinator(EC). Whenever possible two EC's should be at the event so one can oversee the event while the other orients any new volunteers. EC's will have their own styles and ideas on how to deliver the message so this is just a general list, not a script.
NEW VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION CHECKLIST
Introductions:
- Thank everyone for volunteering.
- Have each new volunteer briefly introduce themselves and describe their experience level..
- Make sure everyone has signed the waiver.
- Observe their state of preparation (gloves, safety glasses, loppers, saws, etc.), and that they have proper equipment.
- Volunteer equipment and preparation must comply with requirements outlined in the Save A Tree Day site.
- Make note of anyone inexperienced or who may have special needs.
Safety First:
- Point out location of the first aid kit and break area.
- Advise volunteers:.
- Work at your own pace, there's no hurry.
- Take rest breaks and hydrate frequently.
- Keep a good working distance between yourself and others.
- Do not try to pull vines down.
- Check overhead as you move around the work area and avoid working under hanging branches or weakened trees.
- Avoid multiflora rose unless you are experienced dealing with the thorns.
- Stay away from poison ivy!
- Do not touch your face if you have touched poison ivy (assume you have touched poison ivy even if you don't think you did).
- There is Tecnu at the break area.
- When you get home use Tecnu again, wash clothing immediately, take a shower, and assume there is poison ivy on your shoes.
- Ticks: Check for ticks as soon as you can after working.
Plant Identification:
- Point out poison ivy first, both vines and leaves.
- Identify oriental bittersweet vines (large, small, on trees and in thickets).
- Point out any beneficial plants.
- When in doubt do not cut.
Describe The Work To Be Done:
- Cutting oriental bittersweet vines, using the Glastonbury Method (demonstrate if possible):
- Cut about 12" from the ground.
- Then cut about 5' to 7' from the ground, so about a 5' section of the vine is cut out.
- Throw the cut sections into pile(s) or leave where they drop (will be decided prior to event by Event Coordinators(s) for the particular area).
- Cutting multiflora rose (experienced people with heavy gloves only) as needed to access oriental bittersweet vines.
- DO NOT CUT beneficial plants ferns, shrubs, trees and other non-invasives.
- WHEN IN DOUBT DO NOT CUT. Ask the Event Coordinator.
- Let people know they don't have to work the whole SAT Day timeframe; if they are fatigued or uncomfortable with the work they should feel free to sign out.
- Stay away from poison ivy!
Questions:
- Ask if there are any questions.
- Let volunteers know the Event Coordinator is there to answer any questions and help make sure it's a good, safe day for everyone.
- Thank the volunteers again.
- Ask everyone to advise the EC before they leave.
