Volunteer Monitor Virtual Training
Welcome and thank you for joining Ausbon Sargent Land Preservation Trust’s volunteer monitoring program!
This page is for registered volunteers who will be monitoring properties in 2024-2025 or to serve as a refresher for our seasoned monitors. New monitors, you should also be registered for one of the in-person training sessions June 5 or June 11, 2024.
This page is designed to prepare you for our in-person training session and will be a resource for you to refresh your knowledge before your site visit later on. Please take the time to review the videos and handouts below before your training session. **Happy Training!!**
About Virtual Training
The goal of this online training is to provide you with the background skills and information to monitor a property with an Ausbon Sargent conservation easement or that is owned by Ausbon Sargent. Though every property is different, the protocol for monitoring is consistent.
This virtual training is a mix of handouts and videos and is designed to be completed as two 30-minute modules. Either follow this web page to download files and watch videos individually from the YouTube play list here(link is external).
Module 1
Intro to Monitoring
Video 1: Welcome to Volunteer Monitor Training
Download the following handout and follow along while watching Video 1 and 2:
- Handout 1: Introduction to Monitoring (Originally from 2021, with a 2024 update)
Ausbon Sargent’s Land Protection Specialist, Andy Deegan introduces Ausbon Sargent and how easements are vital tools for conservation as well as the goals of the monitoring program.
Please note this presentation was originally recorded in 2021; the handout that accompanies it has a 2024 update.
Video 2: Overview of the Monitoring Program
Ausbon Sargent’s Stewardship Manager, Anne Payeur describes the goals and structure of the monitoring program. Learn why monitoring is necessary and how to have a successful monitoring visit.
Module 2
Skills for Monitoring a Property
Video 3: What’s in a Monitoring Packet
Download the following handouts and follow along while watching Video 3:
- Handout 2: An Example Monitoring Packet (updated 2023)
- Handout 3: Example Narrative
- Handout 3.5: What’s in my Monitoring Packet
Ausbon Sargent’s former Stewardship & Outreach Coordinator describes the typical forms and materials volunteers receive in a monitor packet before they visit a property. See the information you receive, forms you will need to complete, and how to write a narrative.
Please note this presentation was originally recorded in 2021. The Monitor Protocol and Monitor Reports that are discussed have a 2022 and 2023 update included in Handout 2.
Video 4: Reading a Survey
Download the following handout and follow along while watching Video 4:
Ausbon Sargent’s former Stewardship & Outreach Coordinator goes over the key features of a survey map and the tips and tricks to navigating a property during your monitoring visit.
Video 5: Using a Compass
Download the following handout and follow along while watching Video 5:
This video by Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority describes how to use a baseplate compass and follow a bearing.
Optional If you’d like to learn more about using a GPS app on your phone to assist you while monitoring, download the following handout:
Congratulations on Finishing Your Online Training!
This page will be available to you throughout the year as a resource and refresher before you monitor.
We look forward to seeing you at one of our in-person trainings June 5th or 11th at 1pm.
If you have any questions about the training, the program, or the property you will be monitoring please email Stewardship Manager, Anne Payeur at apayeur@ausbonsargent.org(link sends e-mail)