Learn About Ways to Volunteer
Habitat Restoration
Stream cleanup volunteers pick up trash, remove invasive species, and participate in other activities that support the health of our streams.
Live stake volunteers will help us install live stakes along key areas throughout the watershed to restore vegetation on stream banks and shorelines.
Water Quality Monitoring
We record water quality data at 15 different sites along the brook in an effort to determine the health of the stream as well as watching for changes due to pollution or restoration projects. We go out to collect data once a month and would love to have volunteers to help us expand the program!
Current Volunteers
Awards and Recognition
Doan Brook Impact Award
The Doan Brook Impact Award honors volunteers whose commitment and exceptional service have significantly advanced our mission to restore and protect the Doan Brook watershed. Through their leadership, advocacy, and hands-on involvement in various projects, these volunteers have not only contributed to the restoration of the Doan Brook but have also cultivated a legacy of stewardship that will benefit future generations. The Doan Brook Impact Award celebrates their invaluable contributions and serves as a testament to the power of community action in environmental conservation.
Recipients
2024: John Reebel
Watershed Hero Award
The DBWP honors those individuals who have created positive and lasting change at our annual meeting held in November.
Recipients
2024: Greg Van Niel
2023: Victoria Mills
2022: John Rode
2021: Case Western Reserve University Student Sustainability Council
2020: Friends of Lower Lake
2019: William Warr and Disabled American Veterans
2018: Friends of Lower Lake
2017: John Reebel
2016: Dr. Roy Larick
2015: Marcia Mauter, Marty Cooperman, and Steve Ingalls
2014: Kathy Smachlo
2013: Virginia Havens and Hawken School Student Volunteers
2012: Julie Patton and Arcey Harton
2011: Carl Czaga
2010: Bob Davis
2009: Lester Stumpe
Doan Brook Annual Meeting
Each year, we host an annual meeting to review and reflect on our accomplishments. We take this opportunity to honor our Watershed Hero with an award and recognize our hardworking volunteers. We invite you to join us for engaging speakers and light refreshments as we celebrate another year in the Doan Brook Watershed!
Tracking hours and waivers
Have additional hours to report?
We track and record all volunteer hours at official events, but if you are conducting volunteer activities that benefit the Doan Brook watershed on your own, we would love to hear about them! Independent volunteer activities might look like: cleaning debris from your local storm drain, picking up trash around Lower Lake, etc.
Benefits Volunteering
- Develop a skill
- Volunteering can allow you to learn a new skill in a low-stress environment. Whether that be identifying invasive species, learning more about issues in the watershed as well as possible solutions to event planning and community engagement, you will surely learn something new and gain experience.
- Build community ties
- Whether you are interested in arboriculture, environmental justice or are simply a nature enthusiast, being a volunteer will allow you to establish a presence in your community and build meaningful connections.
- Improve physical and mental health
- Ample research shows that volunteering is an effective way to reduce stress, anger, anxiety and depression by keeping you active and engaged on an issue of importance to you. Volunteering shows us that making a difference is possible when we unite!
Why volunteer?
- Community engagement
- Meet like minded people
- Help keep our watershed healthy
- Invitation to annual meeting
Know Your Ability
We welcome volunteers of all ages and abilities to volunteer at our events. However, we ask that you choose activities that are appropriate for you and your group. Many habitat stewardship activities include the use of sharp tools, lifting heavy objects, and hiking over uneven terrain, which may be challenging for some individuals.
We warmly welcome youth habitat stewards. All minors must have a waiver signed by a parent or guardian. Children who require adult supervision must be accompanied by a responsible adult. If you have any questions about whether this event is right for you and your group, please contact info@doanbrookpartnership.org. Please let us know if you have specific accommodation requests, and we will do our best to meet them.