Volunteers truly do make the world go ‘round and that spirit of volunteerism is the backbone of what we do here at the ERT Foundation. Our trail was literally built by a passionate group of volunteers who believed in the possibility of this trail and what it could do for our city and the larger region. Operating with a very lean staff and resources, the Foundation would not be able to accomplish our mission without the help of committed volunteers. Whatever your time, talents or interests we have an opportunity for you!
trail ambassador
- Travel sections of the trail by bike or on foot at least twice a month.
- Complete easy reports that help us record the number of users, maintenance issues, and trail conditions.
- Help with litter clean up, graffiti removal and trail safety alerts.
- Ambassadors get to rep the trail with a cool orange ERT vest!
- Current ambassadors submit your trail reports here.
events & project volunteer
- Assist the ERT at events like Tour de ORF, Celebrate Trails Day, the Elizabeth River Run and other special events and projects.
- You could be asked to assist with manning our table at a community event and educating the public on the ERT or being a volunteer on a group bike ride or walk.
beautification & maintenance volunteer
- Provide help with on-going maintenance of the managed meadow, Plum Point Park, watering trees at the fitness course, future planting projects, and more.
- Do people tell you, there’s nothing you can’t fix? We need volunteers that are handy with a variety of maintenance needs along the trail.
- Do you have a green thumb and a weed whacker? We need volunteers that can tackle overgrown foliage and beautify our landscaping.
- ERT Volunteers can submit trail cleanup and beautification reports here!
corporate, club or individual adopt-a-section volunteer
- Whether you’re with a military command, a university/college Greek organization, a trail business or sponsor or an individual wanting to better connect with your community, we’d love for you to adopt-a-section on the ERT to care for.
- Commit to a quarterly clean-up, maintenance check-in and beautification of a section of trail that’s important to you.
- Current Adopt-A-Section volunteers submit your quarterly report here.
Volunteer on January 20, 10 AM – 12 PM at the Water Street Open Space by Harbor Park for the MLK Day of Service on the ERT! Commemorate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by making a positive impact in our community during our largest litter cleanup of the year. The 2024 cleanup saw 169 volunteers come together, despite the cold and some sleet, and they collected over 2,200 pounds of litter! A litter cleanup is more than just picking up trash, it is an opportunity for people to come together for a common cause.
Register to volunteer HERE!
internships
There are many opportunities for college students to explore internships with the ERT Foundation. (P.S. All interns receive great ERT swag!)
NATURE FOR ALL PROGRAM INTERN:
The Elizabeth River Trail Foundation is looking for an intern to assist with our Nature For All programming. This position is 15 hours per week at $15 per hour for 10 weeks, May – June, with some flexibility.
As the Nature For All Intern, you will help with the planning, coordination, and implementation of Nature For All programs such as Trail Beautification Days and Botanical Tours. Along with hands-on work on the trail, you will assist in marketing these events, recruiting volunteers, and purchasing supplies. There will be opportunities to grow your network, collaborate with community partners, and gain experience that will help your resume stand out!
The ERT Foundation believes the trail has something for everyone and is FOR everyone, we strongly encourage candidates of all different backgrounds and identities to apply. Even if your major or experience doesn’t precisely match the internship description, we are interested in your passion for our mission and building community. Our team and board will support the right intern in growing their skills.
Send a letter of interest and resume to [email protected] with “Internship” in the subject line by April 18, 2025.