Updated Jan. 13, 2026

Each Trail Steward will:

1. Take responsibility for the development and maintenance of designated trail(s) in a particular preserve.
2. Wear official FWT identifiers, such as a hat, vest, &/or shirt while performing trail work to identify their formal volunteer role with FWT per Webster Parks and Recreation direction.
3. Actively maintain the trail(s) throughout the entire year, including making infrastructure repairs, cutting back encroaching vegetation 3 feet on both sides of the trail, removing rocks/roots that create a trip hazard, removing overhead branches up to 7 feet above trail, updating trail markings, use a leaf-blower if steward owns one. Larger maintenance projects can be scheduled for monthly trail workdays. Contact the preserve’s Lead Steward* or the Trails Committee Chair**.
4. Walk the trails, especially after windstorms, and remove/report downed trees or limbs.  NOTE: Additional chainsaw resources are available for removing trees. Contact the Trails Committee Chair**.
5. Regularly monitor the assigned trail(s) for significant problems or concerns, e.g., excessive muddy areas, significant trail erosion, trail washouts, significant uneven terrain, steep drops/inclines, missing or damaged trail signage, etc. and report to/discuss with the preserve’s Lead Steward* or Trails Committee Chair**.
6. Monitor the condition of the structures on the trail (e.g. kiosks, bridges, boardwalks, puncheons, benches, tables, etc.). Sand and seal benches as needed. Report deterioration, damage or concerns to the preserve’s Lead Steward* or Trails Committee Chair**.
7. Assist with steward projects and repairs, such as replacing boardwalk decking, improving drainage, and removing trash. Materials purchased and gas for mowing and trimming equipment for trail work can be reimbursed by FWT.
8. If the trail has assigned multiple Stewards, regularly communicate with these individuals about trail activities.  
9. Help plan workday projects and participate in their execution.
10. Report hours spent doing trail maintenance.
11. Provide updates to the FWT Board, Lead Steward*, and/or Trails Committee Chair**, as requested.
12. Maintain FWT membership.
13. Sign a seasonal liability waiver that covers repeated visits in the field. 
14. If the steward is out of the area for an extended period, the steward should find a sub to monitor the trail.   
15. Optional attendance at the monthly FWT Board meetings held on the second Monday of each month (Jan-Nov) at the Webster Recreation Center, 1350 Chiyoda Drive at 7:00PM. 

*For preserves that have multiple trails and multiple stewards, there is a Lead Steward.

** Trails Committee Chair – Linda Siple