Thank you for volunteering at the Beaver Creek Wetlands Association booth!
You are representing BCWA, so please actively engage with passersby. Be prepared to initiate conversations and guide discussions in a positive direction. And don’t forget to smile!

Starting the Conversation

A great way to start a conversation is by casually asking:

“Have you ever been to the Beaver Creek Wetlands?”

If They Answer “No”

Here are some ideas for continuing the conversation. Let them ask questions, and allow the discussion to naturally follow their interests:

• BCWA protects about 2,400 acres along the Beaver Creek Wetland Corridor. It begins at Pearl’s Fen in Fairborn, continues south toward Rt. 35, then heads west along Rt. 35 and ends at Zimmerman Prairie. (Point to the map on the easel. Give them a brochure and show the map.)

• BCWA is a nonprofit land trust, established in 1988.

• Talk about how wetlands are wonderful places for hiking, birdwatching, and other outdoor activities.

• Share your favorite location(s) and explain why you enjoy them. Point to these spots on the map.

• Explain why you volunteer with BCWA or what the wetlands mean to you.

• Talk about the Spotted Turtle Trail Project (details below).

• Highlight upcoming walks and educational programs. Show them the event link in the brochure: beavercreekwetlands.org/event.

• If they show strong interest, mention volunteer opportunities and membership.

• Ask everyone to sign up for emails and make sure they receive a brochure.

If They Answer “Yes”

Here are some talking points to continue the conversation. Again, let them ask questions and guide the discussion toward their interests:

• Ask where they visited.

• Ask if they are BCWA members.

• Don’t assume they know about BCWA or the full corridor just because they’ve visited one site.

• Use the same talking points from above as relevant.

• Ask everyone to sign up for emails and make sure they receive a brochure.

Spotted Turtle Trail Project

The completed Spotted Turtle Trail will stretch 15 miles and connect all parks and reserves in the Beaver Creek Wetland Corridor. With loops and spurs, there will be about 40 miles of trails in total. The project includes 9 phases.

Learn more: beavercreekwetlands.org/trail-project

Goals of the project:

• Create access to wetlands currently not open to the public

• Preserve, restore, and protect wetlands

• Provide new recreational opportunities

• Educate visitors about the importance of wetlands through interpretive signs, guided hikes, and educational programs

Email Sign-Up

For anyone interested in receiving updates, please direct them to the Email QR Code.

Takeaways

• Brochures – every individual or group should get one

• Pens and/or pencils

• Post-its or notepads if available

• Newsletter – limited supply, so please give only to those truly interested in reading it

Prior to the Event

• If you do not have a BCWA shirt to wear, contact Beth Edsall at bedsall@beavercreekwetlands.org to pick up your free volunteer t-shirt.

• Learn more about BCWA by browsing our website: https://beavercreekwetlands.org/

• You can also read our history here