BRAT Volunteers after a river cleanup in Springfield, Vermont.
A school group helps clean the river in Ludlow, Vermont.
A child observes a dragonfly that has landed on their finger. BRAT's Dragonfly Detective Program is for all ages and can be done in your own time.
BRAT Volunteers after a river cleanup in Springfield, Vermont.
Volunteers make all the difference.
The Black River Action Team is 100% volunteer-run. Whether you're pulling debris from the riverbank, clearing culverts, planting trees, or assisting with events, your time and energy make a lasting impact. Lend a hand, a skill, or some equipment, and together, we can protect and preserve the Black River and its feeder streams (tributaries) for everyone to enjoy—now and for generations to come.
Ways to volunteer
Whether it is a corporate volunteer day, Green Up Day, the annual RiverSweep in September, or a coordinated event, cleanups are one of the most impactful ways to volunteer with B.R.A.T.
​
Work from shore, a boat, or in the water clearing garbage from the bed and banks of the river and all the streams, lakes, and ponds that we can reach.
A very ad hoc and flexible option that is needed from late April through early October. Great for all ages!
Take an empty plastic jar and a few scraps of paper as you search for "exuviae" which are the empty larval exoskeletons of dragonflies as they leave the water to shed their "baby skins" and fly off as winged adults.
Monitoring the water quality on lakes, ponds, streams, and rivers is crucial for public health, ecosystem protection, and recreational enjoyment.
Simple instructions, training and materials are provided to collect information, observations, and samples from a variety of water sites as needed in the Black River Watershed area.
Help prevent flooding, erosion, and infrastructure damage by ensuring proper water flow in communities!
B.R.A.T. collaborates with Dartmouth College and other partners to help community members survey and clear the drains, culverts, and ditches using simple techniques that help municipal staff prioritize their stormwater work.
Engaging in purposeful gardening projects is fun with B.R.A.T.
​
-
Identify native plants
-
Manage invasive species
-
Plant a storm-savvy landscape
-
Participate in "seed saving" & "stake-outs" as part of a growing Native Seed & Plant Network
-
Rehabilitate floodplain areas
Why volunteer?
I heeded the call when the State of Vermont sent word that volunteers were needed after the '23 floods. Making a difference is the pleasure I take working with B.R.A.T.
Tyler S.
West Rutland VT
Volunteers get a B.R.A.T. t-shirt. Become a #BRATinTheWild today!
