This volunteer manual provides information for volunteers of the Huron River Watershed Council (HRWC). It discusses HRWC's mission to protect and sustain the Huron River system. The manual outlines HRWC's history, beginning in the 1950s due to water shortage and pollution concerns. It established in 1965 to address these issues. The manual describes HRWC's focus areas of watershed science, management, and education. It lists various volunteer monitoring, cleanup, and natural areas assessment opportunities. Training is provided for some technical roles. The manual aims to inform volunteers of HRWC's work and how they can contribute to its mission.

1. Volunteer Manual
Policies and Procedures
EasternMichiganUniversity:MGMT505 ASL Project
Alekhya Mandadi | Jiawen Liu | Jacquelyn Manning | Maitreyee Kulkarni
VolunteerCoordinator:Mr.JasonFrenzel | jfrenzel@hrwc.org
Executive Director:Ms.Laura Rubin| lrubin@hrwc.org

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Contents
INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................................................3
ABOUT US..........................................................................................................................................3
Mission Statement..........................................................................................................................4
History of HRWC.............................................................................................................................4
HRWC FOCUS AREAS...........................................................................................................................6
VOLUNTEERS – THE HEART OF OUR MISSION.......................................................................................7
Benefits to HRWC Volunteers..........................................................................................................8
GETTING IN TOUCH WITH US.............................................................................................................10
RECRUITMENT..................................................................................................................................10
FIRST TIME VOLUNTEERS ..................................................................................................................11
VOLUNTEER POLICIES AND PROCEDURES...........................................................................................11
Record Management ....................................................................................................................11
Dress Code...................................................................................................................................11
Attendance and Time....................................................................................................................12
Project Placements.......................................................................................................................12
Service Requirement.....................................................................................................................12
Altering the Requirements of the Job Description...........................................................................13
Training........................................................................................................................................13
Youth Volunteer and/or Service Learning.......................................................................................13
Evaluation....................................................................................................................................14
Recognition..................................................................................................................................14
Conduct.......................................................................................................................................15
Safety and Liability........................................................................................................................15
Public Relations ............................................................................................................................16
THANK YOU!.....................................................................................................................................16

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INTRODUCTION
Thishandbook isprimarilyforvolunteersof the HuronRiverWatershedCounciland describesthe history,
mission,andprojectsof the Huron RiverWatershedCouncil.It containsall the informationpertainingto
volunteers.This handbook will be updated every 3-5 years, so, if you come across something you think
needstobe includedorsomethingthatneeds updating, please letusknow!Please feelfree tobringany
questions or concerns to the staff.
ABOUTUS
Founded in 1965, the Huron River Watershed Council (HRWC) is southeast Michigan’s oldest
environmental organizationdedicatedtoriverprotection. The Huron RiverWatershedCouncil worksto
inspire attitudes,behaviors,andeconomiestoprotect,rehabilitate,andsustainthe HuronRiverSystem.
HRWC is a nonprofitcoalitionof HuronValleyresidents,businesses,andlocal governments. The Council
bridges political boundaries by building partnerships between and among communities, community
leaders,residents,andcommercial enterprises. Servingthose constituencies,HRWCmonitorsthe Huron
River, its tributaries, lakes, and groundwater, and directs multiple programs addressing pollution
prevention and abatement, wetland and floodplain protection, citizen education, and natural resource
and land-use planning.

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Since it wasformed,the Council hasservedas a place where local unitsof governmentandcitizenshave
discussed problems and sought solutions to critical issues affecting the River. Even though the Council
has no enforcement powers, it has accomplished its goals through the use of technical data, factual
information and citizen stewardship to influence decisions made by various local and state agencies.
Mission Statement
The missionof the Council istoinspire attitudes,behaviors,andeconomiesthatprotect,rehabilitate,and
sustain the Huron River system.
History of HRWC
The originof the Council goesback to 1956 whena drought periodcausedsevere watershortagesinthe
Detroit Metropolitan area. A controversy between Wayne Countyand Detroit resulted in a National
Sanitation Foundation study to survey present and future water resources and demands in the area.
At the same time, new industrial and subdivision development was occurring in Ann Arbor and eastern
Washtenaw County. Water
supply was sufficient, but
pollution in the river was a
growing problem, especially in
the narrow part below Ann
Arbor. The State Health
Department studied the quality
of the river and decided to
restrict expansionof any sewage
treatment plants.

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Washtenaw County Planning Department was concerned about the impact of this policy on future
watershedtohelpresolvewateruseandpollutionconcerns. Amongthe findingsof the report,the Water
Resource Conditions and Use in the
Huron River Basin, was a
recommendation that an agency was
needed to evaluate the quality of the
Huron River on a continuing basis.
Public Act 200 of 1957 provided the
basis for the local units of government
to establishacooperative information,
researchand consultative agencytotackle multi-unitproblems. An agency,the Huron RiverWatershed
Intergovernmental Committee (HRWIC), was formed in April 1958. Four counties, eight cities/villages,
and twenty townships joined.
At the same time, the technical advisory committee of the HRWIC published A Water Use Policy
Development Program that also strongly recommended the formation of an organization to maintain
surveillance of the Huron.Enablingstate legislationwasneededandUMProfessorLyle Craineandothers
worked to get Act 253 of Public Acts of 1964 passed, the Local River Management Act.
In 1965, seventeen governmental units petitioned the Water Resources Commission to establish the
Huron RiverWatershedCouncil (HRWC). The petitionwasgrantedandin April 1965 the firstWatershed
Council in Michigan was formed.

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HRWCFOCUSAREAS
HRWC concentrates on three main areas of concern:
 Watershed Science: HRWC runs several scientific programs designedto gauge the healthof the
land and water throughout the watershed.
 Watershed Management: This is the area where watershed science meets watershed policy.
HRWC engages in a number of projects to utilize data on the health of the watershed and its
componentpartsto focuson key stressorsanddevelopandthenimplementmanagementplans
to address problems.
 Education and Stewardship: HRWC works to inspire change in attitudes and actions of the
residentsof the HuronRiverWatershed. We desire toshow residentsthattheiractionscanmake
a difference for the watershed, both positively and negatively.

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VOLUNTEERS– THEHEARTOF OUR MISSION
We needvolunteersto helptofind
creatureslivinginariver;measure the
speedof streamflow; joinateamin listing
the varietyof plantsinbeautiful natural
areas andmore.No trainingrequiredfor
some activities;formore complextasks,
trainingisoffered.Broadlywe require volunteersinthe followingareas:
Monitoring Activities:
o Stream Insects:
o RiverRoundup:VolunteerteamsfindinsectsandothercreatureseachFall andSpring.
o ID Day: RiverscientistshelpvolunteersIDthe creaturesfoundinthe RiverRoundup.
o Stonefly Search: In January, volunteer teams find stoneflies in high quality streams.
o Stream Habitat: Measuring and Mapping: In August, volunteer teams map and measure
stream habitat.
o Leader/Collector Training: HRWC trains volunteers to lead the teams in the Roundup.
 Clean Up and Maintenance:
o Huron RiverCleanup:Springandsummer. Pickup trash inand around the Huron River.
o Adopt-a-Storm Drain: Keep storm drains near your home clear of leaves and debris.
 Natural Areas and Plants (Bio-service Program):
o Field Assessments: Spring and summer. Join volunteer teams to perform field
assessments on the bio-reserve sites.

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o Plant ID experts needed: Spring and summer. If you are experienced in plant
identification, we especially need your help on the field assessments.
 Hydrology and Water Quality:
o Water QualitySampling: Collectwatersamplesfromstreamsitestwice permonth,April
through September.
o Flow Measurement: Periodically measure stream flow at stream sites, April through
September.
o Storm Runoff Sampling: Helpset up and collectwatersamplesbefore andafter storms,
April through September.
SUDS on the RIVER:
 HeldannuallyinSeptember,andfeaturingthemicro-brewsof the watershedandseveral favorite
local restaurants, HRWC always seeks help making this annual fundraiser happen.
Help in the office:
 HRWC occasionally needs help with light clerical work and program management.
Benefits to HRWC Volunteers
InvestinginvolunteermovementsatHRWCbenefitsnotonlythe organizationbutalsoyourpersonal and
professional renewal. One of the greatest rewards to volunteering can be the satisfaction of doing the
work itself and getting involved with the community.

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There are other benefits to volunteering such as:
• Exploring new interests
• Networking opportunities
• Contribution to a cause
• Sense of purpose
• Making new friends
• Developing new skills
• Recognition
• Professional growth
• Personal satisfaction
• The most important thing - FUN!
HRWC holds several events every year that bring our volunteers, members, and interested community
folktogetherinordertolearnmore aboutourorganizationandwhattheycandotohelpthe HuronRiver.

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Some mightalsogetinvitationtoparticipateinactivitiesattimestogetinvolvedinnewcommunitiesand
become ready to participate in other organizations.
GETTING INTOUCHWITHUS
If you wishtojoinour wonderful teamof HRWCStaff and othervolunteers,pleasefeel freetoreachour
staff viaemail or phone. We can be reachedat (734) 769-5123. For more informationonourstaff,their
email addressesandtheirtelephone extension,please visitthe followinglink:
http://www.hrwc.org/about/staff-of-hrwc/
RECRUITMENT

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HRWC usesvariouswaysto getin touch withenthusiasticcommunitymembers.Our methodof
recruitmentisacombinationof traditional andlatestmethods. Some of these methodsinclude reaching
out communitymembersthrough social media,online, wordof mouththroughothervolunteers etc. We
believethateveryvolunteertakesawaya valuable workexperience workingwithus.Therefore,we
encourage community memberstoworkwithus and helpusget the wordout.
FIRSTTIMEVOLUNTEERS
1. Firsttime volunteersmustregisteratthe followinglink:
http://www.hrwc.org/registration-for-first-time-volunteers/
2. Theymust signconsentformandhand theymayemail itto the volunteercoordinator.
http://www.hrwc.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/waiver.pdf
VOLUNTEER POLICIESANDPROCEDURES
Record Management
All informationpertainingtovolunteersisstoredinasafe and secure wayat our office. Recordsinclude
datesof volunteerservice,positionsheld,dutiesperformed,evaluationof volunteerperformance,
trainingattendedandawards/recognitionsreceived.Volunteerrecords,includingapplication,reference
checksand backgroundcheckswhenappropriate,are confidential.Volunteersare responsiblefor
submittingandupdatinginformationcontainedintheirfilestothe VolunteerManagement Office.
Dress Code

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All volunteersare requestedtodresscomfortablyforall outdoortasks. Volunteerswhoworkinthe
office are requested towearbusinesscasual.
For more informationaboutdresscode,pleasediscusswithyoursupervisororthe volunteer
coordinator.
Attendance and Time
Volunteer attendance is important to the operation and success of each program. Volunteers should
notifytheirsupervisorinadvance if theyare unable tobe presentontheirscheduleddayorpresentation.
HRWC understandsthe time constraintsof ourvolunteersand whenpossiblewill workwithvolunteersto
schedule tasks in way that fits with our volunteers’ schedule. Please feel free to reach out to your
supervisor or volunteer coordinator in order to discuss your schedule.
Project Placements
Uponcompletionof aproject, HRWCencourages volunteers toworkonvariousotherprojects duringtheir
volunteer service. If a volunteer elects to be re-assigned,the volunteer must apply or register for the
volunteerpositionandreceive all appropriate training. Pleasefeel free toreachoutto yoursupervisoror
volunteer coordinator in order to discuss various opportunities that HRWC has to offer.
Service Requirement
Each project at HRWC has a specific time commitment. By volunteering for the specific project you are
agreeing to dedicate the time required for the project. You may work with your supervisor or the
volunteer coordinator in order to clearly understand what is required of you in terms of service
requirement.

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Altering the Requirementsof the Job Description
Volunteers may request to alter their current job description with the approval of their supervisor.This
change will not alter or extend beyond the previously agreed ending date of service.
Training
Potential volunteers who will be interning, leading projects or working on advanced projects are
interviewed by the volunteer coordinator.
Volunteers receive training for specialized activities as part of their volunteer service with HRWC. All
volunteers must complete an orientation, on-the-job or program training and specialized training for
leadership position or any other position in which there is a level of technical skill and ability.
Volunteer Orientation providesan overview of HRWC, its mission, history and goals.Each volunteer will
receive orientation asa part of the interview processwiththe volunteercoordinatorandthe supervisor.
The orientation is designed to provide a framework for volunteering.Volunteer Assignment or Program
Trainingis providedbythe supervisoror trainerfor a particularplacement.The trainingdetailsthe skills
and knowledge necessary to perform their volunteer assignment.
We encourage our volunteers to learn about watershed science to get actively involved with the
community. Volunteers can read more about watershed science at the following location:
http://www.hrwc.org/our-work
Youth Volunteer and/orService Learning
Volunteers,under18years,musthave writtenconsentof a parentor guardianbefore volunteering.
Studentsvolunteeringforservice learningcredithours fortheirschool mustsubmitschool name and

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contact informationbefore volunteering. We require of ourvolunteersto fill outthe liabilityformbefore
joiningourteam.
http://www.hrwc.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/waiver.pdf
Evaluation
All advance volunteerpositions receive periodicevaluationstoreview theirperformance.Typicallythese
are done at the end of the season of a specific project. The evaluations allow for a volunteer and
supervisortosuggestchanges,seekimprovements andenhance the relationshipbetweenthe volunteer,
staff and HRWC. The evaluation is an open discussion forum,and both supervisor and volunteer should
establish an open line of communication.
Recognition
Volunteers are the heart of our mission and we are honored to have so many volunteers care so
passionately about the community. There are recognition events for volunteers to highlight the
contributionsof volunteerstothe organization.Continuingrecognitionof volunteersisvitalandwill occur
throughout the year.
There isan annual volunteerappreciationevent inwhichthe datafromthe projectispresented whichis
followedby a recognitionevent.Thisparticulareventtakesplace inWinter. There isalsoanannual
awardssectionat the annual meeting inthe spring.
Stay tuned byfollowingoursocial mediaandalsooureventspage as below:
http://www.hrwc.org/events/
Please contactthe volunteercoordinatorformore informationonHRWCevents.

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Conduct
Volunteersare expectedtofollowrulesof conductthatwillprotecttheinterestand safetyof allvolunteer,
staff, and HRWC’s Mission. The following are only some examples of expected conduct:
o We encourage volunteerstoseekpermissionfromthe concernedauthoritywhendealingwith
removal orpossessionof HRWC’spropertyorthat of anyHRWC volunteers,staff,agentor
visitor,includingfailingtocooperate fullyinanyHRWC investigation.
o We encourage volunteersto seekpermissionwhenworkingwithrecordssoasto maintain
integrityof suchdocuments.
o HRWC is proudto be a smoke-free anddrug-free workplace.
o For the safetyat workplace,we requirethatvolunteersare notunderthe influence of alcohol.
o We encourage volunteerstomaintainapeaceful,professional behavior onHRWC premisesand
at sponsoredactivities.
o We expectourvolunteerstoabide bythe HRWC, federal,state,andlocal safetyandhealth
codes.
o We encourage volunteerstoseekpermission touse HRWC’s telephones,computerequipment
and systems,mail,e-mail,facsimilemachines,orotherHRWC-ownedequipment.
o We askour volunteersnottodisclose HRWCproprietaryorconfidential information.
o We seekvolunteerswhoare cooperativeandrespectful towards ourstaff,othervolunteers and
the community. We expecthighstandards orconduct,highlevelsof enthusiasm, and quality
workof our volunteers.
Safety and Liability
HRWC aimstoprovide asafe andhealthy environmentforall volunteers andstaff.If avolunteerisinjured
in the course of the volunteer’s service, it is important that the volunteer notify their supervisor

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immediately.Volunteersshouldalsocomplete anincidentreportandsubmitthe report tothe volunteer’s
supervisor. If youwitnessanyunsafesituations,orunderstandwaysforustoimprove,please contact the
volunteer coordinator.
Contact the VolunteerCoordinatorwithquestionsorformore informationabout safety andliability.Our
firsttime volunteersare requiredto fill outthe liabilityformwhichcanbe foundinthe followinglocation:
http://www.hrwc.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/waiver.pdf
Public Relations
Asa Volunteer,youare associatedwithHRWCfromthe perspectiveof the public.Inall your dealingswith
the public, present yourself in a manner that creates a positive image of you, the program and the
organization.
THANKYOU!
We sincerelythank youforyourinterestinvolunteeringwithHRWC.We lookforwardtoworkingwith
youto betterserve ourcommunity.We hope youfindthisdocumentuseful infindingpertinent
informationaboutwhatwe doand whatwe hope to achieve withpassionatevolunteerssuchas
yourself. Please directyourquestions,concernsandfeedbacktothe volunteercoordinatorwhowill
addressthemas soonas possible.Once again,thankyouforyourtime andwe lookforwardto giving
youa fulfillingvolunteeringexperience at HRWC.