Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
FIGURE 2.4.
The average importance rating, ranging from -2 to 2 with -2 being very unim-
portant and 2 being very important, for each of the characteristics of the relationship between
the land management agency and the group. *Statistically significant difference in number of
responses between land management personnel and volunteer stewardship group leaders for a
category.
Given the relatively small sample size, our results are only directly applicable to
the groups sampled. However, we feel they are likely indicative of the characteristics
of other similar volunteer stewardship groups and the agencies with which they work.
Conclusion
A holistic view of ecological restoration considers the benefits to ecosystems as well as
those realized by those who work to restore ecosystems, including the members of or-
ganized volunteer stewardship groups who spend literally thousands of hours working
to protect and restore natural ecosystems. Accordingly, to gauge the success of volun-
teer stewardship groups involved in restoration projects, we must consider both the
satisfaction and the desires of individual members as well as the characteristics of the
organization, as both contribute to the effectiveness and ability of the volunteer stew-
ardship group to achieve its restoration goals. The elements that contribute to the suc-
cess of a volunteer stewardship organization are the same ones that, when absent, will
inhibit the group's success and long-term viability.
As described earlier, individuals gain a number of valuable benefits from volun-
teering—benefits that are critical for volunteer recruitment and retention:
• Satisfaction gained from helping the environment
• The opportunity to learn
