Become a VWR Mentor!

One of the most meaningful ways to give back is by sharing your time, experience, and passion. As a mentor in the ESWA Volunteer Wilderness Ranger (VWR) Program, you help welcome and support new volunteers while playing a vital role in protecting the wild places we love.

Mentors build relationships with new VWRs before the June 6 training and continue supporting them throughout their first season on the trails. Your encouragement and guidance help new volunteers feel confident, connected, and inspired.

What Mentors Do

• New this year - Reach out in spring to welcome your assigned mentee and introduce them to the VWR community

• New this year - Meet in person - over coffee, a walk, or even a beer - to build a personal connection and share your VWR experience

• In late May confirm your mentee’s attendance at the June 6 training (if they are unable to attend, please notify Mike Browning)

• Attend the June 6 VWR training - full day or half day

• Complete a mentor hike in June and offer monthly encouragement through the summer

  
  

Why It Matters

Your involvement strengthens our volunteer community and ensures the future of wilderness stewardship. The time you invest leaves a lasting impact—on your mentee, on ESWA, and on the trails we are privileged to protect.

Contact Information 

Julie Chichlowski is the 2026 Mentor Program Lead.  Look for her invite this Spring to a Zoom training session to go over all the details.  Questions?  Please contact Julie at jlchichlow@gmail.com.