Sheffield Land Trust accomplishes its work through the efforts of its Board of Directors and many volunteers. They are local residents who contribute their time and skills to manage the land trust and carry out its many activities, supplemented by three part-time staff. Volunteers and staff work together through four standing committees to achieve SLT's goals.

Board members attend bi-monthly board meetings and serve on at least one committee; committee chairs represent their committees on the Executive committee; new board members are often recruited from among committee members and volunteers who have served for at least six months.

Committee members attend committee meetings every other month to participate in project planning and policy development; new committee members are nominated and approved by the committees.

Volunteers assist with projects of interest to them and may serve on sub-committees but are not required to attend committee meetings; new volunteers may be recruited and added as volunteers by any committee member.

Committee Functions

Executive Committee: Set Board meeting agendas, make Board nominations, develop Board and staff training opportunities, update by-laws and policies, coordinate the strategic planning process, recruit executive director and evaluate performance.

Land Protection Committee: Identify and review land conservation projects, provide conservation and financial information for property owners, plan land protection projects, draft conservation restrictions, prepare baseline documentation and review maps, monitor protected properties.

Funding and Financial Management Committee: Plan annual membership campaign, review grant opportunities, prepare annual budget and review financial reports, develop funding for land protection projects, develop endowment and planned giving programs.

Outreach and Public Relations Committee: Organize special events such as outings and lectures, develop educational programs in the schools and for the public, review public policy and advocacy initiatives, produce annual newsletter, manage media and public relations.