Volunteer

Our extensive volunteer program is a valuable support network for the ASWP mission. The variety of opportunities available covers all ages and levels of interest--everything from office work, to teaching children on our trails, to working with your hands in the great outdoors! Whatever your age, interest, and availability, we have something for you.

Enthusiasm Necessary, but Experience is Not!

Most volunteer roles require no experience; train on the job! For those positions that require some skills, such as the Volunteer Naturalist Program, we provide full training for free to help you develop what you need. See below for more details about the typical areas where volunteers serve ASWP.

When you are ready, please download a Volunteer Application, complete it and send it to us, and we'll find a place for you. (If you are interested in the Volunteer Naturalist program , you can go to the Volunteer Naturalist website for details and its specific application. Questions or comments or prefer an application to be mailed to you? Email or call.

We are also a great place for your business, organization, fraternity, sorority, scout troop or club to offer community service opportunities. For more information, Email or call.

Benefits of Volunteering

    * Enjoy the company of others of similar interests.
    * Participate in occasional volunteer appreciation events.
    * Increase your knowledge of nature by participating in educational programs for volunteers.
    * Be an important part of a growing nature center.

Volunteer Areas at ASWP

Environmental Education

This includes the Volunteer Naturalist program, as well as a variety of administrative support opportunities and seasonal activities. The volunteer naturalists lead groups of ten or so school children on thematic nature walks. Each fall and spring, we offer Volunteer Naturalist Training, where we give new naturalists all the natural history background and educational activity plans they need to lead our visiting school children on the Beechwood trails. Training for new naturalists is offered every March and September. Visit the Volunteer Naturalist Web Page now for all the details!

Audubon Nature Store

The Nature Store can be described as the epicenter of information and activity at Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve.  If you are a friendly person that enjoys engaging visitors and providing information or recommendations to the public, the Nature Store may be the place for you!  Volunteer Store Associates assist customers with their purchases, assist visitors with information, and help keep the Nature Store stocked and running smoothly.  It is the perfect opportunity for anyone interested in nature and seeking a routine schedule. Learn more on the Nature Store page.

Facilities and Reserves

Volunteers play a large part in the routine maintenance of all buildings and grounds at Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve and Todd Sanctuary. The Audubon Center for Native Plants volunteers meet year-round to care for many native wildflowers they raise every year for sale and restoration projects.

Administrative Assistance

Volunteers fill the roles of telephone receptionists, data entry personnel and clerical support staff at Beechwood, ASWP's headquarters. These are slots are usually a regular schedule, such as of one morning or afternoon a week.

 
Special Events

Our larger public events, such as Maple Madness, AppleJamm and Creatures of the Night always need extra folks to operate activity stations, guide groups, help set up and take down, and many other odd jobs. You need no prior experience. A whole family, class, club or social group can lend a hand together. These are single-day events, so they are easy on your schedule, too. Our events calendar is a great place to see when these events are coming. Just give us a call or email for the details.

Everything Else

If these volunteer opportunities do not suit your skills or interests, we will help you design a volunteer position that makes the most of your abilities. Volunteers have helped us with artwork, website design, video projects, grant writing, marketing, building projects and many other areas.