Volunteering at DNS

Volunteers have played a key role in every stage of the development of the Delaware Nature Society and they continue to direct its work and contribute to the realization of its highest goals. We count our volunteers among our most valuable and respected assets--in all, 1,000 committed individuals who give of their valuable time, their special skills, and their personal interests to benefit the Society. Our environmental programs and accomplishments since the Society's inception have been possible only through their help, and the value of these services is reflected in our ability to conduct programs which receive no direct support.

Summer Camp Counselor
Calling all teenagers aged 14-17: Get involved and have fun by joining our outstanding team of youth camp counselors this summer! We ask for three weeks of commitment any time between mid-June and mid-August (weeks do not have to be consecutive).


Volunteer Guide Corps at Ashland Nature Center
Love the outdoors? Share it with children! Each year, the Delaware Nature Society introduces tens of thousands of children to the wonders of our natural environment. Ashland-based Volunteer Guides lead groups of school children in a variety of outdoor learning experiences. Be a part of the diverse group of adult volunteers that helps us make this happen! Click here for details.

Handyperson
Put your tinkering tendencies to good use! We are always looking for knowledgeable individuals to help us maintain our many facilities across the state. Contact Volunteer Coordinator at 302-239-2334 x111 or Email.

Trail Maintenance and Restoration
Do you love walking our trails? Then help us maintain and restore them! Responsibilities include: mowing, pruning, rebuilding and managing invasive and native plants on the property. Contact Volunteer Coordinator at 302-239-2334 x111 or Email.

Garden Care
Donate your green thumb to any of our locations (Ashland Nature Center, Coverdale Farm Preserve, or Abbott's Mill), or if your thumb is not quite as green as you would like, come on out and we will teach you what you need to know! Contact Volunteer Coordinator at 302-239-2334 x111; or Email.

Licensed Bird Bander
The Delaware Nature Society is looking for a licensed bird bander who would be interested in volunteering his or her skills to enhance our educational programs in the upcoming year. Interested individuals with a valid bird banding license please contact Joe Sebastiani, Members' Program Team Leader at 302-239-2334 x115 or Email.

Natural History Experts
Have you ever wanted to share your knowledge about a part of our region's natural history with others? Work with our staff to develop and/or lead engaging new educational programs based on your area of expertise. Interested individuals please contact Joe Sebastiani, Members' Program Team Leader at 302-239-2334 x115 or Email.

Animal Room Care
Turtles, snakes and lizards need love too! Help us care for our collection of reptiles and amphibians in your spare time. Contact Volunteer Coordinator at 302-239-2334 x111 or Email.

Backyard Wildlife Habitat Stewards
Stewards consult property owners that are interested in Backyard Wildlife Habitat Certification. This program provides an opportunity to learn more about natural landscaping, local wildlife, and protecting our environment. If you are interested in the program or would like to become a steward, please contact the Backyard Wildlife Habitat Coordinator at 302-239-2334 ext. 142 or Email.

Outdoor Recreation Experts
Love outdoor sports and recreation? Help us develop and lead lively programs that teach our members how to get their hearts pumping and their feet muddy in the great outdoors. Interested individuals please contact Joe Sebastiani, Members' Program Team Leader at 302-239-2334 x115 or Email.

24th Annual Red Clay Valley Cleanup
Saturday, March 24, 2012 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM. Volunteers are needed to help clean up roadways in the Red Clay Creek Valley. Meet at Ashland Nature Center to receive your assignment. Gloves, vests, trash bags and refreshments will be provided. Appropriate for ages 12 and up. Parental supervision required for younger children. For questions regarding this event please call: Volunteer Coordinator at 302-239-2334, Ext. 111; or Email.

Harvest Moon Festival
As autumn approaches, the excitement grows for the Delaware Nature Society's 2011 Harvest Moon Festival. The efforts of hundreds of volunteers of all ages make this festival a success. If you've helped with the festival before, you know it is an exciting weekend at Coverdale Farm Preserve, and we invite you to join us again this year. If you have never been involved, come experience this great family festival that celebrates "People and the Land."

Join us for two days of fun on the farm for the whole family. Help assist our event attendees as they stroll through the farm complex and learn about the resident livestock, weave their way through a corn maze, take a ride on a draft-horse-drawn hay wagon, shop at our farmers' market and nibble on wonderful treats while listening to music on our main music stage. Visitors are able to enjoy live animal programs, guided nature hikes, carve a pumpkin, stuff a scarecrow, and celebrate local food and spirits during our fifth annual Farm to Fork event! Check back here this September for 2012 event details!

Native Plant Sale
Help the Delaware Nature Society run its annual Native Plant Sale at our picturesque Coverdale Farm Preserve in Greenville, Delaware! Needs include: assistance with field layout, moving, labeling and watering plants during set up days, and cashiering, watering plants, providing advice on plants and assisting customers with plants during sale days. Please check back in early 2012 for more information!

Coverdale Farm Preserve CSA Garden Volunteers
For any volunteers over the age of 16 years. Help tend our CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) garden at Coverdale Farm Preserve. Responsibilities include: planting, transplanting, weeding, pruning, harvesting and winterizing. No experience is necessary. Meet weekly from April - October in two-hour morning shifts. Contact Volunteer Coordinator at 302-239-2334, Ext. 111; or Email.

Coverdale Farm Preserve Crop Plot Volunteers
May through August. Give your biceps and your back a workout as you help us care for our educational crop demonstration area! Volunteering in our 1-acre crop plot offers hands-on learning opportunities that are ideal for small to medium sized groups of teens or adults. One-time volunteer groups are welcome! Contact Volunteer Coordinator at 302-239-2334, Ext. 111; or Email.

Coverdale Farm Preserve Hosts
Wednesdays, May through October; 12:00 PM - 2:30 PM. Introduce visitors to our educational farm and farm activities during our public visitation days. Volunteer once a month (or more if you'd like!) for this fun assignment. Expertise is not needed, and all training is provided. Contact Michele Wales at 302-239-2334, Ext. 143; or Email.

Coverdale Farm Preserve Garden Volunteers
April through October. Get your hands in the earth and learn the basics of growing your own food as you help us care for our acre educational vegetable garden! Garden volunteers meet once a week to spend time together in the sunshine on our picturesque farm in Greenville, DE. Contact Michele Wales at 302-239-2334, Ext. 143; or Email.

Volunteer Guide Corps Farm Educators
Share your knowledge of the farm with children! Each year, the Delaware Nature Society introduces tens of thousands of children to the wonders of our natural environment. Farm-based Volunteer Guides lead groups in a variety of agricultural and farm animal experiences at Coverdale Farm Preserve. Be a part of the diverse group of adult volunteers that helps us make this happen! Click here for details.

Bird Nest Box Monitor
March through August. Enjoy relaxing walks at Abbott's Mill Nature Center while keeping track of the inhabitants in our bird boxes. You will be trained in identifying occupants and collecting the data. Species may include Eastern Bluebird, Tree Swallow, House Wren, Purple Martin, Eastern Screech-owl, American Kestrel and Prothonotary Warbler. Flexible schedule. Contact Jason Beale at 302-422-0847 or Email.

Delaware Breeding Bird Atlas II Volunteers
January through August. Participate in this four-year statewide atlasing project while collecting data on breeding birds in the Milford Millponds Nature Preserve. Contact Jason Beale at 302-422-0847 or Email.

Blue Trail Club
March through October. Enjoy canoeing or kayaking? Use your skills to help maintain the Blueways Trail at Abbott's Mill throughout the season. Contact Jason Beale at 302-422-0847 or Email.

Habitat Helpers
Year-round. Become a steward at the Milford Millponds Nature Preserve and work to promote native vegetation and remove invasive species. Contact Elliott Workman at 302-422-0847 or Email.

Horseshoe Crab Survey
The Delaware Bay Horseshoe Crab Spawning Survey will be conducted on 13 beaches in Delaware during the new and full moon evening high tides, usually six nights in May and six in June. Abbott's Mill Nature Center will again sponsor the count at Slaughter Beach. If interested in participating, contact Elliott Workman at 302-422-0847 or Email.

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Trail Monitors
Year-round. Are you a hiker and nature lover? Use your skills to help maintain the diverse trail system in the Milford Millponds Nature Preserve. Greet and assist fellow hikers. Contact Elliott Workman at 302-422-0847 or Email.

Project Feederwatch
November through April. Relax at Abbott's Mill while participating in this Cornell Lab of Ornithology program. Flock to the Wet Lab to enjoy coffee, tea, and socialize while collecting data on the birds present. Contact Jason Beale at 302-422-0847 or Email.

Volunteer Open House
Thursday, September 22, 12 - 1 pm & 5 - 6 pm Tuesday, October 18, 12 - 1 pm & 5 - 6 pm Free, No pre-registration required.

Learn about volunteer opportunities at the DuPont Environmental Education Center at the Russell W. Peterson Urban Wildlife Refuge on the Wilmington Riverfront. Tour the building, walk the boardwalk and hear about the many ways that you can enjoy getting involved. Have fun and meet new friends! For more information contact John Harrod at 302-656-1490, ext. 156 or E-mail.

Volunteer Guides
Love the outdoors? Share it with children! Each year, the Delaware Nature Society introduces tens of thousands of children to the wonders of our natural environment. Volunteer Guides lead groups of school children in a variety of outdoor learning experiences at the DuPont Environmental Education Center. Be a part of the diverse group of adult volunteers that helps us make this happen! Click here for details.

Greeter/Interpreters
Love nature and meeting new people? Each week, the DuPont Environmental Education Center sees hundreds of people of all ages visiting the Wilmington Riverfront. We need your help to make them feel welcome! Call John Harrod, Manager at 302-656-1490, ext. 156 or E-mail.

Middle Run Tree Planting
Saturday, March 31, 2012 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Since 1992, thousands of volunteers have planted more than 38,000 trees and shrubs and 20,000 tree seeds on 70acres of abandoned farm fields in New Castle County's 850-acre Middle Run Natural Area. Coordinated by the Delaware Nature Society, this pioneer project helps accelerate hardwood forest succession in Delaware's piedmont, increasing the forest interior habitat and the forested buffer along middle Run. A tributary of White Clay Creek, the protection of the Middle Run watershed is important to ensure high quality water for City of Newark. Interested groups and individuals should contact Derek Stoner, Reforestation Coordinator, at (302) 239-2334 ext. 106, or Email.

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Volunteer Property Management
Help us maintain a watchful eye on a portion of our property while enjoying the great outdoors! Learn about invasive species management, take part in habitat restoration projects, and help us track rare species that are thriving on our properties. Contact Volunteer Coordinator 302-239-2334 x111; or Email.

Outreach Support
Love what the Delaware Nature Society has to offer? Help us reach out to others by attending outreach events alongside DNS staff members! Contact Volunteer Coordinator 302-239-2334 x111; or Email.

Delaware Stream Watch Technical Monitors
Do you want to help protect Delaware's waterways? Technical Monitors make a difference in their local watershed by raising awareness about stream health and contributing data to the State for the use in water quality reports and establishing water quality standards. The Technical Monitoring program is recognized as a national example of the acceptance and use of volunteer data by the State and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The program provides valuable volunteer-collected data that is incorporated into a water quality model used by the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) and the US Geological Survey. Volunteers for our technical monitoring program range from high school students to retired chemists and beyond. If you are interested in becoming a technical monitor, please contact the Stream Watch program at 302-239-2334, extension 100 or E-mail us. For more details on the Technical Monitoring program, Click Here.

Species Surveys
The Delaware Nature Society is seeking experienced individuals to help us conduct biological surveys of rare species on our properties. If you have knowledge about a particular plant or animal group and would be interested in tracking populations on one of our natural areas, please contact Volunteer Coordinator at 302-239-2334 x111 or Email.

To learn about these and other engaging and educational volunteer positions with the Delaware Nature Society, contact Volunteer Coordinator by Email or by phone at 302-239-2334 x111.