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Home Support Volunteer be a Force of Nature

be a Force of Nature

Natural Lands’ Force of Nature® volunteer program is a way for you to support land conservation and connect people to the outdoors through strong dedication to Natural Lands. Force of Nature volunteers receive extensive training and leadership opportunities, and commit to serving at least 20 hours per year.

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what you'll do

Force of Nature® trainees participate in a comprehensive, hands-on training and service experience that enables you to learn from Natural Lands staff experts, and then give back as a valuable volunteer.

Force of Nature training is offered annually each spring, covering a variety of land management, habitat restoration, native plant gardening, event support, outreach and ambassadorship topics.

why choose Force of Nature

  • Hands-on training from Natural Lands’ expert staff.
  • Access to exclusive Explore More! continuing education opportunities.
  • Natural Lands membership.
  • Force of Nature gear including a volunteer shirt, ballcap and nametag. Receive additional perks for achieving milestone hours.
  • Quality handouts and reference materials.
  • Recognition at Natural Lands volunteer celebrations.
  • Ongoing support, encouragement, and education from Natural Lands staff and peers.
  • Opportunities to meet and befriend enthusiastic people who share similar interests.
  • Choice of myriad volunteer roles based on different interests and location.

ready to apply?

Applications for the Force of Nature Class of 2025 will open in December 2024. Note details below: 

  • The Force of Nature program is competitive, and priority is given to applicants who have previously volunteered with Natural Lands. 
  • Force of Nature training runs February 13 through April 6, 2025, with eight sessions scheduled on Saturday mornings and Thursday evenings, held in-person at various preserve locations or virtually via Zoom. Volunteers must complete a minimum number of sessions to graduate from the program. Click here for the Force of Nature Class of 2025 Training Schedule.  
  • Application deadline: January 10, 2025. All materials received by this date will be assured of full consideration. 
  • Selected candidates will be contacted by January 15, 2024, to schedule an interview. 
  • Participants must be 18 or older. 
  • We are committed to diversity and inclusion in all our work, and we strongly encourage BIPOC candidates and LGBTQIA+ candidates to apply. 
  • Participants will be asked to complete background checks, including: PA Criminal Records Check, PA Child Abuse History Certification, and FBI Fingerprint Based Criminal History, if required. Natural Lands will facilitate these background checks during training. 
  • The program fee (including new membership) is $200, payable to Natural Lands by the first day of training. For current Natural Lands members, the program fee is $150. A limited number of scholarships are available. 
  • In-person sessions will be held indoors and outdoors. The health and safety of Natural Lands’ staff, volunteers, and visitors remains our top priority. If you are sick, please stay home. Masking is optional; participants may choose to mask at any time. 
  • Participation in the Force of Nature program will require volunteers to have access to reliable transportation, be able to lift and carry 20 pounds, to walk and stand on uneven terrain, and to successfully pass a background check. 

Questions? Send a message to Ellie, our volunteer program manager.

We have opportunities for all volunteers. Come out and join one of our upcoming volunteer events.

Force of Nature Volunteer Portal for Graduates