Note: The 2011-2012 Force of Nature class is full. We are accepting applications for the 2012-2013 program on a rolling basis.
Natural Lands Trust owns more than 21,000 acres across 12 counties and 2 states. Our preserve system includes virtually every major ecosystem type in our region. While land protection is vital, it is only the beginning. We must actively care for the lands we own—for the benefit of both people and wildlife. And we can’t do it without YOU.
We are pleased to introduce the new Force of Nature volunteer program, a way for you to support land conservation and care for our preserves while learning important skills.
Force of Nature Trainees participate in an in-depth training and service program. Our program includes five sessions covering a variety of land management and restoration techniques. At each session, NLT’s expert staff offer a workshop followed by a volunteer project. Following training, program graduates apply their knowledge as a Trail Ambassador or Team Leader with Natural Lands Trust.
Force of Nature Trail Ambassadors and Team Leaders enjoy a number of benefits including:
- Hands on land management training from NLT’s expert staff
- Access to exclusive continuing education sessions
- Natural Lands Trust Membership
- Force of Nature gear including a t-shirt, nametag, hat, bag, and water bottle
- Recognition at NLT’s annual volunteer celebration
- Ongoing support and education from NLT’s staff
At the end of the training period, volunteers will choose one of two main roles:
Trail Ambassador
Interested in walking the trails of an NLT preserve, greeting visitors, and helping with preserve care? Download the Trail Ambassador Information Sheet for all the details including requirements and registration.
Team Leader
Interested in leading volunteer groups or helping with ongoing volunteer projects in our offices and preserves? Please download our Team Leader Information Sheet for all the details including requirements and registration.
If you’re not sure which role is right for you, don’t worry, you can decide in the course of your Force of Nature training.
Sample Training Sessions
Program Kick-off and Trail Maintenance
Learning: basics of trail maintenance such as trash pick-up and branch removal, as well as Leave No Trace training
Service: trail restoration
Tree Care and Planting
Learning: professional tree care and planting techniques
Service: tree planting
Natural Lands Trust Ambassadorship
Learning: overview of NLT’s conservation mission, programs, preserve system, literature and table-top display
Service: participants compile list of events in their community/region, each participant selects one event at which to serve as ambassador
Wildlife Habitat Protection and Restoration
Learning: an overview of regional habitats and wildlife management approaches
Service: nest box building (wood duck, blue bird and/or bat boxes)
Invasive Plant Identification and Removal
Learning: overview of habitat restoration followed by procedure for identifying and removing invasive plants
Service: invasive plant removal
Force of Nature Graduation and Volunteer Celebration
Ready to Apply? Download the application here.
Questions? Contact Angela Michie at 610-353-5587 x266 or amichie@natlands.org
