photo by Debbie Beer
Stoneleigh Ambassadors participate in six training sessions during which they learn about the rich history of the garden, Stoneleigh’s approach to ecological horticulture, guest relations best practices, and much more.
Upon graduation from the program, Ambassadors volunteer their time welcoming guests to the garden and supporting special events. They commit to serving at least two, four-hour shifts each month at Stoneleigh. Shifts are available April through November, Tuesday through Sunday, 9:30am – 5:30pm.
Stoneleigh Ambassadors Class of 2024 Training dates:
Thursdays, 6:00 – 8:00 pm, in-person or virtual via Zoom as noted:
Must participate in at least 3 of the 4 evening sessions, including the first one.
- February 15 – in-person at Stoneleigh: a natural garden, Villanova
- February 22 – in-person at Stoneleigh: a natural garden, Villanova
- February 29 – virtual via Zoom
- March 7 – virtual via Zoom
Saturday mornings, in-person at Stoneleigh: a natural garden
Must participate in both sessions.
- March 9 – 9:00 am – 12:30 pm
- March 23 – 9:00 am – 1:00 pm, includes graduation and luncheon
Tuesday, April 16, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, in-person at Stoneleigh: a natural garden
Spring Garden Tour! Optional but encouraged.
- Participants must attend the minimum required sessions as indicated to graduate from the program.
- Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis through January 5, 2024, or earlier if the class fills. Submit your application early to receive full consideration.
- The program is competitive, and spaces are limited. Selected candidates will be contacted by January 15, 2024 to schedule an interview.
- Participants must be age 18 or older.
- Participants will be asked to complete background checks, including Criminal History, PA Child Abuse History Certification, and FBI Fingerprint Based Criminal History, if required.
- 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 if the fee presents a hardship.
Natural Lands is committed to diversity and inclusion in all our work, and we strongly encourage BIPOC candidates and LGBTQ+ candidates to apply.
Participation in the Stoneleigh Ambassador program will require volunteers to have reliable transportation, to walk and stand for long periods, and to successfully pass a background check.