Call for Volunteers: Stoneleigh Ambassadors
Make a volunteer commitment with Stoneleigh: a natural garden
Photo: Mae Axelrod
MEDIA, Pa., November 21, 2022 – Natural Lands announced today it is accepting applications for its Stoneleigh Ambassador volunteer training program. This program prepares participants to give back through fulfilling and impactful opportunities, in partnership with the land conservation non-profit and its robust community of dedicated volunteers.
“Nearly 70 years ago, a group of volunteers who were passionate about the Philadelphia region’s open space founded Natural Lands,” said Oliver Bass, president of Natural Lands. “Today, Natural Lands’ volunteers play a vital role in continuing our founders’ work at our locations across eastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey. Their energy and commitment have been inspiring.”
Added Debbie Beer, director of volunteer engagement, “More than a decade ago, Natural Lands held the first volunteer training class. Since then, volunteer activity has grown exponentially, with enthusiastic supporters that generously share their time and talents. Our volunteers are crucial to our organization’s mission, building deep connections to Natural Lands and to each other.”
The Stoneleigh Ambassador program trains volunteers to serve as greeters and guides of the 42-acre public garden in Villanova. Volunteers prepare by learning about the history of the property, its continuing evolution from private estate to public garden, and its commitment to showcase sustainable garden techniques with native plants.
Natural Lands is committed to diversity and inclusion in all its work, and strongly encourages BIPOC candidates and LGBTQ+ candidates to apply.
Stoneleigh Ambassador volunteer program:
- Trainees participate in five, half-day training sessions in which they learn about the history of Stoneleigh: a natural garden and Natural Lands, native plants and ecological horticulture, and guest relations best practices.
- Training runs February 15 through March 15, 2023, and is held Wednesday mornings, 9:00 – 12:00 PM, in person at Stoneleigh.
- 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, 9:30 am – 5:00 pm.)
- Application deadline for this program is December 20, 2022. Selected candidates will be contacted to schedule an interview.
- More information and application: stoneleighgarden.org/volunteer
Photo: Debbie Beer
Said current Stoneleigh Ambassador Lin Hall,
“It is exciting to train and work alongside the Stoneleigh staff. We have learned so much about the history and gardens from them. What’s more, we get to observe the changes in the trees and other garden plants throughout the growing season. It’s such a pleasure to volunteer in such a beautiful setting!”
Apply Today
Natural Lands is dedicated to preserving and nurturing nature’s wonders while creating opportunities for joy and discovery in the outdoors for everyone. As the Greater Philadelphia region’s oldest and largest land conservation organization, Natural Lands—which is member supported—has preserved more than 125,000 acres, including 42 nature preserves and Stoneleigh: a natural garden, totaling more than 23,000 acres. Nearly five million people live within five miles of land under the organization’s protection. Land for life, nature for all. natlands.org.
Please note: “Natural Lands” is the organization’s official operating name and should be used instead of its legal designation (Natural Lands Trust, Inc.).
Media Inquiries:
Mae Axelrod, Media Relations Manager
610-353-5587 ext. 400
maxelrod@natlands.org
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