Volunteer Opportunities
Our volunteers build community and connect with nature every day.
Peace Valley Nature Center is maintained in large part by volunteers. From trail maintenance to education, there are opportunities for everyone to get involved in our passionate and vibrant community of nature-lovers. Join us today and support the mission of PVNC!
Interested in volunteering?
Read more about our volunteer work days below:
Fall and Winter 2023-2024 Projects
Riparian Buffer Restoration
Volunteers will spend the Fall strengthening and diversifying the streambank that runs beside the Nature Center and into Lake Galena. Riparian buffer zones are responsible for keeping debris, pollutants, and sediment out of waterways, creating a healthier ecosystem for wildlife and humans alike. Volunteers will be clearing invasives and planting native trees and shrubs which will control erosion, provide habitat for wildlife, and ensure clean water flows into Lake Galena.
Invasive Species Removal
Our volunteers have made great progress in replacing invasives with native plants that better support our local wildlife. This work continues in the Fall, as we work to remove Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata), Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), and Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora).
Planting Native Species
With the help of Master Watershed Stewards and trees from the Keystone Ten Million Trees Partnership, our volunteers expect to plant over 500 trees and shrubs on Peace Valley Nature Center land by April. With the loss of our Ash Trees to the Emerald Ash Borer, and the goal to replace any invasive shrub we have removed, our volunteers have a busy season ahead! Thankfully, this is some of the most fun and satisfying work we do as land stewards.
Birdfeeder Team
Peace Valley Park is a designated Important Bird Area, which brings birders to PVNC from all over and in all seasons. Our birdfeeder team is a dedicated and reliable group, responsible for keeping our feeders full and the birds (and birders) happy!
April Sign-Up
May Sign-Up
Volunteer Work Day Information
1. All volunteers must be 18 years of age or accompanied by a parent or guardian.
2. The exact nature of work on any given day is subject to change based on the weather and other factors.
3. Any new volunteers must fill out a volunteer form upon arrival for the work day.
4. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the start time of your volunteer work day.
Preparing for a PVNC Work Day
How to dress:
- Long sleeves and long pants
- Layers, especially in spring and fall when mornings are cold
- Comfortable and durable shoes
- Hat or other sun protection
What to bring:
- Durable work gloves
- Water and a snack
- Any personal tools you’d like to use
What to expect: Our outdoor volunteer work days involve moderately strenuous activities including shoveling, lifting heavy materials, clearing brush, and walking on rugged trails. Most work days will also include less strenuous tasks. If you are concerned or curious about the physical requirements of any work day, please reach out to Kirstyn Gudknecht at 267.880.5029.
Spring and Summer 2023 Projects
Invasive Species Removal
Our volunteers have been working diligently week after week in a few targeted areas of the Nature Center where we are removing Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata), Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora), Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata), and Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris)
Plants Sale
Several volunteers worked throughout the winter and spring to prepare for and run one of our largest fundraisers of the year - our Native Plant Sale.
Planting Native Species
In the weeks since our native plant sale, volunteers have been planting the remaining unsold vines, shrubs, and trees throughout the Nature Center grounds. Check out our newly installed pollinator garden near the gazebo at the Solar Building!
Preparing for Rain Garden Installation
Throughout the spring, volunteer groups have been removing Mugwort from one of our many gardens. After removal, woodchips were spread to prevent re-growth, and planting will begin for a brand new rain garden in fall 2024.
Preparing for Nature Play Zone Installation
We will be installing a Nature Play Zone for kids and families in late summer - early fall, and we can not wait to share it with our community! But before then, our volunteers have been working to clear the area for the fun to come!
Birdfeeder Team
Our small but mighty crew of birdfeeders fills feeders around the center every day, rain or shine. If you enjoy watching birds at PVNC, you have this crew to thank!
Other Volunteer Opportunities
- Store clerk / greeter
- Garden care
- Events
- Board
Visitors
Visitors
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Volunteer Hours
Volunteer Hours
3,043
Educators & Staff
Educators & Staff
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Program Participants
Program Participants
