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 opportunities below:
Volunteer Days
Volunteer days take place throughout the year, with sign-ups released monthly. Individuals can register to take part in activities such as planting trees, removing invasive species, and maintaining trails. All tools and guidance are provided, and no prior experience is necessary.
*volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult
*court-ordered community service volunteers must reach out to the email address below before signing up
Corporate and Other Group Opportunities
We offer hands-on environmental stewardship opportunities for corporate groups through volunteer work and project funding. These projects promote team-building, community impact, and sustainability. Learn more at the link below.
Other Opportunities
In addition to individual and group volunteer days, we offer ongoing roles including Trailkeepers who adopt and maintain trails, Greeters who welcome visitors at the front desk, and Birdfeeder Volunteers who help keep our feeders filled year-round.
For more information or to schedule a private volunteer day,
contact Kirstyn Gudknecht at kmgudknecht@buckscounty.org
Past and Ongoing Projects
Native Plant Garden Care
We're looking for helping hands to maintain the beautiful native plant gardens around Peace Valley Visitor Center! Volunteers will assist with weeding, watering, and planting to support healthy habitats for local wildlife and create a welcoming space for visitors. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just enjoy being outside, your time makes a difference. Join us in keeping our gardens thriving!
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 2025, 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 planted over 500 trees and shrubs on Peace Valley Nature Center so far this Spring. With the loss of our Ash Trees to the Emerald Ash Borer, and the goal to replace any invasive plants we have removed, our volunteers have many busy seasons ahead! Thankfully, this is some of the most fun and satisfying work we do as land stewards.
Habitat Restoration at Wood's Pond
With funding from the HOW Foundation and help from the Central Bucks Rotary, we will be working restore a healthy ecosystem to the vernal pool known as Wood's Pond. Vernal pools are vital niche habitats that our amphibians rely on for breeding. For more information on vernal pools, click here.
Habitat Restoration at Lenape Meadow
Our meadows are important sites for insects and birds and are vital for a healthy ecosystem at Peace Valley. One of our largest meadows along Lenape Trail is being restored with the help of the HOW Foundation. Central Bucks Rotary, and our many volunteers. We are seeding and planting to ensure that native plants overtake the area, providing food for insects and stabilizing the food chain for wildlife that relies on the meadow.
Past and Ongoing Projects
Riparian Buffer Restoration
Riparian buffer zones are responsible for keeping debris, pollutants, and sediment out of waterways, creating a healthier ecosystem for wildlife and humans alike. Volunteers have worked to strengthen and diversify the streambank that runs beside the Nature Center and into Lake Galena from Fall 2023 to Spring 2024. Thanks to a grant from Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve and inventory leftover from our annual Plant Sale, nearly 200 native plants and an educational area were installed in 2024 and can now be enjoyed by the public.
Invasive Species Removal
Our volunteers have been working diligently week after week in a few targeted areas around 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), among other invasive plant species.
Plant Sale
Several volunteers work throughout the winter and spring each year to prepare for and run one of our largest fundraisers of the year - our Native Plant Sale. Community members are invited and encouraged to visit and come home with some native plants!
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.
Nature Play Zone Installation
Our Nature Play Zone for kids and families opened in Summer 2023 thanks to help from our many dedicated volunteers.
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
