Volunteer

Education Program

Assist local students in learning about the natural environment. In the fall, you’ll work with elementary school students at the Evans-Mumbower Mill as they learn about simple machines and the history of water-powered mills. In the spring, you’ll assist high school students at the Wissahickon Creek as they learn about water quality. As a volunteer, you will help lead students in lessons. Previous teaching experience is a plus but not required—we provide training, and assistance in obtaining clearances for working with kids.

Committment

Sessions take place during the school day and are concentrated within a few weeks in the spring and fall. Typically, three hour sessions are held both in the morning and afternoon. Please note that a state background check and child abuse history clearances are required to volunteer in these programs.

Evans-Mumbower Mill

Share your passion for history and education at the Evans-Mumbower Mill. Open House volunteers operate the mill eight times a year for the public to enjoy. Maintenance volunteers help preserve the mill through maintenance jobs, improvement projects, and carpentry in the historic structure.

Commitment

4 hours a month (generally third Sunday, April through December). If interested, you can also help with school group visits during the fall.

Outreach Ambassadors

Help us represent Wissahickon Trails in the community! As an outreach ambassador, you will share your knowledge of the watershed with neighbors, community members, and corporate sponsors by tabling at local events, such as Pike Fest and Temple University’s EarthFest. You’ll offer handouts and event information, and get neighbors excited about volunteering with and donating to Wissahickon Trails.

Commitment

2 events a year for 3-4 hours each.

Community Science and Creek Watch

Become a Community Scientist and help Wissahickon Trails monitor our local environment. Volunteers help us study frogs, salamanders, monarch butterflies, vernal pools, and other features of our preserves. Creek Watchers assist us by monitoring an assigned section of the Wissahickon Creek on a monthly basis. These are great opportunities for students and families. When you apply, please list in the comment section the project(s) you are interested in. Click here for a list of projects.

Commitment

Varies depending on the project.

Conservation Crew

Conservation Crew members help us care for assigned sections of the Green Ribbon Trail. As a crew member, you will monitor your section of the trail each month, removing trash and invasive plant species, and reporting issues on the trail to our team. You will also have the opportunity to assist with emergency trail projects and stewardship work.

Commitment

Regularly check and maintain assigned trail section or preserve, attend service days, and assist in restoration projects when possible.

Special Events

Special event volunteers help us produce our races, cleanups, and community gatherings. You can help with a variety of jobs before, during, and after events. Positions include race marshal, hike leader, or hospitality crew. When signing up, please let us know how you’d like to help or any special skills you may have.

Commitment

Varies depending on the event(s) you are interested in helping with.

Corporate Service Projects

Companies that make a donation to Wissahickon Trails can qualify for a corporate work day. Service projects are seasonal and can vary in size and scope but usually include outdoor work supporting our land or community science initiatives. We will work with you to accommodate your team's interests, size, and schedule. Corporate sponsors receive priority for service days. Check if your company has a matching gift program for volunteer hours.

Corporate sponsors receive priority for service days as part of the Wissahickon Trails sponsorship benefit package. To become a sponsor, click here.

Contact Alex McWhorter at alex@wissahickontrails.org or 215-646-8866 for more information.

Have further questions?

Contact Alex McWhorter, Volunteer Coordinator

Email