The Natural Lands conservation organization based in Delaware County is now accepting applications for the 2018 Force of Nature Volunteer Training Program. The deadline for applications is November 1.

Force of Nature volunteers learn about natural resource management from Natural Lands’ nationally recognized land stewardship experts.

Over the course of five Saturday afternoon sessions volunteers will study land management, habitat restoration, native plant gardening, event support, and community outreach. Training features workshops and service-learning projects.

"More than 60 years ago, a group of volunteers who were passionate about our region’s wild places founded Natural Lands," said Molly Morrison, president of Natural Lands. "To honor their legacy, we established the Force of Nature volunteer program and, with more than 100 participants to date, the program is playing a vital role in continuing our founders’ work."

Program graduates apply their knowledge as long-term volunteers with Natural Lands by committing to a minimum of 20 hours of service. Volunteers can choose from a wide variety of activities based on their interests and location.

With 43 (soon to be 44!) preserves located throughout suburban Philadelphia, the Poconos, and the New Jersey bayshore, Natural Lands offers volunteers many locations to at which to practice their newly acquired skills.

"I decided that I needed to do more than talk about how important open space is to me," said Susan Scauzzo, a Force of Nature volunteer. "By joining Natural Lands’ Force of Nature I found a way to actively help preserve and care for nature. The education I received during the comprehensive training sessions increased my awareness of the opportunities we each have to give something back to the land that gives us so much."

In addition to the training, volunteers will receive the Natural Lands Land for Life stewardship handbook; access to continuing education sessions; a Natural Lands membership; a Force of Nature® t-shirt, nametag, and hat; and recognition at the annual volunteer celebration. They’ll also have the opportunity to form friendships with fellow volunteers and staff.

Training sessions for the 2018 class will begin on Saturday, February 10 and continue through April 7. The registration deadline is November 1, 2017.

The program fee is $150, payable to Natural Lands at the first day of training. For current Natural Lands members, the program fee is $100. A limited number of scholarships are available.

For more information, visit the Natural Lands’ Force of Nature Volunteer Training Program webpage.  Questions should be directed to Debbie Beer, Director of Engagement, at 610-353-5587 ext. 266.

For more information on programs, initiatives and upcoming events, visit the Natural Lands website.  Click Here to sign up for regular updates from Natural Lands and Like them on Facebook.  Click Here to support their activities.

[Posted: Sept. 28, 2017]

10/2/2017