Group Forest Restoration Volunteer
Volunteering at Fernbank Forest is a great way for your club, community group or company to build teamwork as well as support the community. And where better to work than in Fernbank Forest! Volunteers will help our Forest Manager and Rangers with ongoing restoration efforts throughout the Forest and WildWoods.
Volunteers will be able to learn about native woodland ecosystems and current and future ecological restoration efforts on Fernbank's campus, as well as assist with restoration activities such as removing invasive plant species and replanting native plant species. Our team can work with your group to schedule one event or ongoing dates.
GROUP VOLUNTEER SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
Group Volunteers assist the Fernbank team with a variety of different projects during their sessions. Projects will change based on the season and include but are not limited to:
- removing non-native invasive species
- installing new native plants
- removing trash or plant debris
- blowing leaves
- trail maintenance
- cleaning signage
GROUP VOLUNTEER BENEFITS
There are many benefits to volunteering in Fernbank Forest:
- Volunteers will have the opportunity to meet and build relationships with the Fernbank Forest staff while contributing to the Museum’s ongoing conservation efforts.
- Volunteers will have the opportunity to learn more about our native plants and wildlife.
- Volunteers will receive complimentary admission to the Museum on the date of their service (does not include Giant Screen movies).
Also, it is well known that working in nature is good for the soul and for reducing stress!
GUIDELINES FOR VOLUNTEERING
- Must be able to work outdoors, walk/hike up to 2 miles and have physical skills necessary to perform restoration activities (involves some lifting, bending, digging, working with tools, etc.).
- Provide at least two weeks’ notice to schedule a date.
- Service days are typically scheduled Monday – Friday mornings for 3 – 4-hour shifts, but this can be flexible.
- Service days have a capacity of 50 participants.
- Once a date is scheduled, the group leader will receive confirmation of the date, information about parking and meeting instructions .
- All participants must sign a waiver upon arrival at the Museum. A copy of the waiver can be provided in advance if needed.
- Compliance with museum policies and procedures.
- Volunteers must be 16 years of age or accompanied by a guardian.
DURING THE VOLUNTEER EVENT
Dress appropriately for the season and for working outdoors in a family friendly environment. Closed-toe shoes or boots are required for working outdoors. Long pants are also recommended.
Please bring a water bottle. There will be a cooler on site to refill them during the session.
Gloves and tools for the project will be provided, but volunteers are welcome to bring their own if desired.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Individual volunteering restoration opportunities are available.
Fernbank Forest internships are available each semester.
Please contact the Forest Manager at Forest@FernbankMuseum.org if you have further questions about volunteering or internships or to schedule a date for your group.
Fernbank is a nonprofit natural history museum, giant screen theater and old-growth forest, and is not affiliated with Fernbank Science Center, which operates as a division of DeKalb County Schools.
