Volunteer Opportunites

Many of you are looking for volunteer hours (VH) and there are a few things that you may want to know about.  I have listed the event, time and place as I know it, and a contact person.  If you are interested, YOU SHOULD GO AHEAD AND CONTACT THE COORDINATOR SO THAT YOU ARE INCLUDED FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.  You can volunteer for everything or just partial help (days or specific times.)

The Day of Caring at Yankauer will be in September—maybe the 13th, but I’m not positive.  This is a physical work day, but you get a free t-shirt and food.  Contact Tim Murphy to volunteer. (timurf@comcast.net)

The Jefferson County Science Olympiad is September 26, 27, 28 and October 3, 4, 5, 8:00-1:00 p.m. daily.   This involves presenting 40 minute hands-on sessions for 6th graders.  Groups are generally 12-15 students with a chaperone.  You present the same presentation 4 times each day.  It is held at For Love of Children Outdoor Ed Center off Mission Rd near Harpers Ferry.  Ellen can put you on that list for more info (pvasprograms@comcast.net).

The Berkeley Springs Birding Festival needs help.  That’s September 16-18.  Contact Helen Herlocker to volunteer and for more information on specific jobs. (hherlocker@gmail.com).  There will also be classes and field excursions that you may enjoy.  

The Charles Town Heritage Festival is September 17, 10-5 p.m. (set up 7:30-9:30).  This is a “meet and greet” booth for PVAS and you can also talk about Master Naturalists.  Contact Kristin Alexander (pvasmail@aol.com).

The Sharpsburg Heritage Festival is also September 17, 10-5 p.m. (set up 7:30-9:30).  This is also a “meet and greet” booth for PVAS and Master Naturalists.  (Same time as the Charles Town festival, but we have supplies for both places).   Contact Kristin Alexander (pvasmail@aol.com).

Growing Native Seed Collection at Yankauer Preserve will be October 8, 10-12 noon.  This is a fun event where you walk the trails at Yankauer and pick up nuts!  Acorns, hickory nuts, etc are collected then sent to plant nurseries so that native trees can be cultivated for planting as buffer zones along local rivers and streams.  Families often help with this.  Contact Kristin Alexander (pvasmail@aol.com).

If you aren’t interested in any of this, there’s a whole section in your Master Naturalist binder about possible volunteer projects—6 or 8 pages.  Most of those are citizen science ideas and you can contact the group to get involved.

Ellen and Wanda(Your friendly, neighborhood MN Member Services people)