The Montgomery County Department of Parks and Heritage Services welcomes individuals and groups to share their interests and talents at all of our parks, trails and historic sites by volunteering. Projects can be short or long term, and in most cases, we can be flexible with the hours and frequency of when you help.
The following are just a few of the types of things that people can help with, but if you have an idea, interest or talent in something not listed, call one of the sites to discuss your idea.
TYPES OF PROJECTS
Education – Presenting guided tours, historic crafts and trades demonstrations; helping with school/adult groups, developing historic and environmental education programs; assisting with special events; and conducting guided walks. Training may be provided as needed.
Special Skills – Developing hands-on displays; sewing period clothing; organization of musical programming; marketing development; grant writing and fundraising; photography at events; mechanical, construction, masonry, and skilled trades.
Maintenance/landscaping – Planting/pruning trees, flowers, and shrubs; weeding and gardening; painting and light maintenance work; creating or clearing hiking trails; improving wildlife habitat, cleaning and stabilizing streambeds; removal of invasive plant material and maintaining period gardens at the historic sites.
Research – Research and documentation of the site histories and items in historic collections; cataloging collections; developing surveys of flora and fauna; assisting with geological studies and field mapping.
General Help– cutting, folding, filing, answering the phone, providing general information and directions; packaging, display and organization of Museum Shops; food for volunteers; directing parking at events.
Internships – A variety of internship opportunities are available at our sites. Contact the department office for more information.
Park volunteers are needed to help with flower gardens and general maintenance including painting, pruning and landscape cleanup. Opportunities exist for individuals or groups.
Volunteer gardeners for planting and regular maintenance of flower beds.
Leading nature walks for groups…must have prior knowledge of plants, birds, trees, etc.
Group Projects:
General maintenance and clean-up days are always welcome.
Groups should call the site in advance to discuss options. Activities can include painting, cleaning up picnic tables, picking up sticks, gardening/mulching, cleaning grills, etc.
Group projects are not scheduled for weekends or evenings.
Environmental Education Assistance at NatureCenter or other park locations
215-234-8497
Education Assistant for environmental programming to schools and scouts. Experience in the field of education, biological or environmental sciences required.
Program assistance and/or presenters for environmental programming for the general public.
The turn-of-the 20th century was an exciting time with many changes in technology, social customs, fashion and everyday life. At Pennypacker Mills, we are constantly looking for talented people to help us share the wealth of information we have using their knowledge and interests. We are flexible with whatever time you have available, and will train you if needed. Volunteers are needed in the areas listed, or call us with your ideas:
Guides to give tours of the Pennypacker mansion on for school tours, adult groups, and visiting public.
Individuals with an interest in living history to participate in public programs; period clothing can be provided.
Historic craftspeople, musicians, storyteller, and actors to volunteer for special events.
Volunteer researchers to help catalogue and photograph the collection.
Volunteers with sewing experience to make period clothing for the site.
Photographers to photograph special events and programs.
Volunteer gardeners/landscapers for regular maintenance of grounds and gardens.
Volunteer educators to assist in the development and instruction of lessons, and demonstrations for school groups and during weekend events.
Volunteers are needed to assist the staff in decorating the mansion for the holidays.
General office support folding brochures, cutting craft material for events.
Special event help for serving refreshments, food for volunteers, parking, answering the phone and information areas, Museum Shop sales.
Mechanical skills needed to develop hands-on activities in the areas of communications (telegraph to telephone), energy (coal to electricity), transportation (train to automobiles) and water delivery systems (hand pump to windmill).
If you enjoy early American history, meeting new people and you want to spend time in a lovely rural setting, consider the Peter Wentz Farmstead.
Guides – Volunteers provide visitors of all ages with guided tours of the house and farm buildings. Prior experience is not necessary; the Farmstead staff will provide training, handbooks and workshop opportunities to help you learn about the farm and the families who lived here. Days and hours are flexible to your schedule.
Craftspeople – For those who are skilled in any of the early domestic and/or agricultural skills there are opportunities for you to demonstrate and teach others at our special events and programs.
Gardeners – The Farmstead has a traditional Pennsylvania German raised bed kitchen garden waiting for volunteers to help with planting, cultivating and harvesting through the spring and summer seasons.
Opportunities for young people – The Farmstead has an volunteer program for junior high and high school students who would like to actively participate in our special events while learning a skilled craft and about everyday life in colonial days.
Please call to arrange a time to meet with the Farmstead staff.
Volunteer guides to give tours of the Manor on weekends and/or during the week for school tours and/or adult groups
Individuals with an interest in reenacting/living history needed to participate in public programs; period clothing can be provided
Historic craftspeople, musicians, etc. needed to volunteer for special events
Volunteer researchers needed to research documents in Pottsgrove Manor’s collection and/or at other local institutions for exhibits, programs, and site interpretation
Volunteers with sewing experience needed to make period clothing for the site
Volunteer photographers needed to photograph special events and programs
Volunteer gardeners/landscapers needed for regular maintenance of grounds and gardens
Training for specific jobs will be provided!
Group Projects:
Volunteer groups are needed to participate in outdoor maintenance and clean-up projects (e.g.—repairing fences, raking leaves, weeding beds, trimming, etc.)
Volunteer gardeners needed for planting and regular maintenance of flower beds.
Group Projects:
There are many group project opportunities at the site. Groups should call the site in advance to see what types of activities and times are available.
Volunteer projects on the county-wide trail system can include invasive plant removal, new native plantings, and cleanup along the trails particularly after storms. Projects are available for groups or individuals.
