Opportunities From: Bergen Volunteers

Handy Heroes help maintain Flat Rock on an as needed basis! These volunteers will help with a variety of projects from cleaning litter from the trails to blowing leaves from the cattle guard.

There are no specific commitments for this position

However, here are some of the possible jobs that will be available to those in this position:

On Call Heroes (On an as-needed basis): Be placed on a list of heroes we can call on to help us shovel on snowy days and help with other day of needs.

Litterbug Heroes (At your leisure): Help clean up trails and empty full trashcans at Jones Rd.

Repair Heroes (At your convenience): Consult the list of minor repairs that need to be done in and around our building and grounds.

Trail Heroes (On a semi-regular basis): Help distribute woodchips on muddy/flooded trails and help replace water bars to keep our trails from eroding due to weather.

Requirements

There are no specific requirements to be a Handy Hero!

However, some beneficial abilities would be:

Ability to use power and manual tools (hammer, drill, leaf blower, etc.)

Ability to lift 25 lbs.

Good balance and able to walk up hill

Willing to get dirty

Provide an invaluable service to Flat Rock

Work with your hands and get out in nature

The gardens at Flat Rock Brook were created by our volunteer gardeners. It is an ongoing project and everyone is welcome to join this group regardless of experience. Volunteer gardeners work on plantings, upkeep, maintenance and care of our gardens with a special emphasis on our Native Habitat and Butterfly Gardens. We use integrated pest management gardening techniques and plant natives to attract beneficial insects and other wildlife.

Requirements

Easy to moderate physical labor

No experience necessary

Age 16 and older

Benefits

Working outside and experiencing nature

Increased knowledge of native/non-native plants and invasive species

These Rangers will help the education staff facilitate public and private programming including field trips, weekend public programs, and birthday parties. Please note that most of our public programming occurs on Sunday afternoons. Experienced Jr. Rangers will also be permitted to conduct storytimes and small craft projects if they feel comfortable doing so.

Jr. Rangers will be required to attend an Educational Training Day in April. Staff will always be present and available while these young volunteers are present and they are not to leave the Nature Center alone without permission from a staff member first.

Age 12-14

Volunteer for a minimum of 2 hours per season (spring, summer, fall) for a minimum total of 6 hours per calendar year.

Attend the Educational Training Day in April

Great opportunity for first time volunteers

Giving back to the community

Volunteer experience with children and members of the public

On the fast track for Ranger subcategories as they enter high school

Flat Rock Brook hosts several annual events. Our annual Recognition Dinner honors outstanding individuals and companies. The Great Fall Festival brings hundreds of families to the Nature Center for outdoor fun. We seek individuals to assist with a variety of efforts to help ensure our success at these events.

There are no specific requirements for becoming a special event volunteer; however, as events come closer, there will be specific jobs that need to be filled.

A way of giving back to the community

Helping raise money and ensure successful events

Bringing fun to the families of the area

Here are some examples of jobs from the Great Fall Festival:

Setting up tables and decorations

Food distribution

Facilitating Crafts and Games

Volunteer groups from corporate, non-profit, and private organizations assist Flat Rock Brook with trail maintenance, invasive species removal, native plantings, erosion control installation, and other projects. All programs require easy to moderate physical labor. All materials are supplied.

We can accommodate groups of up to 30 individuals for volunteer days. If you are interested in a group volunteer opportunity, please fill out our Group Volunteer Form at the top of the page. Please email this form to catherine@flatrockbrook.org

Available for weekdays and/or weekends

At least 16 years of age

No experience necessary

Moderate physical labor

Great for team building

Outdoor exercise

Increased knowledge of native/non-native plants and invasive species