“Persist! The world needs all you can give.”

- E. O. Wilson

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

All year long, Friends members step up to make a difference and work to ensure that the park experience is a good one – for people, plants and animals.

Thank you for being a part of it.

If you don’t see an opportunity you’re suited for listed below, inquire on the Volunteer Form.

A New Forest

TREES FOR EVERY DELAWAREAN INITIATIVE (TEDI) at Judge Morris

The Friends are leading a project to plant 1250 trees in an open field adjacent to Judge Morris Estate in White Clay Creek State Park. 

We need a core of volunteers to help with the initial planning and implementation of this project. Then larger volunteer groups will be secured for the big events such as planting in late March.

In the meantime:

  • December 12 saw the first step take place with the mowing of our field.

  • January will cover mapping the grid for a double fence to exclude deer, and place the main posts.

  • February will be all about fencing. The use of a double fence is a new approach in our Park for protection of our young trees and shrubs.

This is a great opportunity to learn about creating a new forest in our Park.

Moderate physical effort is required for some aspects of this project but we can use everyone’s talents!

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December 12th saw the first step take place with the mowing of our field.

Planting will begin in March.

BLUEBIRD BOX MONITORING

Bluebird population was declining in the 1900s due to habitat loss and competition from invasive species. Conservationists began building and placing bird boxes nationwide to provide ideal nesting spots for these small songbirds. The boxes in White Clay Creek State Park were installed as part of this effort.

Volunteers help by maintaining boxes year-round and monitoring the boxes during nesting season, April-August, recording and reporting data on the birds.

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TRAIL WORK & MAINTENANCE

Looking to combine your passion for our trails and power tools? This is for you! Calling all weed whacker and lawn-mower aficionados! We need you this summer to help us keep our trails clear.

Time Commitment:
Two trail maintenance visits from June-August

*Background check is required for any interested volunteers.

Or maybe you prefer playing in the dirt? There’s plenty to do to keep our trails in tip-top shape all year long.

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MEMORIAL BENCHES

Our memorial bench program provides an opportunity for families and friends to honor the memory of their loved ones with a beautiful park bench.

Volunteers help by building new benches, positioning them in the park, and maintaining existing benches.

Volunteers need to be able to bend, lift more than 10 pounds, and use tools such as hammers and drills.

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NATURE CENTER STAFFING

Become a weekend Nature Center staffer, connect with visitors, and help them learn more about this amazing park.

Two shifts offered every Saturday and Sunday:
11am-1:30pm and 1:30pm-4pm.

Volunteers can sign up for as many or as few shifts as their time permits. We encourage volunteers to work in pairs…this is great for friends, couples, or a parent and child!

Duties may include:

  • Welcoming visitors

  • Handing out maps and leaflets

  • Answering questions about the Park

  • Highlighting upcoming programs and concerts

  • Performing simple tasks to help the Nature Center function smoothly

  • Answering the phone

  • Helping someone on the naturalist staff get ready for a program.

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SUMMER CONCERTS

Friends play a crucial role in the success of Summer Concerts, from selling raffle tickets to staffing the beer garden. It’s a great way to interact with Park visitors and add to everyone’s enjoyment.

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JUDGE MORRIS ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP TEAM

Invasive plants are a huge ecological problem at our park – they spread rapidly and outcompete our native species. Join the team in restoring the forest biodiversity at the Judge Morris Estate.

Volunteers help year-round, choosing from two work sessions:
Thursdays 9-11am and Sundays 1-3pm.

The work encompasses:

  • Easy hand-pulling of small invasive plants.

  • Cutting and removal of large shrubs and trees.

  • Cutting and piling plant debris.

  • Build enclosures to protect restoration areas.

  • Plant native species where invasive plants have been removed.

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Choose your volunteer opportunity.

One of the best ways we support our park is through our volunteer efforts. Now that you're a member, fill out the Volunteer Form and we will be in contact with you. Thank you for joining us.

You can also call the Park Office or Email the Friends.