Volunteer Naturalist Program
See the World through the Eyes of a Child...
...Become a Volunteer Naturalist at Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve
Volunteer Naturalists lead
school children from the greater Pittsburgh area on Outdoor Discovery walks, informal
educational hikes at ASWP's Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve.
Experience is NOT required! You bring enthusiasm for
children and nature; we train you in the natural history
and trailside activities you need to be a confident, effective
Naturalist.
As a Volunteer Naturalist, you will lead several walks per month in spring and autumn. Choose walks according your personal schedule. Walks vary from 90 minutes to 4 hours, depending on age and topic. Walks take place weekdays during school hours. We provide initial training in a six-session course, available in March and September. We provide ongoing education at monthly meetings held September through May. Read the FAQ below for details!
ASWP's Outdoor Discovery walks feature:
- Low number of students per leader
- Emphasis on hands-on and discovery-based cooperative learning
- The natural diversity of 134-acre Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve, Pittsburgh's Outdoor Classroom
Next Volunteer Naturalist Training:
Six Mondays, 9:30 to 2:30, September 8 through October 13,
2008
at Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve
We offer the Volunteer Naturalist Training every spring and fall.
To enroll, download this application, or email or call us we will send you an application.
Attention Teachers:
Our Volunteer Naturalist Training is an Act 48 Approved
Professional Development course!
Download the
explanatory letter here!
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a volunteer naturalist do?
The Volunteer Naturalist "facilitates," that is, he or she helps the kids make their own discoveries and answer their own questions, rather than simply points-and-names like a tour guide. However, structure does lie behind this open format. Our hikes have specific themes targeted to the age of the hikers. Themes include senses, animal homes, seasonal changes, habitats, watersheds, biodiversity, etc. We also offer special Maple Sugaring walks in March. We serve preschool through grade 12, though the majority of our participants are elementary age. For a full list of everything we do, see our Education page.
We have about 10-12 children in each hiking group (8-10 for preschoolers). Each hike begins with an introduction to the day's theme. As we hike, we look for natural discoveries that support the theme. We punctuate the hike with short activities and games that reinforce the theme and add to the fun.
| Volunteer as a Naturalist... |
| EXPAND |
| your knowledge of the natural world... |
| LEARN |
| creative teaching techniques... |
| IGNITE |
| the wonder of nature in others... |
| ENJOY |
| the company of fellow nature lovers... |
| ...discover a world of benefits |
How will I know what to do?
Each hike has a lesson plan that outlines the theme and describes the activity options. You can customize your hike by selecting from the lesson plan's menu of appropriate activities. You are free to blend open discovery time and directed activities into a format that works best for you.
How often will I lead? Which themes or ages?
After training, Volunteer Naturalists lead at least one hike per two weeks in our busy seasons, roughly March (for Maple Sugaring), mid-April to early June, and mid-September to mid-November. We also offer walks in winter and summer, although we have no minimum volunteering requirements for those seasons. You choose your hikes according to your schedule and preferences for age groups and themes.
How do I sign up?
Please return this Volunteer Naturalist application. Or, contact us with your name and address and we can send you an application. You will also want to submit background check forms as soon as you can as well
What is the background check?
ASWP requires those who work with children unsupervised to submit to a Background Check at the applicant's expense. (Only Pennsylvania residents may apply.) This includes two separate screening forms: Child Abuse Clearance and a Criminal Record Check. Download the forms here. The Criminal Record Check only can also be done online here. (The online processing is much faster.) You cannot lead programs yourself until ASWP has your forms on file. However, you may train, observe and assist in the meantime. One set is good for as long as you volunteer for ASWP regularly. You may submit previously completed documents if dated within one calendar year of your application.
It can take 3 to 6 weeks (or longer in autumn) for these to be processed by mail, so please submit them promptly. We recommend you use the online option for the Criminal Record Check because it is much faster. At this time, there is no online option for the child abuse screening.
What takes place at the training?
You need no experience or knowledge--just enthusiasm. We'll provide the rest. The six-session training covers our thematic hikes, natural history pertinent to the themes, and in-depth studies of general topics, such as birds or trees. You will receive our Volunteer Naturalist Handbook containing our lesson plans and supplemental resources. We offer the training twice a year, every March and September. (See the schedule above.) Bring a lunch and prepare to be inside and outside in any weather. You will also observe at least two "real" walks before your own. You may observe any time, preferably before the end of your training.
What is different about the Maple Sugaring program?
Maple Sugaring is only offered in March during the sap-collecting season. Comprised of five specific stops, what you say and do at each stop is more like a traditional tour guide. The kids do get to interact with the materials and ask questions. Everyone finds the topic fascinating despite the somewhat more formal approach. It has its own separate training session (see schedule above). The training is entirely independent.
What takes place at the monthly meetings?
We hold monthly Volunteer Naturalist meetings September to May, which you are encouraged to attend. They are usually the first Wednesday of the month, 9:30 to Noon. We discuss some business then participate in a program on a natural history or environmental educational topic.
Wow! Can I do this?
This program has successfully trained scores of volunteers from widely varied backgrounds. Becoming a Volunteer Naturalist takes some time at the beginning, but soon it will be second nature to you. To get started, download the application. Or, contact us. We hope to receive your application soon!