Opportunities From: New Hampshire's Volunteer Hub

Description: Maple sugaring is one of the oldest New England traditions and is one that we continue to carry on here at Prescott Farm. The Maple Sugaring team takes responsibility for the sugarhouse and the syrup production during the month of March when the sap is running. They directly support Prescott Farm’s mission of education by assisting educators and Sugar House leads during the Tap Into Maple programs.

Commitment: at least two shifts in March and a training day in January  

Season: February - April, with programs during the month of MarchSchedule: During the week (anytime) and Saturdays in March, 9am-4pm (full or half-day shifts)

Tasks & Responsibilities

Collecting Sap: Empty sap from the buckets hanging on trees into the collection tank at the Sugar House. Program: Get wood to help keep the evaporator running, empty sap buckets into the collection tank as time allows, greet program participants. 

Qualifications

Desire and ability to learn about maple production processesAbility to walk on snowy and muddy trails and uneven forest floor without assistanceAbility to lift up to 30lbs for moving sap and firewoodMust be at least 15 years of age at the start of the opportunity

Click the link below to fill out the volunteer application form if you are interested in volunteering in this opportunity: 

Volunteer Application Form

Spending time in nature promotes physical, emotional, and mental wellness. Our Adopt-A-Trail program allows volunteers to choose a Prescott Farm trail to care for, for one-year intervals. This is a great experience for individuals, families, or groups to get outdoors. Walk your adopted trail at least once a month to help maintain it for all visitors to enjoy! Participate in Skills Days to meet other trail adoptees and complete important trail maintenance needs that our volunteers help to identify.

Commitment: At least 2x per month for one season

Season: Year-round  Schedule: Flexible, we will work with your schedule

Tasks & Responsibilities

Walk your adopted trail at least twice a month, completing a trail maintenance day and recording information Including corridor management, drainage clearing, removal of litter, invasive species, and small hazardsRecord nature observations Care for special maintenance needs on your trail Identify and report larger trail maintenance projects Participate in scheduled Skills Days when available to help complete larger trail maintenance projects Create a space on the trails that is welcoming to visitors and wildlife alike

Qualifications

Enthusiasm to learn more about trail maintenance and basic tool use Ability to lift up to 30lbs, bend over, crouch, use basic tools, work outside, and walk on uneven surfaces without assistance

Training: Attend an orientation with the Volunteer Coordinator

Safety: Team members are expected to bring and wear appropriate clothing for the conditions and activities they will be doing; this includes closed-toed shoes, gloves, bug repellent, and sunscreen. Ensure to use safe practices with all tools and equipment.

Special Projects: There will be special projects regarding: repairing structures related to the trails, plant mapping projects, removing invasive species, developing interpretive trails, developing interpretive signage, and sharing information with visitors. 

 Click the link below to fill out the volunteer application form if you are interested in volunteering in this opportunity: 

Volunteer Application Form

The Gardening Team is responsible for the care, cultivation, and maintenance of the Learning, Heritage, and Perennial Gardens. The gardens provide opportunities for our Community Connections Program participants and campers to learn about gardening and gain hands-on experience. Produce is used in educational tasting, cooking, and nutrition programs designed to help community members of all ages connect with the natural world while learning about where their food comes from. Volunteers will be matched with a group that fits their schedule and led by a Lead Gardener to complete weekly tasks in the garden. Volunteers can expect to gain hands-on experience cultivating these gardens at Prescott Farm and join a great community of volunteers.

Commitment: Preferred 1x per week for one season

Season: April - October Schedule: Flexible, we will work with your schedule. Having one consistent day/time per week to assist in the gardens is preferred

Tasks & Responsibilities

Daily: Weed, water, retrieve and return tools, record harvest, log timesheet Weekly: Treat for problem insects, mulch, soil additives (lime, blood meal, leaves, etc.) Monthly February: Clean seed trays, start seeds, care for seedlings March: Start seeds, care for seedlings April: Turn over beds, early planting, (un)cover plants as needed, repair equipment May: Plant, prep beds, test soil, (un)cover plants as needed June: Put in extra support for plants (frames, stocks, netting, etc.), thinning July: Harvest, produce preservation (canning or dehydrating) August: Harvest, produce preservation (canning or dehydrating) September: Harvest, produce preservation (canning or dehydrating) October: Winterize gardens, plant winter crops, drain hoses, and store tools, and equipment November - January: Attend garden planning meetings if scheduled

Qualifications

Enthusiasm to learn about gardening practices Ability to maintain a set schedule throughout the gardening season Ability to lift up to 30lbs, bend over, crouch, crawl, work outside, and walk on uneven surfaces without assistance

Training: Attend an orientation with the Volunteer Coordinator

Safety: Team members are expected to bring and wear appropriate clothing for the conditions and activities they will be doing; this includes closed-toed shoes, gloves, bug repellent, and sunscreen. Ensure to use safe practices with all tools and equipment.

Click the link below to fill out the volunteer application form if you are interested in volunteering in this opportunity:

Volunteer Application Form