Opportunities From: New Hampshire's Volunteer Hub

PLEASE NOTE: Our Turtle Care Team is currently fully staffed. If you are interested in this opportunity, you may let us know and we will reach out to you when there is an opening available. Thanks!

The Turtle Care Team cares for, supports, and improves the quality of life of our three-toed box turtle “Bucky”. She and her team support the educational mission of Prescott Farm through teaching and sharing experiences with Bucky. Volunteers have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience caring for a reptile!

Commitment: At least one consistent shift per week

Season: Year-round Schedule: Shifts are available Monday - Saturday, 9 am-4 pm for 15-30 minute shifts

Tasks & Responsibilities

Feeding, removing old food, misting tank, caring for plants (if present) Cleaning tank and pool Use of the labeled sink “not food prep sink” - prevents contamination Checking temperature, recording information Noting any changes in health and behavior of Bucky Use tools designated for Bucky

Qualifications

The desire to learn about and care for reptiles Ability to maintain a consistent schedule

Training: Attend an orientation with the Volunteer Coordinator

Safety: While Bucky is kind and curious, she is also a living animal and must be handled with care so she is not harmed during cleaning. When working with animals of any kind, including Bucky, care must be taken to avoid being bitten or scratched. While Bucky is docile and has never shown signs of aggression, volunteers should be aware of the risk and take precautions to avoid injury.

Nature observation volunteers provide useful resources to our educators to better understand what wildlife is on our property and help tailor our programs. Prescott Farm educators spend time in local schools through our Naturalist in the Classroom program and teaching Community Connection Programs throughout the year, impacting children, families, and adults through nature-based education. Nature Observation volunteers spend time on our property and use the iNaturalist app to record their observations of the flora and fauna.

Commitment: At least 1x per month

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

Tasks & Responsibilities

Utilize your smartphone if you have one! iNaturalist app: join a community of citizen scientists and help ID plants and animals Walk a trail and fill out the phenology checklist to the best of your ability Write, photograph, draw or make any other additional notations about your observations

Qualifications

Willingness to learn how to confidently ID plants and animals Ability to carefully observe natural processes Ability to walk on uneven surfaces

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. When observing nature, it is important not to disturb plants or animals so we do not alter the natural cycles we are recording.

Special Projects: Analyzing data, photographing phenological cycles, plant mapping projects, and developing interpretive signage.

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.

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 1x per month for one season

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

Tasks & Responsibilities

Walk your adopted trail at least once a month, completing a trail maintenance day and recording information Including corridor management, drainage clearing, removal of litter and small hazards 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. 

 

Spend time in nature and help Prescott Farm capture the joy brought by our camps, Community Connection Programs, and so much more! Photograph various events on the property to assist in marketing and outreach for Prescott Farm.

Commitment: Year-round

Schedule: Flexible, sign up to photograph the events that you want!

Tasks & Responsibilities

Photograph and edit pictures of each event you commit to Organize photos for each event into a folder labeled with the event date and name Be respectful of guests and visitors while photographing the event Check in with staff before the event to ensure you do not photograph guests who did not sign a waiver

Qualifications

Enthusiasm for nature and support of Prescott Farm’s mission Access to computer and editing software Access to digital camera Strong written and verbal communication skills Must be at least 18 years of age Some events may require a background check to participate

Training: Attend an orientation with the Volunteer Coordinator

Worksite: Hybrid (On-site and Remote)

2022 Event Photography Opportunities

June-August, Mon-Fri, 9 am-4 pm: WildQuest Summer Camp August-May, Mon-Fri, 8 am-3 pm: Fledglings Preschool Year-round, variable days Mon-Sat: Community Connection Programs