Skills and Experience

You don't have to have any experience, but you do need to be in good health and be reasonably physically fit. 

• Nursery work is the least strenuous type of project and involves standing, walking, kneeling and carrying potted plants.  Volunteers may pull weeds from the plant pots, water plants, fertilize, or sort plants by species.
  
• Tree planting and invasive plant removal projects are more demanding.  This work may involve walking on uneven ground, digging, kneeling, lifting, and working with tools that will use a variety of muscle groups.  It's a good work out and very rewarding.  At most tree planting projects the trees are already set out and volunteers need only choose a tree, dig a hole, and plant.  Invasive plants are sometimes in large clusters or dispersed around the site.  Volunteers typically need to roam around the site and identify the weeds.  Training is provided, of course. 
  
  

Who

All ages are welcome, although volunteers under age 11 must each be accompanied by an adult.  Youth volunteers whose parents will not be present must bring a completed permission form. 

Restoration projects will be of the most interest to

• people interested in plants and/or learning more about the environment
• kids and families
• people exploring careers relating to the environment
• hikers or other outdoors-people
  
  

What to Bring/Wear

1) Long pants:
This is for safety because we are working with tools and often in the brush.  Even in warm weather shorts are not a good idea.
 
2) Layers:
Non-cotton shirts are best since they keep you warmer when wet (sweat or rain).  In any season you should have extra layers for warmth, to protect your arms from sun and thorns, or to keep bugs away.
 
3) Sturdy shoes:
Typically tennis shoes are acceptable for restoration projects.  Above-the-ankle, leather boots are better for keeping your ankles from rolling and protecting your feet from tools.  Occasionally, in wet weather on wet sites, rubber boots are recommended.  NO sandals or thin, canvas shoes are allowed.
 
4) Gloves:
We have adult-size gloves to loan out, but many volunteers prefer to bring their own for comfort. Rubber gloves (like those used for dishwashing) are ideal for cold, wet, tree-planting weather--especially when worn with glove liners underneath.  Thick leather gloves are best for blackberry removal or other prickly projects.  Cloth, rubber palm gloves are a nice in hot weather.
 
5) Rain gear:
Even though it is sunny where you live the weather can be different and change quickly at the project site.  Bring something you can get dirty, and that is waterproof, not just water resistant.   Rain pants are highly recommended.
 
6) A big sack lunch:
You'll be working hard, so bring more than you usually eat.
 
7) Full water bottle:
Or two!  There is no running water on site.

8) Day pack:
You'll want to be able to carry your extra layers, food and water as we move around the project site.  We're often far from the parking lot at lunchtime! 

9) Optional items:
You may also want to bring a plastic bag to sit on at lunchtime, a hat for shade or warmth, your camera, or a thermos of hot liquid during cold weather.
 
We'll provide all the tools and project materials, some extra gloves, and a small amount of extra water.