Berks Nature is recruiting a dedicated group of volunteers to be trained as “Berks Nature Ambassadors”. What does this mean? It means that you will receive basic training related to all of the good conservation work that we do. Upon completion of your training, you will officially become a volunteer Berks Nature Ambassador. Our Ambassadors will be our trained volunteers that can help train others, lead projects and events, answer questions, and simply help enhance and protect the environment!
Berks Nature Ambassadors
There is a simple application process and fee schedule. APPLICATIONS ARE DUE BY MARCH 1st!
Prior to applying, please review the training schedule below and make sure you are able to commit to the March 23rd Welcome Night, plus at least 4 of the trainings. If you cannot attend the required but are still interested, contact us, and we might be able to work around it. There is a $75 fee to participate in this training program, which includes a $25 “Champion of Nature” tax deductible donation. At the end of the training, our new Berks Nature Ambassadors will receive a certificate, an official Berks Nature Ambassador vest, an abundance of interesting knowledge of our natural world, and become part of the Berks Nature family.
Next, there are five special training opportunities for interested Ambassadors to learn about our organization and practical conservation skills. In order to become an official Berks Nature Ambassador, attendance at 4 out of 5 training sessions is required. The Welcome & Introduction Night on March 24th is designed for all interested applicants. Also note, those interested in focusing their Ambassador skills on water quality and testing are required to attend the two-day Hydrology training listed on the schedule. This hydrology training follows scientific GLOBE protocols and is excellent! See the full training schedule below.
Finally, the state requires that anybody who has regular contact with children obtain 3 clearances to ensure the safety of our children. Since a Berks Nature Ambassador may have contact with children at our nature center, all 3 clearances that are required to work with children must be submitted. They are free since this is a volunteer position, unless you have not lived in PA for more than 10 years. If you have not lived in Pennsylvania for the past ten (10) years, then you will need to obtain the more extensive FBI background and fingerprint clearances at a minimal cost. If you hold the clearances from your job, then simply send a copy with your application. If you need help or have questions about the clearances, contact Beckey Seel at either beckey.seel@berksnature.org or 610-372-4992 Ext. 103.
Berks Nature Ambassadors Training Schedule
March 1st – APPLICATIONS DUE!
March 23rd 6-9PM – Welcome Night at The Nature Place (575 St. Bernardine Street Reading, PA 19607). This night is intended for ALL interested applicants, you will have the chance to apply after attending this welcome night if you are interested.
April 8th 9AM-12PM – Tree Planting at The Nature Place
April 10th 6-9PM – Education Training at The Nature Place
April 29th 9AM-4PM – Hydrology Part 1 at The Nature Place
May 6th 9AM-1PM – Hydrology Part 2 at The Nature Place
May 20th 9AM-1PM – All about Invasives and Trails. We will meet in The Nature Place parking lot and then carpool to Neversink Mountain!
June 5th 6-9PM – Graduation! Location TBD.
Certificates and an official Berks Nature Ambassador vest will be awarded to attendees who have completed the Berks Nature Ambassador requirements!
CURRENT AMBASSADORS: