Opportunities From: Delaware State Parks

Are you interested in helping to reduce the threat of invasive plants to the land and resources that we have been entrusted to protect and manage?

Fortunately, public consciousness about the harms of invasive plants — plants not native to the region that grow aggressively, compete with native plants for resources, and displace native plants — continues to rise. Volunteers help to meet this challenge and thus make a significant difference in Killens Pond State Park’s quest to manage invasive plants. We are eager to work with like-minded people who are passionate or want to learn more about this issue. So please join us on the 3rd Saturday of each month, from 10 AM to 12 PM for a rewarding morning of volunteer work removing invasive plants!

Event Details -

Meeting Location: Pondside Trail Parking lot; link to driving directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/49mXNw8c7GNycwbHA

When: 3rd Saturday of the month, 10 AM - 12 PM

What to Wear/Bring:

Weather-appropriate attire (long sleeves, long pants, and closed-toed shoes)GlovesDrinking water

Become a valued member of the Killens Pond State Park team by volunteering at our Nature Center! Volunteers help enhance the visitor experience by assisting with programs and activities, as well as providing a welcoming presence inside the Nature Center.

As a Nature Center Assistant Volunteer, you’ll greet visitors, answer questions about the park and its natural features, and help guide guests to have a fun, educational, and memorable visit. You may also assist with a variety of nature-based programs and activities, supporting staff and helping visitors connect with the great outdoors.

Volunteer duties may include:

Greeting and welcoming visitors to the Nature Center Providing information about park amenities, trails, and wildlife Assisting with programs and hands-on activities Supporting staff in maintaining a clean and inviting Nature Center environment Helping visitors navigate the park and enjoy their experience

We’re looking for volunteers who are:

Friendly, approachable, and passionate about nature Comfortable interacting with people of all ages Dependable and eager to learn Able to work collaboratively and independently

*After signing up, the Manager of Volunteers will email you and provide a link to complete a free background check since you will be working with visitors/youth*

If you love nature and enjoy sharing that passion with others, volunteering at Killens Pond State Park is a rewarding way to make a difference in your community.

 

For registered UD Master Naturalist participants only.

For info on this program:https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/canr/cooperative-extension/environmental-stewardship/master-naturalist/

 NEXT STEP:

1. Review information below.

2. To be considered please click on RESPOND bottom at top right and follow instructions.

   

 

 Volunteer Service Activities for Delaware State Parks for your Master Naturalist Service: 

Available for year one candidates or continuing service.

Activities are as varied as your interests that mesh with the park’s needs and may include:

Install or maintain pollinator or rain gardens Engage in invasive plant removal, native plant installation or tree plantings Develop and implement projects to benefit certain plant or animal species such as orchids, birds, reptiles, bats Plan and lead educational or experiential public programming in coordination with Nature Centers and park interpretive programs such as wildflower or bird walks Participate in organizing multi-park projects such as Coastal Cleanup or Creekfest Conduct special projects such as research initiatives, water resource protection, or other projects that fit the park’s needs and your interests.

 

About Delaware State Parks:

Our state parks provide forest, meadow, wetland and seashore habitat for wildlife plus trails, beaches, ponds and recreational facilities for visitors to enjoy nature and the outdoors.

Our state parks mission is to provide Delaware's residents and visitors with safe and enjoyable recreational opportunities and open spaces, responsible stewardship of the lands and the cultural and natural resources that we have been entrusted to protect and manage, and resource-based interpretive and educational services. Master Naturalists are currently working to install pollinator gardens, to restore natural areas and to lead themed educational hikes for the public.  

Please join us and bring your interests and expertise to our state parks.

Thank you for taking the time and effort to help us maintain our beautiful Delaware State Parks!

Is your unit looking to volunteer?

Sign up here and we will reach out to set up a project for the group!

Projects Vary; could be a litter pick up, mulching, trail work, invasive plant removal, or another park priority project. If the group has a specific project they hope to do please state that when you sign up.  

Thank you to all the Disc Golfers who not only utilize Killens Pond for recreation, but also take the extra time and energy to keeping the Disc Golf Course well-maintained!

 

Volunteers typically meet the first Saturday of each month, but please double check the Facebook page for changes to the schedule: 

https://m.facebook.com/groups/969608186854515/?ref=share&mibextid=S66gvF

Are you a Boy/Eagle Scout or Troop looking for somewhere to complete a project? We'd love to have you volunteer at Killens Pond! 

When you sign up please provide us with some brief information:

Are you looking for a service project for just yourself or the entire troop?  If it will be the entire troop, how many people will be attending?  Do you have a specific project in mind that you would like to propose to complete?

Look forward to working with you!

This is also where your volunteer hours will be logged once project is complete. 

Adopt-a-Trail Program

The Delaware State Parks Adopt-a-Trail Program was established to help individuals and groups become active environmental stewards of the various types of trails within Delaware State Parks.  Trail adopters regularly monitor our trails, performing basic maintenance tasks on the trail and reporting larger concerns or issues for staff to address.  Through monitoring efforts, our trail adopters help keep the trails clear and safe for all to enjoy.  Thank YOU for your interest in being a part of this program!

Task you would be completing:

·       Pick up trash

·       Remove natural debris

·       Trim Vegetation

·       Invasive plant removal (only after being trained by Park Staff)

·       Report areas of concern

Time Commitment:

Trail volunteers come out to their trail at any time that works for them, within Park operating hours. Volunteers commit to monitoring their trail at least once a month. Trail volunteers can expect to spend 1 - 2 hours on their trails each visit, depending on the length of their trail and work level.

 

Reporting:

For each monitoring visit, trail volunteers submit a trail report documenting any work that they did on the trail and describing any additional work required by staff.

 

Benefits of the Program:

Park PassVolunteer BadgeRecognitionTraining

Once you sign up under this opportunity you will be emailed to set up a time to meet with the Volunteer Coord. to go over more details, sign service agreement and set up a training time.