BHWP Interpretive Naturalist Program – Free following the fulfillment of 2 years of volunteer service ($300 deposit required)
Volunteers have been a mainstay at Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve since its inception. A BHWP Interpretive Naturalist is an individual passionate about native plants and the natural world. They undergo an intensive training program and use their knowledge to give back to the BHWP community. The Naturalist Training Program began in 2006 and sought to inspire the appreciation and understanding of native plants in the natural world as well as the landscape. It is our hope to continue and broaden this program to include a variety of opportunities for volunteers to share the experience and knowledge they gained with the general public. This new, dynamic program consists of three major components: an initial training course, volunteer service hours and continuing education.
Basic Botany (BOT 101) Jan. 29, 2023, 10:30 – noon
- What a plant is, how they function and plant life cycles
- What a native/non-native species is and why it matters
- Cultivars, regional variants and provenance importance
- Identification basics (dichotomous key and apps)
Introduction to Bowman’s Hill (BHWP 101) Feb. 12, 2023, 10:30 – noon
- History of BHWP and Preserve introduction
- Who we are and why BHWP is so special
- Relevant habitats and underlying geology.
Learn What’s Native (BOT 201) Mar. 11, 2023, 10:30 – noon
- Explore the native plants of PA
- Discuss what is native and why they are essential to our local ecosystem
- Seasonal champions and PA’s native plant seasonal highlights
Our Native Plant Nursery and Visitor Center Gardens (BHWP 102) Apr. 1, 2023, 10:30 – noon
- Discuss our Native Plant Nursery and its importance to the mission of BHWP
- Investigate the demonstration gardens and look at how and why they are essential to our mission
- Learn to incorporate these areas into your programming
Interpretative Skills (INTS 101) Apr. 22, 2023, 10:30 – noon
- Speaking to and reading an audience
- Inquiry-based questions-sense of wonder
- How to not only see but to observe, to not only hear but to listen
- Researching and telling the story behind the plants
- Developing a thematic walk
- What to interpret when blooms are absent
The Collections of BHWP (BHWP 103) May 20, 2023, 10:30 – noonTDB
- Discuss the three major collections here at the Preserve
- Review the role each plays at the Preserve
Become an advocate for the Preserve, our community and the native plants upon which all life in the ecosystem depends with this year-long training program. Share the importance of native plants for our planet and provide invaluable support to the Preserve that shares your passion for these amazing organisms.
YEAR 1
- 16-20 hours of training (combined classroom and field experience; see schedule below)
- This consists of the core training classes and the shadowed and co-led walks
- 16 hours of volunteer service at BHWP
- 8 hours minimum fulfilled by leading guided walks
- The remaining hours can be fulfilled in a variety of ways including, but not limited to, guided walks, leading education programming, assisting on the sales floor, acting as a wayfinder to direct guests towards the best blooms, leading private tours of the Preserve, etc.
- At least 18 hours of continuing education training
- Current ways to fulfill CET include:
- Participate in the KNP programs, participate in select TNN programs and attend other programming approved in advance by the Preserve’s education coordinator.
YEAR 2, 3 AND BEYOND (To maintain your BHWP Interpretive Naturalist (BIN) certification)
- 20 hours of volunteer service at BHWP annually
- 10 hours minimum fulfilled by leading guided walks
- The remaining hours can be fulfilled in a variety of ways including but not limited to guided walks, leading education programming, assisting on the sales floor, acting as a wayfinder to direct guests towards the best blooms, leading private tours of the Preserve, etc.
- 15 hours of continuing education training annually
- Current ways to fulfill CET include:
- Participate in the KNP programs, participate in select TNN programs and attend other programming approved in advance by the Preserve’s education coordinator.
Who Should Consider the BIN Program:
- Must be 18 years old or older
- Enthusiastic interest in the environment and learning about the importance of native plants
- Have a background or strong interest in natural history
- Be enthusiastic about natural resource education, conservation and stewardship
- Good communication skills; ability to interact with people of all ages and backgrounds in a friendly and courteous manner
- Have a willingness to learn and a desire to share knowledge with others
- Have the desire to contribute volunteer service toward the conservation of natural resources and natural areas within your community
- Reliability, punctuality and flexibility with schedules and last-minute changes.
BHWP Interpretive Naturalist Responsibilities:
- Commit to two years of volunteer service post-training
- Lead at least 12 guided interpretive tours each year
- Research current seasonal highlights to share on tours and for personal growth and development
- Arrive 30 minutes before tours to check in with Preserve staff/volunteers regarding any last-minute updates that may affect the walk
- Provide timely notification of any change in your schedule and availability
- Complete the continuing education training
- Attend plant walks and occasional special training about new gardens and programs.
BHWP Interpretive Naturalist Benefits:
- Free Individual Membership for the year
- Special 40% discount on Knowing Native Plant series programming (20% off all other Education Programming)
- Access to BIN-only walk and field trip opportunities.
