Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own unique skills to the program to further enrich the students’ field experience. It is not necessary for volunteers to be experts in ecology, birding, or botany. More important are an openness to and enthusiasm for the natural world and the ability to relate well to children.

A Variety of Opportunities
Volunteers may take on a variety of leadership roles within the Mighty Acorns program. The primary role that a volunteer plays is as a field-trip leader. Mighty Acorns volunteers also may serve on partnership task forces or the Mighty Acorns Board.

Field Trip Leaders
As field-trip leaders, volunteers guide small groups of students (ideally 5–7 per group) through activities including informal exploration of the site, educational activities, and stewardship.

Training
Volunteers attend trainings held by the partners so that they:

• Learn how to model and guide students in observation and questioning skills.
• Become comfortable with the field site and its ecosystems
• Learn to identify target species (plants for seed collecting in fall, brush to be cut in winter, and weeds to be pulled in spring)
• Learn where on the site the stewardship activities will occur
• Help students understand why and how to participate in stewardship activities

Task Forces and the Board
As a task force or Board member, volunteers represent the perspective of the volunteer role and support the partnership through helping to plan professional development programs for the partnership, summer camp, curriculum development, or production of the Seedling newsletter.

If you are interested in becoming a Mighty Assist@yahoo.comcorns volunteer, contact the partner nearest you, or email the Mighty Acorns Assistant at acornsa.