Volunteer Opportunities
Our volunteers build community and connect with nature every day.
Peace Valley Nature Center is maintained in large part by volunteers. From trail maintenance to education, there are opportunities for everyone to get involved in our passionate and vibrant community of nature-lovers. Join us today and support the mission of PVNC!
Interested in volunteering?
Read more about our volunteer work days below:
Spring 2025 Projects
Invasive Species Removal
Our volunteers have made great progress in replacing invasives with native plants that better support our local wildlife. This work continues in 2025, as we work to remove Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata), Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), and Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora).
Planting Native Species
With the help of Master Watershed Stewards and trees from the Keystone Ten Million Trees Partnership, our volunteers planted over 500 trees and shrubs on Peace Valley Nature Center so far this Spring. With the loss of our Ash Trees to the Emerald Ash Borer, and the goal to replace any invasive plants we have removed, our volunteers have many busy seasons ahead! Thankfully, this is some of the most fun and satisfying work we do as land stewards.
Habitat Restoration at Wood's Pond
With funding from the HOW Foundation and help from the Central Bucks Rotary, we will be working restore a healthy ecosystem to the vernal pool known as Wood's Pond. Vernal pools are vital niche habitats that our amphibians rely on for breeding. For more information on vernal pools, click here.
Habitat Restoration at Lenape Meadow
Our meadows are important sites for insects and birds and are vital for a healthy ecosystem at Peace Valley. One of our largest meadows along Lenape Trail is being restored with the help of the HOW Foundation. Central Bucks Rotary, and our many volunteers. We are seeding and planting to ensure that native plants overtake the area, providing food for insects and stabilizing the food chain for wildlife that relies on the meadow.
Sign up below for our public volunteer days.
*if you are volunteering as a corporate group/ school group or part of court-ordered community service, email kmgudknecht@buckscounty.org, do not use signup link below.
Volunteer Work Day Information
1. All volunteers must be 18 years of age or accompanied by a parent or guardian.
2. The exact nature of work on any given day is subject to change based on the weather and other factors.
3. Any new volunteers must fill out a volunteer form upon arrival for the work day.
4. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the start time of your volunteer work day.
Preparing for a PVNC Work Day
How to dress:
- Long sleeves and long pants
- Layers, especially in spring and fall when mornings are cold
- Comfortable and durable shoes (Spring and Fall are very muddy)
- Hat or other sun protection
What to bring:
- Durable work gloves
- Water and a snack
- Any personal tools you’d like to use
What to expect: Our outdoor volunteer work days involve moderately strenuous activities including shoveling, lifting heavy materials, clearing brush, and walking on rugged trails. Most work days will also include less strenuous tasks. If you are concerned or curious about the physical requirements of any work day, please reach out to Kirstyn Gudknecht at kmgudknecht@buckscounty.org
Past and Ongoing Projects
Riparian Buffer Restoration
Riparian buffer zones are responsible for keeping debris, pollutants, and sediment out of waterways, creating a healthier ecosystem for wildlife and humans alike. Volunteers have worked to strengthen and diversify the streambank that runs beside the Nature Center and into Lake Galena from Fall 2023 to Spring 2024. Thanks to a grant from Bowman's Hill Wildflower Preserve and inventory leftover from our annual Plant Sale, nearly 200 native plants and an educational area were installed in 2024 and can now be enjoyed by the public.
Invasive Species Removal
Our volunteers have been working diligently week after week in a few targeted areas around the Nature Center where we are removing Autumn Olive (Elaeagnus umbellata), Japanese Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), Multiflora Rose (Rosa multiflora), Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata), and Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris), among other invasive plant species.
Plants Sale
Several volunteers work throughout the winter and spring each year to prepare for and run one of our largest fundraisers of the year - our Native Plant Sale. Community members are invited and encouraged to visit and come home with some native plants!
Planting Native Species
In the weeks since our native plant sale, volunteers have been planting the remaining unsold vines, shrubs, and trees throughout the Nature Center grounds. Check out our newly installed pollinator garden near the gazebo at the Solar Building!
Preparing for Rain Garden Installation
Throughout the spring, volunteer groups have been removing Mugwort from one of our many gardens. After removal, woodchips were spread to prevent re-growth, and planting will begin for a brand new rain garden in fall 2024.
Nature Play Zone Installation
Our Nature Play Zone for kids and families opened in Summer 2023 thanks to help from our many dedicated volunteers.
Birdfeeder Team
Our small but mighty crew of birdfeeders fills feeders around the center every day, rain or shine. If you enjoy watching birds at PVNC, you have this crew to thank!
Other Volunteer Opportunities
- Store clerk / greeter
- Garden care
- Events
- Board
Visitors
Visitors
89,573
Volunteer Hours
Volunteer Hours
3,043
Educators & Staff
Educators & Staff
16
Program Participants
Program Participants
