Get Involved

The Wissahickon Valley needs your help if it is to remain a place of wildness and beauty for generations to come. Each year, hundreds of volunteers, including individuals, families, groups, organizations and schools, invest thousands of hours of sweat equity in the Park.

Under the direction of FOW Volunteer Coordinator Kevin Groves and FOW crew leaders, and in partnership with Fairmount Park Volunteer Coordinator David Bower, these volunteers plant trees; remove vines; eliminate exotic invasive plants and replace them with native species; clean up trash and debris; remove graffiti; rebuild trails; control erosion; repair and restore structures; manage wildlife, serve on committees; engage in outreach activities; and assist with various projects.

Volunteers are needed for field work on weekend and weekdays. Volunteers interested in helping restore structures, repair stone work and rebuild trails are needed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.  Click here for the volunteer schedule and to learn more about other Volunteer Projects. Volunteers are also needed for committee work.

No specific skills are needed. Just bring your enthusiasm and interest and the FOW will provide you with leadership, tools and instruction.

How to Get Involved:

          Indviduals, families:

• Sign up to volunteer online or print and fill out the Volunteer Information Form and return to:
  
  Friends of the Wissahickon
  8708 Germantown Ave.
  Philadelphia, PA 19118-2717

           Volunteer Groups (Schools, companies, churches, etc.)

• Fill out the Volunteer Group Request form and e-mail to groves@fow.org, or send via postal mail to the above address.

All prospective volunteers may contact Volunteer Coordinator,
Kevin Groves at 215-247-0417 ext. 105 or groves@fow.org.

FOW Trail Ambassadors

Trail Ambassadors are docents who assist and educate people in the park with anything from directions to safety needs to park history, flora and fauna.

Ambassadors perform their service in the park and participate in ongoing education.  Ambassadors are encouraged to become experts in the Wissahickon and delve deeply into their particular topics of interest!

For more information on the program benefts, requirements and application criteria, download the Trail Ambassador Information Sheet.

To apply, dowload the Trail Ambassador Application Form. 

Applications are accepted throughout the year.

Contact Kevin Groves, Volunteer Coordinator, with questions at groves@fow.org.  or 215.247.0417 ext 105.

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