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. See Calendar for a list of regularly scheduled volunteer events. Click here to learn more about other Volunteer Projects. Volunteers are also needed for committee work.

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

How to Get Involved:

• Call Friends of the Wissahickon Volunteer Coordinator
  Kevin Groves at 215-247-0417.
  
• E-mail Kevin Groves at groves@fow.org.
  
• Sign up to volunteer online.
  
• Print and fill out the Volunteer Information Form and return to:
  
  Friends of the Wissahickon
  8708 Germantown Ave.
  Philadelphia, PA 19118-2717

What is a Trail Ambassador?

The 2009 class is full.  Please contact us if you are interested in joining us in 2010!

Trail Ambassadors is a docent program now in its second year.  Volunteers assist park users by discussing flora, fauna, regulations, geography, history, and daily life; along with providing directions and first aid assistance. Trail Ambassadors share their knowledge by:

●interacting with and providing assistance to park users;

●staffing information tables at FOW volunteer days and events;

●leading tours in the Wissahickon Valley; and

●conducting surveys of park users and wildlife.

There are many benefits to becoming a trail ambassador. “It gives me the chance to learn things,” says Sarah West, who has served as a trail ambassador since March. “It gets me outdoors and I get to ride my bicycle or walk in the Wissahickon and have it count for community service. It’s a win-win situation.”  Ambassadors become experts on the Wissahickon as they receive ongoing education about the Wissahickon through workshops, programs, and field trips. They receive discounts on FOW merchandise, and special gear that includes a hat, shirt, back pack, and first aid equipment.

For more information take a look at our Info Sheet.

Download Adobe Acrobat if you are unable to view our publications.