Opportunities From: Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

Help us maintain the Butterfly Garden near the Hawk Watch Tower and other flowerbeds. Tasks may include removing invasive species, tending to birdfeeders, watering plants, maintaining pathways, and/or establishing new native plants under the direction of park staff.

Scheduled opportunity dates (weather allowing):

Fort Washington maintains a number of cavity nest boxes throughout the park. As part of one of our longest running community-science projects, volunteers assist with routine nest box checks throughout the nesting season. Collecting data on species and nesting success rates, as well as conducting maintenance, sanitation duties, and entering end of season data. 

Fort Washington's cavity nest boxes routinely host bluebirds, swallows, wrens, and sparrows, among others.  This is a seasonal program running spring through fall.

Scheduled opportunity dates (weather allowing) [late March through mid August]:

Staff can also offer a tutorial in box monitoring, by request.

Help maintain, restore, or refresh parts of the park as needed and under the guidance of park staff.  This is a "catch all" category for specific volunteer requests which do not fall into any other Opportunity category.

Scheduled opportunity dates (weather allowing):

With direction from park staff, volunteers will assist with the planning, planting, and care of native trees and shrubs throughout designated park areas.

Skills will include planting techniques, understanding of native trees/shrubs and their needs, and protection methods from deer and other wildlife. Along with providing water to saplings during times of drought, and monitoring general health.

The volunteer helps enhance forest health, improve habitat, and support long-term ecological sustainability while contributing to visitor enjoyment and resource protection.

Scheduled opportunity dates (weather allowing):

Under the direction of park staff, take part in removing or mitigating invasive plant species in Fort Washington to help support more native biodiversity. 

Scheduled opportunity dates (weather allowing):

This opportunity is for individuals who would like to help pick up litter around the park! From the picnic areas, trails, and pavilions, wherever you see it laying. 

When you plan on collecting, alone or as a group, please contact the volunteer coordinator. We can arrange a drop-off site for the park to pick it up. Also, gloves, and trash bags can be provided.

Help maintain the park's hiking trails.  Tasks may include clearing obstructions, cutting back encroaching vegetation, or more in-depth projects as directed by park staff including trail surface repair, water bar installation, or erosion control.