Current Volunteer Opportunities
If you have an idea about how you can help that you don’t see listed below, give us a call at 716.933.0187. We’d love to have your special skills!
GARDEN CLIPPERS ~We start gathering supplies for our all-natural wreath decorations in spring each year. Maybe you have domestic plants in your garden that dry nicely. Perhaps you like to pick and dry wildflowers. Both are wonderful, as are a variety of pine cone types, nuts, and seed pods. We use many bags and boxes of dried material each year, decorating 200+ wreaths. We’re always particularly eager to have brightly colored items, as they’re the hardest to find. We’ll provide information on our needs, when to pick and how to dry flowers, and everything else you’ll need to know.
NEWSPAPER CLIPPER ~ SEVERAL NEWSPAPERS AVAILABLE ~ This volunteer position involves clipping references to Pfeiffer Nature Center from the local paper. Clipping are gathered and mailed to the Nature Center every 3 months. The volunteer who holds this position must reliably read the local paper, is able to clip articles as they are printed, note the date and page number on the clipping, and can be counted on to mail clippings to the Nature Center on a regular basis. This position can be done at home. This position is of great importance to measure the effectiveness of the Nature Center’s publicity and marketing efforts.
Newspapers Available:
Cuba Patriot and Free Press, Olean Times Herald, The Bradford Era, The Buffalo News, Wellsville Daily Reporter, Pennysavers of Western New York
DATABASE UPDATES ~ OBITUARIES ~ This volunteer position involves comparing local obituaries to our volunteer and donor database. Locating obituaries allows us to note in our files the passing of a volunteer and/or donor. The volunteer who performs this important task should have a good ability to compare lists of names and attention to detail. This position can be done at home or in the Nature Centers office. This position is of great importance to insure our organization is sensitive to the passing of a valuable friend; insuring mailings, emails, and phone calls are not generated to the family of the departed; and provides for timely condolences.
LOCAL BULLETIN BOARD MONITORS ~ SEVERAL SITES AVAILABLE ~ This volunteer position involves receiving via email color or black/white posters on Nature Center events; printing the posters; receiving permission from host sites; and securing posters at designated neighborhood locations. There are approximately 6 event posters produced each year. The volunteer who performs this important marketing task should have access to a computer and printer; is comfortable dealing with local sites; and is located near 4-6 neighborhood public bulletin boards, such a public library, grocery store, community center, church. This position is of great importance to the Nature Center’s marketing efforts by extending our reach into our community. The Nature Center cannot afford advertising. We conduct approximately 70+ free and low fee programs annually to provide recreation and nature education to our community.
Target Sites for Bulletin Available:
Cattaraugus County: Town of Portville; Central Olean; East Olean; West Olean; St Bonaventure; Town of Allegany; Town of Ellicottville; City of Salamanca
Allegany County: Town of Cuba; Towns of Bolivar/Richburg; Town of Friendship; Downtown Wellsville
McKean County: Town of Shinglehouse; Town of Eldred; Town of Port Allegany; Town of Smethport; Downtown Bradford; Pitt Bradford Campus.
PRESENTER ~ This volunteer position involves representing Pfeiffer Nature Center in the community, by fulfilling requests for speakers at community groups, organizations, etc. in the Allegany, Cattaraugus and McKean county areas. The volunteer who performs this job should be comfortable in a public speaking arena, articulate, reliable in fulfilling booked engagements. Requests for speakers can vary. We will keep track of volunteer availability and assign Pfeiffer Presenters accordingly to meet both the schedule of the organization and the volunteer giving the presentation. This position requires a brief training seminar. Call to schedule an orientation. There will be an overview of the organization and a basic script will be given to all volunteers. This is an important job within the Nature Center because it helps promote awareness and support for the Pfeiffer Nature Center and our mission within the community.
SEEDLING PLANTER ~ This volunteer position is ideal for children and parents. One the following days, we will be planting seedlings at our Eshelman Property. Volunteers should be able to use a shovel, kneel, and enjoy being outdoors. Volunteers should also bring, if available, work gloves and digging tools. Contact us for more information at 716-933-0187. SPRING 2011.
TRAIL BLAZING ~ This volunteer position involves refreshing blazes along the nine miles of trails on the Lillibridge & Eshelman Properties. The blazing uses stencils and spray paint. Helpers should be able to work with these tools, be meticulous, and able to walk and climb moderate elevations. This activity is not available for persons under the age of 18. SPRING 2011.
TRAIL CLEARING & MAINTENANCE ~ This volunteer position involves clearing debris, cutting seedlings, raking trail paths to maintain safe walking surfaces on our nine miles of trails. Helpers should be able to work with tools and able to walk and climb moderate elevations. FALL 2010 & SPRING 2011.
INVASIVE PLANT REMOVAL ~ A critical operation of the Nature Center is to keep current invasives at bay and to prevent new invasives from gaining a foothold on our properties. Invasive plants crowd out native species. Early spring teams of volunteers assist in the selective removal of multiflora rose from the site of the Children’s Interpretative Garden. Early spring volunteers help with the removal of garlic mustard. Volunteers can contact the office for the latest information and direction on the removal efforts. ONGOING.
Get Involved! Call us at 716-933-0187 or contact us by email to get started.
