Volunteer Opportunities

Why Volunteer? Volunteer benefits include:
Volunteers are a vital part of the Accokeek Foundation. Without this special group of dedicated people we would not be able to fulfill our mission: "to preserve, protect and foster, for scientific, educational and charitable use and study for the benefit of the people of the nation, the historical sites and relics, trees, plants and wildlife rapidly disappearing from an area of great natural beauty along the Maryland shore of the historic Potomac River." No prior volunteer experience is necessary, just enthusiasm and an avid interest in the activities and programs we offer.

Besides having fun, learning new skills, and meeting people with similar interests, volunteers are entitled to special benefits, including:

Being a part of a fantastic Accokeek Foundation team
Being involved in an environment of life-long learning
Being a part of preserving Colonial history, living resources and agriculture
Discounts on classes and workshops, and at the Museum Gift Shop
Free admission to most programs
Free parking
Flexible schedule
Access to The Accokeek Foundation quarterly newsletter
Invitations to special events and lecture series
Professional development, training, and work experience
Complimentary one-year membership

Ongoing and Annual Volunteer Events

Agriculture and Gardening If your interests are more modern, there are volunteer opportunities at the Robert Ware Straus Ecosystem Farm, a modern certified organic farm. For those with historic interests, 18th century crops and gardens are grown on the Colonial site within the Museum Garden. Combining old and new, the Museum Garden is a learning experience where visitors can compare new and heirloom varieties of vegetables, herbs, and flowers.

Ecosystem Farm Volunteer Days will be held every 2nd Thursday from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. beginning Thursday, April 8, 2010 through Thursday, November 11, 2010. Volunteers will help by tending to the fields, weeding, planting, and harvesting the farm's produce. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals or groups with an interest in sustainable agriculture, organic farming, or environmental stewardship. Volunteers are encouraged to arrive early as a brief, dedicated tour will be given promptly at 1:00 p.m. Please be prepared to work in the outdoors wearing appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes. Volunteers are also encouraged to bring work gloves, sunscreen, hats, snacks, and plenty of water.

Individuals or groups interested in participating in the 2nd Thursday Ecosystem Farm Volunteer Days, should call or email the volunteer coordinator at volunteers@accokeek.org.

Bluebird Monitoring Each year, from March through August, volunteers take turns monitoring the nesting boxes on the Kenneth Otis Bluebird Trail. Volunteers are trained and oriented prior to the season, which includes a guided hike along the trail. Please wear closed-toe shoes and clothing appropriate for walking in tall grasses and on various terrains.

The Bluebird Monitor Orientation will be held on Sunday, March 21, 2010 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm in the Education Center.

Heritage Textile Arts Stitch 'n Time is a volunteer-based textiles club where members enjoy learning about the cultivation of fleece, wool dying, and colonial textiles. Club members will use wool from the farm's heritage breed sheep to card, spin, and knit. The club is open to novice and expert spinners and knitters, as well as those handy with a sewing needle or sewing machine to make costumes for our interpreters. The Stitch 'n Time Club meets monthly on the 4th Saturday from 1 pm to 4 pm in the Accokeek Foundation's Education Center.

Rain Barrel Workshop Instructors The Accokeek Foundation partners with the The Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin to provide free workshops to educate homeowners about water conservation and the use and care of rain barrels. Volunteers may sign up to become an instructor for rain barrel workshops held at the Accokeek Foundation. All volunteer instructors are required to attend the Rain Barrel Instructor Orientation and Workshop, which will be held on Saturday, March 6, 2010 from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm in the Education Center.

Individuals who are interested in volunteering for any of the above activities please contact the volunteer coordinator at 301.283.2113 ext. 34 or by email at volunteers@accokeek.org.

More Ways You Can Help

Trails, Trees, and Shoreline The 5 miles of trails require regular maintenance. The Riparian Forest Buffer was planted with over 2000 trees by hundreds of volunteers. In early April, the Potomac River Watershed Cleanup at this site needs dozens of volunteers. Online registration for this annual event is available. Please visit the Events page for more information or to register.

Youth and Group Volunteers The Accokeek Foundation is an approved service-learning site with the Prince George's and Charles County school systems, offering volunteer opportunities for earned service-learning credit hours. Whether volunteering as an individual or within a group, students enjoy learning about history, agriculture, and environmental sustainability. Volunteering is a great team-building activity. Corporate and civic organizations participate in group projects such as tree planting, shoreline and trail maintenance, as well as, special projects throughout the year.

All groups or service-learning volunteers who are interested in volunteering for any of the above activities should contact the volunteer coordinator at 301.283.2113 ext. 34 or by email at volunteers@accokeek.org for more information.

Special Events Volunteer Volunteers are needed for the following annual events: Potomac River Watershed Cleanup (early April), Children's Day (April/May), African American Heritage Day (August), Colonial Day (October), Gorgeous Prince George's Day (October), Winter's Eve (December).

If you would like to become a volunteer, please download and complete the Volunteer Application and send it to us via email, fax, or mail.

For more information on volunteering, please contact Anjela Barnes at 301.283.2113 or by email at volunteers@accokeek.org.

To download the Volunteer Application, please click here.