Would you like to assist in the preservation of Kentucky's finest natural areas? The Kentucky State Nature Preserves Commission is looking for volunteers to give us a hand in the field and in the office. Several volunteer opportunities are being scheduled throughout the year, visit our events calendar. For those of you who would like to make an ongoing commitment, please refer to the positions below or contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Alice Mandt.

Current Volunteer Opportunities

Botany Assistants -- We have several opportunities available for individuals who are interested in learning more about Kentucky's rare plants. At the Frankfort office, we need assistants scanning and organizing images of plants -- a great way to learn them! Additionally there are many plant collections that need labels so they can be sent to larger herbaria. We also would like to computerize our small herbarium. Some low level familiarity with computer use is needed for this work.

Data Management Assistant -- If you are interested in learning more about the Heritage Program database and have at least minimal computer skills, we need your help! A volunteer position is open for a Data Management Assistant at the Frankfort office. This position involves updating log books and processing data with our Data Management team. Ability to follow simple procedures and a sense of humor are essential. Time commitment would be at least a half-day per week.

Field Assistant (Botany) -- In the field, we need assistants to help us continue to locate and monitor rare plant species on public lands. Volunteers should have some plant identification skills and be able to work independently.

Preserve Biologist -- Volunteers are needed throughout the Commonwealth who have good species identification, research and monitoring skills. We are currently seeking volunteer Preserve Biologists who want to contribute to our knowledge and management of biodiversity on state nature preserves. You must be able to maintain and submit timely, accurate reports and commit to 4-12 hours per month during active projects. More details are available upon request.

Preserve Monitors -- Reliable volunteers are needed to serve as our eyes and ears at several nature preserves across the Commonwealth. These individuals will be responsible for visiting their assigned preserve at least twice a month and filling out reports on the conditions of the preserve - not a bad job if you live close by! Additional training will be provided. There are positions available at many of our preserves. Please contact us if you are interested.

Hemlock woolly adelgid (Adelges tsugae) or HWA is an invasive insect that develops, reproduces and feeds on all species of hemlock trees. Both Carolina hemlock (Tsuga caroliniana) and eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) are vulnerable to infestation and are currently suffering widespread mortality in the eastern United States. Sadly, hemlock woolly adelgid was discovered in Kentucky during the spring of 2006.

Volunteer days were held during 2007 to survey for infested areas within the preserve system. Several drainages examined turned up positive for hemlock woolly adelgid. During the upcoming months and years, KSNPC will be asking for volunteers to help treat the nature preserves.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please visit our events calendar or contact Alice Mandt to be added to the volunteer e-mail list.