Volunteer
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with us!
We could not accomplish our mission without the help of people like you.
You can read about some of our ongoing volunteer projects below. You can also find upcoming volunteer days on our calendar.
Invasive species control (late fall-early spring)
We need your help to control invasive Autumn Olive, Tree-of-heaven, Oriental Bittersweet, and Japanese Honeysuckle. These species provide inferior habitat for animals and they crowd out native plants. Exotic plants thrive at Clifton (as they do across the Piedmont) because of the property’s long history of disturbance. Invasive species control is a great way to get to see the 900-acre property, meet fellow environmentalists in your community, get some exercise, and make a difference for our native biodiversity.
If you are interested in participating in our invasive species control, you can find upcoming volunteer days on our calendar.
Biodiversity surveys (year round)
We need help conducting biodiversity surveys on the field station. Our goals are to monitor the effects of our restoration projects on native species and to contribute to our long-term bioblitz.
We are looking for volunteer participants and survey leaders.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
- Birds (year round). We are looking for birdwatchers who are able to identify all species visually and aurally to do monthly bird surveys in our early successional habitats.
- Plants (spring to fall). Botanists who can identify the majority of herbaceous and woody species found in Piedmont fields.
- Butterflies and dragonflies (spring to fall). People who can identify the majority of species found in the region (it’s OK if you have to photograph some skippers!).
If you are interested in conducting biodiversity surveys, please email Bert Harris at bharris@cliftoninstitute.org.