Volunteer Opportunities
Individuals, students, and community groups are invited to participate in ecological restoration at various locations throughout the Delaware Estuary region. Volunteers are trained and put to work removing invasive species, propagating native species, planting native species, and monitoring results. Volunteers committed to a regular schedule are trained as leaders then supervise less experienced volunteers during group work events.

Invasive Species Control
Loss of native plants through competition from exotic species badly damages the natural system. Invasive species are one of the leading causes of habitat destruction in the Delaware Estuary today. It is estimated that over forty-two invasive plant species have taken hold in the region. In order to restore natural communities, exotic plant control is necessary. Without the many attentive hands of volunteers, native plants wouldn't have a chance of becoming reestablished in our parks and preserves. With proper training, volunteers explore a variety of means to combat invasive species. Small plants are removed manually, pulling stems and clipping vines. Volunteers use gloved hands, loppers, and shovels to remove larger targeted species.

Nursery Operations
There are over 2,000 plant species native to the region, but only a handful that are commercially available. Strategic partnerships have been developed to supply Restoration Rangers with appropriate plant materials. For rare plant propagation, the Partnership works with organizations such as Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve and Native Plant Societies. Volunteers interested in plant propagation, seed collection, plant maintenance, and nursery operations work at on-site nurseries or at our partner locations.

Planting
Planting occurs during the growing season between spring and fall at each project location. Species lists vary from site to site, but typically involve a diversity of species and a range of sizes. Proper installation is paramount to success and typically involves the use of tree-shelters to thwart deer browsing. Follow-up monitoring allows for changes in technique if necessary to improve survivorship.

Volunteer Training
Working with professional guidance, Rangers gain experience and a complete understanding of the job and their responsibilities. In addition to on-the-job training, Rangers attend workshops to learn specific skills depending upon their appointed tasks.

Orientation
Orientation is the first step in the training process. It is necessary for Rangers to understand the purpose of their efforts. During orientation, Rangers learn the natural history of their project location, the background on the organizations involved, natural systems management philosophy, and the importance of ecological restoration. The restoration process, the native plant communities being restored, and how these communities function in the environment are discussed at length. Program policies and guidelines are discussed and volunteer handbooks are distributed.

Invasive Species Control Training
Rangers participating in invasive species control must attend specific training sessions. Instruction in plant identification, safety, exotic control methods, tools and equipment is given. Field exercises are a scheduled training activity, which gives Rangers the opportunity to perform exotic control under direct supervision. Rangers who are interested in herbicide application as a means of exotic control must register for Herbicide Training. This is an intensive all day workshop where Rangers and staff learn precautions and safety measures, how to mix and store chemicals, as well as when and how to apply herbicides. Rangers enrolled in herbicide training are required to have at least one-year field experience with the Restoration Rangers program.

Nursery Training
Volunteers working in plant nurseries must complete a course that covers topics such as: seed collection; seed storage and preparation; plant propagation from seed; cuttings and air layering; and, nursery operations recordkeeping, and maintenance.

Workshops
Specific workshops are conducted regionally several times per year for Rangers to advance their learning in restoration. The workshops are not mandatory, and are generally for the benefit and pleasure of volunteers. On-going training opportunities keep Rangers apprised of new techniques and allows them to hone their skills.

Project Locations
• Bellwood Preserve, Holland, PA
• City of Milford, DE
• Supwana Meadows, Salem, NJ
• Gibbstown Parks, Greenwich Twp. NJ

Signing Up
To become a Restoration Ranger, contact the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary at 302-655-4990, ext. 111.