Does the natural world knock your socks off?

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Do you love being outdoors and hiking? Interacting with others? Learning new things? Then you should become a natural areas guide at Holden Arboretum. The Arboretum has two amazing guided hikes, Stebbins Gulch and Little Mountain.

Stebbins Gulch is the crown jewel of Holden Forests & Gardens’ extensive natural areas, as well as one of the most unspoiled natural history preserves in Northeast Ohio. It is a deep ravine environment with its own microclimate and multiple forest zones. It displays one of the most complete sequences of exposed rocks in Northeast Ohio, spanning 30 million years of marine sedimentation and five named geologic units. A strong sense of isolation and remoteness is retained even though it is only 25 miles from downtown Cleveland.

Once a resort for those escaping summer’s heat, Little Mountain has once again become a woodland retreat. Guests learn the history of the area while touring geologically fascinating ravines and unique wooded areas on this moderate 1.5 mile hike.

Natural Area Guides:

• Use their communications skills in beautiful surroundings
• Share the amazing features and beauty of the natural areas
• Lead adults and students on a hike
• Teach others about nature
• Discover skills they didn't know they had
• Grow with a friendly, dynamic group of volunteers who have fun while learning and contributing their expertise and knowledge

Opportunities are available during the week days and on the weekend. Each hike has a lead and backup volunteer scheduled. No past experience is required - just an enthusiasm for sharing the natural world and your time with others. Training and shadowing opportunities are provided by Holden Arboretum's expert staff and veteran volunteers.