Aquatic Gardens Interpretive Volunteer

Save to Favorites

Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens Interpretive Volunteer Position Description

Summary

Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens is recruiting volunteers to provide interpretive support at one of Washington, DC’s premier natural sites. Lead guided tours, facilitate educational programs, staff the visitor center, represent the National Park Service and so much more. Join the Anacostia River Renaissance today!

Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens is the only national park devoted to the propagation and display of aquatic plants. The site showcases one of the largest tidal wetlands along the Anacostia River. The wetland contains a wide range of aquatic and terrestrial flora and fauna. Situated along the Anacostia River Trail, the park receives approximately 100,000 visitors each year - 60% of whom visit between June and August. Located along the East Coast flyway, the park is one of the best birding locations in DC. The park is located in the Kenilworth-Parkside neighborhood and the park hosts a number of fun educational, volunteer and cultural programs for local residents and youth from Wards 7 & 8.

Volunteers will have the opportunity to receive firsthand training in historical interpretation and natural science from NPS staff and park partners. This opportunity is ideal if you like learning new things, nature, being outside and sharing your knowledge with others. This position is ideal if you are a Master Gardener or Master Naturalist, a college student studying environmental science, a retiree or someone who just wants to learn more about the natural environment and the Anacostia Watershed. Candidates should feel comfortable in public speaking and interacting with kids.

Duties

• Time commitment: interpretive volunteers are expected to work at least 8 hours each month, broken into two 4-hour shifts. Volunteers are most needed Thursday-Sunday mornings but the park could use help on all days of the week.
• Lead guided tours through the ponds and wetlands. Tour group sizes can vary from individuals and small groups to large groups of around 30 people. Group age varies from elementary school-aged children to senior citizens.
• Facilitating visitor participation in the Junior Ranger program. The NPS Junior Ranger program is a great way for children to learn about natural sciences and environmental stewardship.
• Support educational programming at summer camps, spring break camps and day camps coordinated by NPS or park partners.
• Support programming at the annual Lotus and Water Lily Festival.
• Meet and greet visitors. Smile, you represent NPS and Friends of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens!
• Staff the visitor center and bookstore. Work the cash register, answer questions from visitors, help with administrative duties (ie folding pamphlets, restocking flyers) as needed.
• Encourage visitors to get involved.

What you’ll receive

• Onboarding consists of firsthand training in historical interpretation and natural sciences, a research packet, uniform and script, training tours and introductions to park staff and partners.
• The opportunity to help and network with park partners such as Friends of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens, Anacostia Watershed Society and Anacostia Riverkeeper.
• The chance to socialize and develop friendships with others who share your interest in historical interpretation, natural sciences and education.
• Opportunity to learn the proper care of aquatic plants from NPS staff.
• The fulfillment of educating other people about the environment

Contact

If you’d like to become an interpretive volunteer or if you have questions, contact David Drawbaugh at david@fokag.