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Mar 18
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Jun 16
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Kirtland, OH 44094
The Holden Arboretum began scientifically monitoring bluebird boxes in 1965. Today volunteers monitor and maintain more than 200 nest boxes and keep accurate records of the number of eggs, birds hatched and birds fledged. Holden has seen a dramatic increase in the number of bluebirds as a result of this program. In 1965, only 8 nesting pairs were recorded. Today, we typically host 90 or more nesting pairs which fledge 300-400 young. The highest number of young was recorded in 2016 when 558 bluebirds fledged. Volunteers monitor the condition of nest boxes, eggs and young of bluebirds and other cavity nesting species in order to contribute to the growth and health of Northeast Ohio’s Eastern Bluebird population (and other native bird species). Responsibilities: Support staff and serve as a positive representative of Holden Forests & Gardens Follow supervisor instructions to complete tasks Hike trail and check on nest box condition at beginning of season Report nest box maintenance needs to appropriate staff Monitor nest boxes on your trail once per week Identify and document condition of nests Document condition of eggs and young in nest Document other relevant information (adult activity, etc) Discourage non-native species (primarily House Sparrows) Record all data in proper format Maintain the safety of people, plants, and animals Attend trainings, orientations, or clinics as required Additional related tasks as needed Outcomes/Impact: Contribute to conservation of multiple at-risk bird species that depend on human intervention to ensure success. Continuation of long-term data collection program that can be used to better understand bird nesting biology in many ways. Data are used by Holden Forests & Gardens, shared with outside researchers, and submitted to Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s global database NestWatch. Help maintain HF&G’s state-wide and national status as a leader and important contributor to bird conservation. HF&G has strong connections with Ohio Bluebird Society due to our history of nest box monitoring. Time Commitment: Approximately 2 hours once per week, March through August/September
Date Posted: Jan 11, 2023
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Flexible Schedule
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Kirtland, OH 44094
Do you like spring wildflowers? How about the animals that interact with them? Spring Ephemeral Phenology Observers will assist with 2023 spring and summer observations of wildflower phenology, pollination, herbivory, and seed dispersal. The project, funded by the National Science Foundation, seeks to understand whether spring wildflowers can adapt their phenology and the timing of species interactions to climate change. This is a multi-institutional effort that will take place simultaneously at four botanical gardens across the Midwest and southeast in addition to Holden Forests & Gardens. Our study species include Great White Trillium, Bloodroot, Yellow Trout Lily, and Wild Ginger, among others. Volunteers at the Holden Arboretum will help Drs. Stuble and Miller observe and collect data on spring ephemeral plants in the Myrtle S. Holden Wildflower Garden. These data will include the dates and duration of leaf emergence, first flowering, first fruiting, seed drop, and leaf withering. We will also record the dates and duration of pollination, herbivory, and animal-mediated seed dispersal, and will record which groups of animals are observed performing these roles (i.e., bees, butterflies, birds, etc.). Responsibilities: Support staff and serve as a positive representative of Holden Forests & Gardens Follow supervisor instructions to complete tasks Observe emergence of plants (phenology) or interactions (pollination, herbivory, and seed dispersal) based on schedule. Volunteers can do either phenology observations or interactions, or both. Log phenology observations phases in Budburst app (paper sheets available, if needed) Perform pollinator, herbivore, and seed dispersal (the interactions) observations and identify insects to Order and Family using field guides; log interactions in Budburst and/or iNaturalist app and data sheets Take pictures of phenology phases and insects that interact with plants and submit them on apps Submit data sheet(s) as instructed Represent Holden Forests & Gardens in a professional manner to visitors Maintain the safety of people, plants, and animals Attend trainings, orientations, or clinics as required Additional related tasks as needed Outcomes/Impact: Improved understanding of the role of evolutionary flexibility in spring phenology and the timing of biological species interactions under climate change Improved estimates of climate change-induced range shifts in plants Increased conservation of spring ephemeral plants Ensure maintenance of HF&G’s state-wide and national status as a leader and important contributor to pollinator conservation and science Time Commitment: This position runs March through mid-September. Shifts are 2-2.5 hours and should be completed between 10am and 2pm weekly, with exceptions for needed time off. The middle of the day is best for species and plant observations. Phenology observations should generally be done on Tuesdays and Thursdays and can be rescheduled to another day if the weather does not meet the appropriate conditions for observation (i.e., lightning/heavy rain). This will take about 2 hours. Interaction observations can be done anytime during Tuesday-Sunday and will take approximately 2.5 hours. Interaction observation plant groupings will be listed on Tuesdays each week as the placeholder in VicNet.
Date Posted: Jan 11, 2023
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Mar 22
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Apr 28
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Kirtland, OH 44094
Tree Tale Tellers help educate young children and their caregivers about the value of trees and raise awareness about Holden Forests & Gardens programs by presenting tree-themed story times at area libraries in the spring and fall. Tree Tale Tellers Mission Statement: Promote Holden Forests & Gardens through a professional, engaging, mission-related story time program presented to libraries and community centers in Northeast Ohio. Encourage environmental learning and stewardship and inspire empathy towards others. We provide: Hands-on, interactive learning Age-appropriate materials Nature based activities and literature Responsibilities: Support staff and serve as a positive representative of Holden Forests & Gardens Follow supervisor instructions to complete tasks Pick up books and materials from Arboretum Corning Library (in visitor center) or Botanical Garden Eleanor Squire Library Contact library staff in advance to review program, typical number of attendees, ages, etc. Arrive at assigned library 15 minutes early and check-in with library contact Present a 30-minute story time using provided books and activities Pass out HF&G provided literature to attending families Drop off books and materials to Arboretum or Botanical Garden when done within 24 hours Communicate any questions, issues, or concerns to staff in a timely manner Maintain the safety of people and plants Attend trainings, orientations or clinics as required Additional related tasks as needed Outcomes/Impact: Children and their caregivers can learn about trees and nature through fun and engaging stories and activities. Time Commitment: 2 or more 30-minute story times in the spring and/or fall, plus travel time to library/program site. Opportunities are mostly on weekday mornings and afternoons. Work Environment/Site: Travel required; Story times are held at libraries in Lake, Geauga, and Cuyahoga counties, and may include HF&G libraries at Holden Arboretum and Cleveland Botanical Garden
Date Posted: Jan 11, 2023
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Mar 15
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Mar 15
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03:00 PM
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06:00 PM
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Kirtland, OH 44094
ARBORETUM VOLUNTEER OPEN HOUSE Wednesday, March 15, 3-6pm Holden Arboretum, Corning Visitor Center Whether you have a passion for plants or people, discover how you can make a difference and connect to our community of nature lovers. Learn about current Holden Forests & Gardens volunteer opportunities at Holden Arboretum and talk to staff and volunteers at our annual volunteer fair. You'll be able to learn about opportunities with horticulture, collections, research, conservation, education and more. There is no cost to attend . To register or get more information, contact the volunteer office at volunteer@holdenfg.org or 440.602.8003.
Date Posted: Jan 11, 2023
