To get started volunteering at Armand Bayou Nature Center contact one of the volunteer committee members or call our office at 281.474.2551!

In addition to the opportunities listed below there are many ongoing activities that could always use some help.

Here is what the signup sheet looks like for the Fall Training Events (see Rebekah's next post for more details).

Activity Signup Sheet

There are many fall activities going on at the nature center!  October 8th is a training day at the farmhouse, open to new and experienced volunteers.  Learn to make butter, rope, candles or yarn dolls, or discover how you can make the wood shop come alive for visitors.  These interpretive skills will assist you if you plan to volunteer at the Martyn Farm Festival, field trips, or weekend farm demos.  Also, note that Creepy Crawlers is coming up soon: October 22nd!  We are looking for volunteers.  See the calendar, or contact the education office for more information.  (281-474-2551 x14)

 In the year and a half since we decided that it could be maintained by a group of volunteers rather than one individual, I have been very involved with the garden. However, I need to give more attention to my second graders this year, so I will be putting in less time, although I will continue to garden as my monthly demo, and to put in a few hours when I can.

If you think you may be interested in being part of the garden, we would love to have you!  if you are not sure that you know enough, the experimenting is a big part of enjoying a garden.  Since soil, weather, insects, other creatures, and our own time availability are all factors, we plant a wide variety knowing that while some plants may be less successful than others, we will harvest something!  You can bring what you know and be part of taking care of our whole space; come knowing little or nothing and learn as you go; or have a bed for working on by yourself. You can talk to us at the volunteer meeting on August 11, by e-mail, or out in the garden. If you  would feel more comfortable starting with a class, Urban Harvest offers several, including this one:

Hands On: Planting the Winter Vegetable Garden
You will learn about the types of pests, diseases and problems that appear on winter crops, as well as transplanting of seedlings, soil preparation, fertilizing and more. The list of vegetables to be planted in the winter garden includes beets, bok choy, cabbage, collards, lettuce, multiplying onion, mustard, snow peas, sugar snap peas, Irish potatoes, turnips, arugula, leeks, English peas, and parsley.

So, wander into the garden and consider the possibilities!

Hilary

Come help with ABNC's Winter Camp for kids.  There are two camps scheduled, and you are welcome to volunteer you talents any day.  Camp dates are: Dec. 21-23 and Dec. 28-30.  Call Heather at 281-474-2551 x14 for more information.

If you like reptiles and enjoy working with people, we would love to have you join us on an outreach this summer!  We need volunteers to lead (must have current animal handling certification) and assist (spray hands, carry reptile containers, pass around non-living specimens, etc.)  Most outreaches are during weekdays and are for families at libraries or school-age day care programs.  If you are interested in helping with a reptile demonstration, check out the calendar and/or contact Rebekah (Outreach Volunteer Chair, rebekah@abnc.org) or Heather (Director of Education, heather@abnc.org, 281-474-2551 x14). 

The Education Department needs your gently used towels and button-down shirts for camp and field trip activities.  If you have used (but still usable) towels or large button shirts (to be used as smocks), drop them off at the front desk or the education office.  Thanks!

Interested parties would give brief 10 to 30 minute presentations to local community organizations or businesses about volunteer and membership opportunities at ABNC. These outreaches are on weekdays and some may be on weeknights. If you are interested, please contact the Education staff at (281) 474-2551 ext. 13.