The ENC is host to a variety of volunteer opportunities ranging from Museum Docent to Faire Volunteer, but it’s no secret that the ENC’s 3.5 acres of natural habitat needs more than a few helping hands to keep it healthy.

Our incredible plant communities are here for the public to enjoy and explore, but they also provide a service learning opportunity for our community. With volunteers meeting regularly, our Habitat Helpers restoration programs are geared towards that purpose. After all, what would such an accessible ecosystem be without a healthy dose of service, education, and teamwork?

“Volunteers learn what a weed is and how they can be detrimental to native ecosystems,” says Mike, the ENC’s Grounds Manager. “These weeds outcompete native plants and take water and nutrients away from them. They increase fire risks by lessening the duration between fires and increasing intensity.”

Most importantly, volunteers can get some hands on experience by taking part in this weeding process in order to keep our dynamic ecosystem in tip-top shape. “It’s hard work, but volunteers definitely like it; they want to help their community.”

Want to help Mike and help maintain the ENC? Sign up online for a Habitat Helpers restoration event on January 27th February 4th or February 6th, all from 1:30 to 3:30 pm. We can’t wait to see you there! – Nathan Serafin, ENC Communications Intern