Become a Plant Conservation Volunteer with
New England Wild Flower Society!

​From Laney Widener
​
New England Wild Flower Society is seeking enthusiastic people who have a commitment to plant conservation and protecting natural habitats to participate in their Plant Conservation Volunteer Program. Plant Conservation Volunteers (PCVs) puts the skills of citizens to work collecting information on rare plants and their habitats across all six New England states. The majority of the work focuses on rare plant monitoring, but there are also opportunities to assist with invasive species removal, habitat management projects and botanical surveys that benefit rare plants. The Society also offers free field trips and some learning opportunities to PCVs. It’s an excellent opportunity to develop your botanical skills and put them to work, learn more about the flora of New England, meet others with similar interests, and help preserve your state’s natural heritage.
 
RESPONSIBILITIES
•    Attend the annual 1-day training session held on a weekend in March/April for each of the New England states to review surveying protocols and PCV guidelines. The schedule is on our website for training sessions.
•    Review available surveys and choose ones for your abilities and/or surveys that will excel the New England Plant Conservation Program.
•    Complete at least one rare plant survey including research on plant/accessing location, coordinating with other volunteers to survey, conducting the survey and completing and submitting field forms digitally through a secure website.
•    Conduct possible seed collections on rare plants following specific protocols.
•    Represent the PCV program and conduct work in a professional manner.
•    Keep ALL data on rare plant populations confidential.

QUALIFICATIONS
•    Good candidates are motivated, independent workers; have some skill in plant identification and good observation skills; and are adventurous. 
•    Ability to collect and organize scientific data and filing field forms in a timely manner.
•    Some computer proficiency is required for communication and submitting field forms.
•    The physical ability to hike in uneven terrain and varying weather conditions.
•    The ability to work independently or with a team of other volunteers.
•    Ability to travel some distance to survey sites and endure possible long days in the field.

HOW TO APPLY
To apply visit our website and fill out the electronic application by February 1, 2017:
http://newenglandwild.org/conserve/saving-imperiled-plants/plant-conservation.html/
 
Interested applicants with botanical knowledge who are outside of eastern Massachusetts are encouraged to apply. All who are interested must apply and be accepted into the program before attending a training session, due to the sensitive nature of rare plant data and data security agreements we have with each state’s Natural Heritage.
 
Applications are reviewed during the winter (January - February) to be considered for that field season year. To be considered for the 2017 season, please submit your application via the online application by February 1, 2017.
 
QUESTIONS? Contact: 
​ 
Laney Widener
Botanical Coordinator
New England Wild Flower Society
508-877-7630 ext. 3204
lwidener@newenglandwild.org
 
All applications to become a PCV must be submitted via the online application to the Botanical Coordinator prior to training sessions. 

Link to the brochure about becoming a plant conservation volunteer
http://newenglandwild.org/conserve/docs/PCV%20Pamphlet_2015.pdf