Volunteer Project List

Join us for an exciting evening in the woods as we host our annual Tröegs-sponsored RUGGED Trail Run! Volunteers are essential to the success of this high-energy fundraiser, which draws over 300 participants plus spectators, vendors, and staff—all in support of the Center’s conservation work and trail maintenance.

Date & Time: Saturday, September 20, 2025 | 5:00 PM
Location: Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art

We need helping hands for a variety of roles, including: registration & check-in, water station attendants, trail guides & cheering squads, parking assistants, set-up and clean-up crews, food & beverage support.

Why volunteer?
You'll be part of a dynamic outdoor event in a stunning woodland setting with 9+ miles of trails, scenic views, and a fun post-race celebration featuring live music by Katz22, Tröegs beer, pizza, and snacks. It’s a great way to meet fellow nature lovers, support a worthy cause, and enjoy the vibrant energy of race day!

All ages welcome. Shifts available before, during, and after the race.

Ready to lend a hand? Let’s hit the trail together!
Sign up today to help make this year’s RUGGED Trail Run unforgettable.

The Ned Smith Center offers public and private school programs by request from September to May. While our staff educators lead most of these programs, we are always looking for assistance! Dates of these programs are variable, so accepted applicants will be added to a list to be contacted when we need assistance for programs. 

Responsibilities may include: 

• Assisting with preparing materials for programs
• Setting up teaching spaces
• Directing groups to the program locations
• Assisting during programs with passing out materials and guiding activities

All Program Assistant Volunteers must be 18+, have reliable transportation, and pass a Pennsylvania background and child abuse history check.

The Center is looking for volunteers to assist with maintaining some of the garden beds around the building and Nature's Discovery Play Area throughout the summer. There are a few areas to maintain and ideally, volunteers will be able to visit weekly. Work will mostly be unsupervised after initial training and can be scheduled to accommodate  the volunteer's schedule.

There are three primary areas needing weeded and volunteers may choose as many as they feel they are capable of keeping up with. Tasks mainly include pulling plants by hand, mainly invasive or otherwise unwanted greenery. There may be light trimming with hand clippers needed in some of the areas. All work materials will be provided. The areas of work are:

• The pollinator garden by the main entrance
• The spring ephemeral wildflower bed near the picnic area
• The Nature's Discovery Play Area