Volunteer
What would you like to do? From educating kids, to maintaining trails, to tending a native plant garden - we could always use a hand (even if it doesn't have a green thumb)!
Register as a SMCPS Volunteer to Serve at the Elms
SMCPS Volunteer Application *** if you are already an approved SMCPS volunteer, you do NOT need to apply again! ***
Existing Volunteers
Current Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer Program Coordinator (VPC) :
We are looking for a person or team to carry on The Elms Volunteer Program. Main responsibilities coordinating volunteers for The Elms, at our partner sites, and for outreach programs. Other duties to be performed or delegated include updating materials and completing administrative tasks in a timely manner, recruiting and interviewing potential volunteers, and assisting with the spring SMCM Master Naturalist service program. The VPC(s) will work closely with the SMCPS staff and the current volunteer program coordinator. This is preferably a long-term volunteer commitment; daily and monthly hours are flexible. Help us build the best volunteer program we can with your ideas and expertise!
Daytime Environmental Educators :
"The Elms" is the Home of Environmental Education for St. Mary's County Public Schools. During grade-specific field studies, students explore the diverse habitats of our county, including forests, wetlands, meadows, and beaches and do service in our native plant nursery (7th grade only). We are looking for individuals who enjoy sharing the science and wonder of nature with our St. Mary's County youth.
Education volunteers assist with teaching, lesson preparation, and new program development, while gaining invaluable experience working outdoors with diverse groups of children and adults. Volunteers are needed Monday through Friday, 9 am - 2:30 pm, though occasional weekend or evening opportunities may arise. If you are a retired teacher, if you have recently graduated, or are currently in college, with experience in environmental science, and/or teaching, or if you simply have interest in learning the skills and techniques it takes to become a good environmental educator, we invite you to join our volunteer team!
To discuss our current volunteer needs and how you might be of service, email us at elms@smcps.org!
Please note: all volunteers will be required to go through the SMCPS volunteer process, including a formal, no-fee background screening.
Summer Volunteer Adventures and Fall Field Studies Begin!
- photos and update coming soon
ARC of Southern Maryland Field Day
Lunch and Learn with SMCPS
21st Century Community Learning Centers Summer Camp at The Elms
Math and Science Night at Greenview Knolls Elementary
Thank you to all our volunteers for your hard work and ongoing support of The Elms!
The Elms is a Host Site for the Maryland Master Naturalist volunteer training program. We partner with University of Maryland to facilitate a 60 hour hands-on field and classroom-based program that brings experts in multiple Natural Resource fields to serve as volunteers at the Elms. COVID-permitting, we plan to host a Master Naturalist training session in Winter/Spring 2023. For more information see our Master Naturalist page or visit https://extension.umd.edu/masternaturalist.