FortWhyte Alive

The FortWhyte Alive Volunteer Program is expanding into new areas with exciting  volunteer roles and professional development opportunities galore.  Read below for details on fall 2009 openings in Education, Visitor Services and the FortWhyte Farms.

Education

FALL MIGRATION PRESENTERS: Ever wonder how many geese come whiffling down on the lakes for Sunset Goose Flight evenings? Are you a skilled public speaker with a knowledge base in Power Point presentations?  If you can top that with a genuine interest in the magic of migration, this role gives you a front row seat.  Commitment is short-term and weekly from September 23 - October 25, minimum of one evening, from 5:00 - 9:00 pm.

SCHOOL PROGRAM NATURE LEADERS: Come join our education team as we kick off a new program year with in-depth training sessions to bring even the most timid up to speed.  You don’t need to be an expert to share nature with others. Energy, people skills and enthusiasm is the secret to success. Commitment is one half day per week for fun interactive school programs at varied levels.  Your commitment.  Your choice.

PUBLIC WALK LEADERS: Are you a nature buff with good communication skills?  Are you looking for sporadic, meaningful involvement in environmental education once every 4-6 weeks?  Public Walks for FortWhyte Visitors and Members are on Sundays at 2:00 pm.  Training along with shadowing opportunities are provided to get you started.

ROVERS: If you prefer one-on-one communication, this is a role for you to consider.  Rovers offer a dimension of visitor services, both inside and along the trails, on weekends and during special events, by enhancing the FortWhyte experience with orientation and information for guests.  Good knowledge of trail systems, indoor and outdoor exhibits, Manitoba flora and fauna and programs and services.  Training and mentorship provided.

Visitor Services

GOOSE FLIGHT CREW: You can experience migration season first-hand by joining our goose flight volunteers once a week from mid September to the end of October.  Self-scheduling is encouraged.  This is a short term 5-week commitment with front gate attendant and food concession roles.  More information is available at a general training session planned for Thursday, September 17th from 7:00 - 8:00 pm. in the Main Theatre of the Interpretive Centre. Pre-registration is required.

INFO DESK GREETERS: Sign up for info desk training to be ready to handle "value-added" visitor services in either the Interpretive or Alloway Centres on Saturdays and Sundays.  This anchor position is expecially suitable for people-oriented individuals.  Shifts are 4 hours, once a month.

FortWhyte Farms

GREENHOUSE TENDERS:  Does your green thumb long for year-round activity?  The new cold climate solar greenhouse at the FortWhyte Farms will need the support of volunteers starting this October.  Minimum commitment with emphasis on self-scheduling of between one to one and a half hours per weekday or weekend.  Choose your day and choose your time.  The ideal candidates already have hands-on horticultural experience.

FORTWHYTE FARMS PROGRAM LEADERS: If you have an interest in working with at-risk youth in a unique setting of ecologically sustainable, mixed-farming operations (beekeeping, greenhouse, market gardening, pastured chickens and pigs), consider the FortWhyte Farms.  Commitment is 2 -3 hours per week with choice of daytime or early evening (4:30 - 7:00) from January - mid June or from July - August.   Child abuse and police record checks are part of screening process.

APIARY SPECIALIST:  How do we enhance the bees’ environment to increase the production of honey?  How do we control swarming?  If you’re an experienced apiarist with an interest in sharing your knowledge and some of your time, the FortWhyte Farms would like to meet you.

HARVEST VOLUNTEERS: If harvesting vegetables is an activity that appeals to you, you are invited to join our FortWhyte Farms staff person regularly on Tuesdays or Thursdays to reap the late harvest for our market garden that will remain open, noon to five on those two days, until Thanksgiving weekend.  Last year, 5,000 lbs of veggies, including tomatoes, potatoes, beans, peas, salad greens, swiss chard, fresh herbs and more, were sold over the season. 

FORTWHYTE FARMS WORKING BEES:  Old fashioned working bees at the front and back end of the seasons are great!  Are you an experienced gardener?  Can you help weekdays?  We provide camaraderie, gardening tips, seeds, seedlings and whatever else the farm can spare in exchange for your time.

HONEY HARVEST ASSISTANTS: The FortWhyte Farms is equipped with larger scale honey harvesting equipment.  Here is an opportunity to learn more about how it all works by getting involved in the fall harvest.  Minimum commitment of a half day per week sporadically when production is happening in August, September and October.

ORCHARD TECHNICIAN: Anyone who fits the title of orchardist from a hobby farm persperctive or otherwise would be a welcome addition to the FortWhyte Farms.  If your interests go beyond growing an orchard to growing community as well, we welcome your skills and any spare time you might have to help us nurture apple, plum, pear, cherry raspberry, honey berry saskatoon bushes at our mixed farming operations.