Volunteer Opportunities in Botany

ed lonergan

We have a great crew of volunteers who help us in all aspects of herbarium curation. Ed Lonergan, a diligent worker, accessions specimens to be added to the herbarium while listening to classical music on the radio (see photo). Marcia Zanger has tackled our substantial backlog of unaccessioned bryophytes and has made remarkable progress! Jackie Asbury assists with curation of the collection in a number of ways.

However, volunteers are still needed to assist with the curatorial work in caring for the Academy's large and historically important collection of plant specimens. Opportunities are also available in research. This is an opportunity to learn about botanical diversity while gaining hands-on experience with a working herbarium and botanical research laboratory. Volunteers are encouraged to ask questions, interact with, and learn from the staff in the Botany Department.

Responsibilities may include:

  • Making specimen labels from field notebooks (or occasionally other sources) for plant specimens.
  • Mounting plant specimens for incorporation into the Herbarium (we have specimens collected from as close by as Fairmount Park to as far away as Malaysia).
  • Filing plant specimens into the herbarium.
  • Helping to pull, pack and ship materials to be sent on loan for study by botanists from other institutions.
  • Databasing and digitally photographing the very large collection of important type specimens.
  • Helping to monitor and treat collection areas for beetles that can damage the specimens.

Qualifications:

  • Must be at least 16 years old
  • Have interest in natural science, including plants.
  • Familiarity with word processing / databasing programs helpful.
  • Have the ability to perform some physical labor.
  • Have initiative, responsibility, ability to work well with others and follow instructions precisely.

Training and Supervision:

  • On the job training will be provided by Drs. Lucinda McDade, Associate Curator and/or Alina Freire-Fierro, Collection Manager of Botany

Scheduling and Commitment:

  • Because of the investment made in training volunteers, we ask for a serious commitment. However, short-term projects may be available from time to time. During your training we ask that you make a commitment of at least 4 hours each week to be scheduled between the hours of 9 am and 5 pm. We try to be flexible in working out a schedule, but need to be able to count on you.

For more information, contact: Lois Kuter, volunteer coordinator (215-299-1029 or ), or visit Volunteering at the Academy.