Teen Projects At Thielke Arboretum

Welcome!
Below, you’ll find information on:
  • The purpose of our teen projects,
  • Participation details,
  • Information on Steward, Education, Research and Innovations projects
Purpose of Thielke Teen Projects
The purpose of teen projects at Thielke Arboretum is to provide space and support for young people to improve our native habitat, educate themselves and others about environmental issues, use our facilities as a base for their own independent or group research, and consider new methods of solving problems.
As a result, the Thielke Arboretum has several ways that teens can get involved. 
 
Stewardship: Taking care of the land
Education: Teaching others about the land and related issues
Research:  Using scientific tools or academic content to learn more about our environment
Innovation: Considering new ways to solve environmental problems
Participation details
 
Our top volunteer need is maintaining our native habitat, so all teen projects require first working the land for three hours. After that, you can choose to get involved with any of our projects.
 
These projects require varying levels of dedication. Some projects just require that students show up and do the work that they are assigned, such as improving trails with mulch.  Some projects require a much higher level of independence, such as Research work.  
 
To get started, teens need to complete a Registration form and a Parent Waiver. There is no charge for Glen Rock teens to participate, but teens may create projects that incur costs.  Generally, students should expect to cover their own costs.
Steward
 
Our top volunteer need is supporting wildlife habitat, so all teen volunteers are required to spend three hours working on the land.  If you enjoy working outdoors and want to do more, then consider becoming a Steward 
 
You’ll learn about threats from invasive plant species, pollution, and other issues while you repair habitat.  This might include pulling weeds, planting trees, and spreading wood chips. 
 
Stewardship hours are 9 am and 12 noon on Saturdays and Tuesdays.  If you have a group, it might be possible to arrange other hours.
Education 
 
There are two ways that you can educate others: as a Docent and as a Content Creator. 
 
Docents share their knowledge of the Arboretum environment to heighten awareness and importance of the need to conserve nature. They lead tours and give education talks to children and adults. 
 
Content Creators help others understand environmental issues by making new content available to visitors.  Create a video or audio guide, a brochure or game; give a lecture or bring in outside expert speakers.  Arboretum volunteers will help. 
Research
 
Working on the land will introduce you to habitat issues. As a Researcher, your own extensive analysis may uncover helpful information.  
 
Research an issue by reading, watching videos, and speaking with experts. Understand the problem, contributing factors, possible solutions, and why some attempted solutions may not have worked as hoped. 
 
Arboretum volunteers and the Glen Rock Library Teen Librarian can support your work.  Attend an Environmental Education Center Nature Nerd Night (Open Lab), and use tools on site such as microscopes, forestry tape, or content such as plant inventories. 
Picture
Photo by Joseph Cooper
Innovation 
 
Are you an Innovator with a creative yet feasible idea that can help us better serve the public and wildlife?  Unleash your creative side and find a solution for environmental problems. 
 
Innovative ideas can come from time spent working the land, researching an issue, and talking to others.  We’d love to hear about your ideas!