Become A Wissahickon Trail Ambassador

The Friends of the Wissahickon (FOW) is offering a winter training session for its popular Trail Ambassador program. The application deadline is Friday, January 20, 2012. 

Trail Ambassadors are park volunteers who assist and educate people in the park with anything from directions to safety needs to park history, flora and fauna. Ambassadors perform their service in the park and participate in ongoing education. They become experts in the Wissahickon and have the opportunity to delve deeply into their particular topics of interest, while providing a valuable public service. Trail Ambassadors share their knowledge by:

• Interacting with and providing assistance to park users while walking the trails
• Staffing information tables at FOW volunteer days and events
• Leading walks in the Wissahickon Valley
• Conducting surveys of park users and wildlife.

"It is really nice to be part of the stewardship of the Wissahickon," Sarah West, Education Manager for the Trail Ambassador program, said in a release. "It lets me put my values into practice-not just talk, but actually do something." 

Training will be held on Thursday evenings, 6 to 8 p.m., from February 9 to March 22, 2012. First Aid/CPR training will be held on a Saturday in March. Applicants accepted into the program are required to pay a $100 registration fee, sign a one-time volunteer release form, and obtain their criminal background check and child-abuse clearance.

Ambassadors must be FOW members or willing to join the organization. The number of open positions is limited. For more information, program requirements, and an application form visit www.fow.org/get.php#TA.