Date: Wednesday, May 19, 2010, with additional opportunities Wednesdays and Fridays thereafter. This is not a drop-in program.
Time: 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Cost: Volunteer opportunity but an application is required, as well as a commitment to volunteering on a weekly or bi-weekly basis for 2-3 months. -- the online form is here.
Other Paperwork: You'll have to print and sign a Park volunteer waiver form, which you can find here. Volunteers under 18 must have the parent/guardian approval section signed. Group leaders have to fill out the waiver form and fill in the group list.
Contact Information: (415) 561-3044 or volunteer@parksconservancy.org
Long abandoned after the Federal prison on Alcatraz closed in 1963, the gardens of Alcatraz were originally created by generations of guards, administrators and prisoners. In 2003 a volunteer effort was launched to restore the gardens and make them even more alive than during their past heyday.
There are Victorian flower gardens, terraced beds, and more recent initiatives aimed at erosion control.
Volunteers will do chores like weeding, pruning, and planting. What makes this opportunity especially cool: participants will get to visit some areas not open to the public, and will arrive on Alcatraz before other visitors. Having the island "all to yourselves" during the quiet times of the morning is a great reward for the work!
They're looking for Adults, (Educators or just regular folks, including seniors). This opportunity is not open to kids. Group programs are available and groups of 10-20 can schedule their own private program.
You don't need previous experience of any kind to volunteer, and training and tools will be provided. These chores include work where you'll get dirty, so bring sturdy long pants, close-toed shoes, and layers of clothing to keep warm or cool off. They also recommend that you bring a personal water bottle and sunscreen.
We won't comment on being a society where good people have to sign forms (see above) in order to volunteer! The Park Service is just "doing what they have to do in the real world of today," so no criticism of them is intended by that comment!
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