Natural Lands is accepting applications for the 2020 Stoneleigh Ambassador volunteer training program.

Modeled on the organization’s incredibly successful Force of Nature program, volunteers attend five, hands-on training sessions at Stoneleigh in Villanova. Upon graduation, the volunteer ambassadors serve as greeters, tour guides, and special event helpers for the 42-acre botanical garden.

“More than 60 years ago, a group of volunteers who were passionate about the Philadelphia region’s open space founded Natural Lands,” said Oliver Bass, president of Natural Lands. “Today, Natural Lands’ ambassadors play a vital role in continuing our founders’ work. Their energy and commitment to Stoneleigh is inspiring.”

For nearly 80 years, Stoneleigh was the home of the Haas family, who donated the property to Natural Lands in 2016 so that it would remain preserved forever. After much preparation, planning, and planting, Stoneleigh opened to the public in May 2018.

Today, Stoneleigh is a showcase for blending the aesthetic beauty of designed gardens with the natural richness and biodiversity of native habitats that are essential to the health of our planet. Extraordinary trees, sweeping vistas, and intimate garden spaces offer a variety of opportunities to explore, learn, relax, and be inspired.

Garden ambassadors enjoy a sense of giving back and the connection to the natural world while forming close friendships with like-minded volunteers.

“We meet visitors from all over the country and enjoy hearing their stories,” said Ralph Hall, a current ambassador. “It’s also great to work with the children and witness their excitement in exploring and learning about nature.”

The deadline to apply for the Stoneleigh Ambassador program is Dec. 31. Click here for more information or to apply.

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