Thank you for your interest in joining the award-winning
Anne Arundel County Bay Invaders project!
This unique project partners park rangers, volunteers, and AACPS teachers who work together to support 9th grade Environmental Science students from public high schools to learn about invasive plant species, develop a removal plan, and conduct a removal project in Anne Arundel County community and regional parks.
Project Timeline: March to April 2025
Minimum Volunteer Commitment: Up to 15 hours
Benefitting High Schools: Annapolis, Northeast, Severna ParkBenefitting Parks: Cool Pond Park, Broad Creek Park, Tick Neck ParkMain Volunteer roles:1)
Field Assistant
- Continually engage students at removal locations and facilitate project outcomes
- Assist in identifying natives from non-native invasives
- Ensure use of proper non-native invasive plant removal techniques
- Supervise and motivate students
Potential additional roles:
1) Classroom Presenter
- Present on invasive plant identification and management in 9th grade classrooms (PowerPoint, handout, and other materials provided)
2) Management Plan Reviewer
- Review invasive species management plans created by the students and submit feedback that will be reviewed in class by the teachers
- Provide insight on practical land management to enhance the student outcome
- This work can be completed at home and emailed in to the teacher
Please answer the following questions to gauge your experience and best place you with an opportunity. Experience is not required to participate in this project but baseline knowledge of local invasive plant species or experience working with high school students can be helpful.
Teenagers and young adults represent a demographic that tends to exhibit a lower rate of engagement at school while also experiencing a higher risk of losing their connection to nature. Bay Invaders strives to reinforce these important connections to the natural world while also navigating ever-present technological and youth culture distractions. Bay Invaders doesn't resonate with every student, but every student who is gently and patiently encouraged to be open to experiencing the program does benefit.
Please note that all volunteers must pass a background check through Anne Arundel County Public Schools. Background checks from any other organization do not apply.
