Why is there a need for the
Become an
Ecological Restoration Leader
Program?
With limited funding, Fairmount Park relies
on community volunteers to actively play a
role in the restoration of Philadelphia's
natural areas. WRV dedicates thousands of
volunteer hours every year, removing
invasive-exotic vegetation and trash, and
planting native trees, shrubs, and ground-
cover in the Wissahickon Valley Park.
You can help us do even more!
Paired with enthusiastic volunteers,
Ecological Restoration Leaders are key to
WRV's success in restoring the natural
ecology of the Wissahickon Valley Park.
Not only do Eco-Restoration Leaders practice
their knowledge of ecological principles
related to forest restoration, they allow more
volunteers to actively restore this vital
ecosystem community, which translates into
a healthier Wissahickon!
How do I become an
Eco-Restoration Leader? Ecological Restoration Leader
in the Wissahickon!
Participants in the ERL Program attend three
FREE classes. Each class focuses on a
different area of ecological restoration work.
The semester culminates with participants
leading volunteers during an ecological
restoration session in the final class. Each
participant receives an ERL manual and
other materials.
Upon completion of the program and passing
of the exam, participants become certified as
WRV Eco-Restoration Leaders and have the
opportunity to lead volunteers in ecological
restoration sessions for Wissahickon
Restoration Volunteers (WRV).
As a trained WRV Eco-Restoration Leader,
you can have a great impact on the health of
the Wissahickon Valley Park!
Join us this spring for
For more information on how to participate in three FREE classes in:
the Ecological Restoration Leader (ERL)
Program, contact Amanda Hymansmith at 1. Plant I.D.
amandah@rhd.org or (215) 951-0330 ext. 2101.
2. Restoring urban ecology
3. Working with volunteers
Training & certification course sponsored by:
Wissahickon Restoration Volunteers
The Ecological Restoration Leader Program
was made possible by an
Environmental Education grant from the
www.wissahickonrestorationvolunteers.org
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
 What is the
Ecological Restoration Leader
Program?
The Ecological Restoration Leader Program
was developed to train participants in the
science of ecological restoration and the art
of working with volunteers.
“This program fosters stewardship,
accountability, and restoration ideals so that
the trainees can become lifelong advocates of
the environment.” -Shawn M. Gavin,
administrator for EPA's mid-Atlantic region
Eco-Restoration Leaders work with
volunteers to restore the Wissahickon Valley
Park. The role of the Eco-Restoration Leaders
is that of an instructor, educating volunteers
about ecosystem protection through a
hands-on approach. These efforts are
coordinated through the Wissahickon
Restoration Volunteers (WRV). WRV is an
environmental nonprofit organization and
Fairmount Park Partner dedicated to the
ecological restoration of the Wissahickon.
The cultivation of environmentally
conscientious individuals will have
immediate and long-term impacts on the
Wissahickon forest and beyond.
Where/ When:
Class 1: Ecological Restoration
Saturday, March 27 9:00 a.m.- 12:00 noon
Pachella Field pavilion, Roxborough, Phila.
Off of Livezey Ln & Henry Ave
Class 2: Leading Volunteers in Urban Restoration
Saturday, April 10 9:00 a.m.- 12:00 noon
Thomas Mansion, Mt. Airy, Philadelphia
6245 Wissahickon Avenue
Class 3: Wrap Up, Field & Written Exams
Saturday, April 17 9:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m.
Scout House, Roxborough, Philadelphia
726 W. Wigard St, off of Henry Ave
*Bring a bag lunch
Upon completion of the program and passing of the
exam, participants will receive their certificates along
with further information.
Can’t make it this time around?
Call us for more information about the next
round of ERL classes! (215) 951-0330 ext.2101
Who can become an
Eco-Restoration Leader?
The Eco-Restoration Leader Program
is open to adults of all skill levels in
the Philadelphia area. Youth between
the ages of 15 and 17 are invited to
attend the classes, but are not
permitted to receive certification as an
Eco-Restoration Leader.
Participants must possess:
-A concern for the well being of
local natural lands
-Leadership skills
-A desire to learn restoration techniques
-Physical ability required to conduct
restoration work
-An interest in expanding knowledge of
native plants and ecosystems
-A willingness to volunteer & get dirty!
Becoming a WRV Eco-Restoration
Leader is completely free-of-charge!