At Charlotte's Quest Nature Center volunteers dedicate their time, talents, and resources to help teach environmental education and to make the public aware of their surroundings and the precious natural resources that we need to preserve for future use. The Manchester Parks Foundation promotes this awareness and advances the welfare of our natural resources through volunteer training services, fundraising, field trips, and other activities or demonstrations.

The Manchester Parks Foundation is the motivating force behind this undertaking in the small town of Manchester. Spear-headed by then Manchester Councilperson Charlotte Collett in 1993, Manchester's nature center was born. Charlotte a retired Manchester Elementary School teacher, wanted the awareness and the wonders of our enviroment taught to the Manchester Elementary School students and to the general public. School officials were contacted and shown possible plans by the town for an outdoor learning facility adjacent to the school's property. When asked if they would use the facility schoolteacher Charles Pearce and Principal Robert Bruce couldn't jump at the chance fast enough. A small Interpretive Building was erected on the more than 60 acres of land that Charlotte's Quest calls home. Pine Valley Park and the Walnut Street pond are comprised in this acreage.

The building and the surrounding land were purchased with grant money from Project Open Space. Our one major fundraiser each year is our annual Spring Fest the first Sunday in May. Vendors, exhibitors, games, environmental presenters and more bring in funds for the operation of Charlotte's Quest. Donations, fundraisers, consistent usage of the facility by home school groups, school students, scouts and the general public, as well as grant funding, are important to the success of Charlotte's Quest.

START MAKING A DIFFERENCE TODAY...

After completing the required form you will be mailed an application and information about our volunteer programs. There are a variety of volunteer opportunities available for people in all age groups.

We currently have needs in the following areas to name a few:

•  Information Desk/Receptionists on the first Sunday of each month.
•  Trail maintenance
•  Bluebird Trail observations and maintenance
•  Building maintenance
•  Grounds maintenance
•  Spring Fest
•  Fundraising
•  Assisting the naturalist with field trips
•  Carpentry projects
•  General clerical duties
•  Newsletter printing and mailing

JUNIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

Our Junior Volunteer Program is a great opportunity for children 14-18 years of age to earn their required 75 hours of community service learning needed for graduation from the Carroll County School system.

Requirements for the Junior Volunteer Program:

•  Fill out application.
•  Interview with Volunteer Coordinator(s).
•  Attend all required training.

Once you become a Junior Volunteer you have a diverse selection of volunteer opportunities to choose from.

Please fill out the form below to become a volunteer today.