The Certificate in Native Plants program includes a 40 hour volunteer service requirement so participants can employ native plant knowledge in a way that supports the use of native plants in the landscape and promotes biodiversity through establishing and restoring native plant communities. This requirement is intended to be flexibly administered, with the following guidelines:
- Volunteer time must be focused on the restoration of native plant communities and not just gardening in general. Students can ask the CNP Committee and the CNP Program Manager if they are unsure of whether the volunteer project is suitable.
- Students will be responsible for logging their own time. A volunteer time sheet can be downloaded here: Volunteer Time Sheet. Time logging is subject to the honor system — there is no requirement that the volunteer organization sign off on hours. If a volunteer manager is available to verify hours, it is encouraged but not required.
- Currently, there is no time limit for students to get volunteer hours, but participants are encouraged to get hours while taking classes or soon thereafter.
The following is a partial list of community organizations that provide volunteer opportunities:
Chattanooga Audubon Society. Contact here
Friends of the Cumberland Trail. Contact here
Lula Lake Land Trust. Contact here
Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center – Native Plant activities. Contact here
Tennessee Native Plant Society. Contact here
Tennessee Valley Chapter of Wild Ones. Contact here
Questions? Contact us at tnvalleycnp@gmail.com