The deadline for joining the Montgomery County Friends of the Wissahickon Trail Ambassador Program is January 25. Sign up now for the winter training session for this popular volunteer program.

Trail Ambassadors are park volunteers who assist and educate people in the park with anything from directions to safety needs to park history, flora and fauna. Ambassadors perform their service in the park and participate in ongoing education.

They become experts in the Wissahickon and have the opportunity to delve deeply into their particular topics of interest, while providing a valuable public service. Trail Ambassadors share their knowledge by:

-- interacting with and providing assistance to park users while walking the trails;

-- staffing information tables at FOW volunteer days and events;

-- leading walks in the Wissahickon Valley; and

-- conducting surveys of park users and wildlife.

Training will be held on Wednesday evenings, 6 to 8 p.m., and one Saturday morning at The Cedars House from February 6 to March 20. Applicants accepted into the program are required to pay a $100 registration fee, sign a one-time volunteer release form, and obtain their criminal background check and child-abuse clearance.

Ambassadors must be FOW members or willing to join the organization. The number of open positions is limited.

For more information, program requirements, and an application form, visit the FOW Trail Ambassadors webpage or contact FOW Outreach Coordinator Sarah Marley with questions at: marley@fow.org or 215-247-0417 ext 109.

1/21/2013