Needs From: MC Serves!

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The Community Design Lab is a mobile, nature-inspired studio that brings community-led design to your neighborhood.  We are seeking artists, illustrators, painters, sketchers, designers, and other creative individuals who are passionate about the natural world and willing to share their talents with our community.

Volunteers may choose to contribute in a variety of ways. Some artists will help develop and lead nature-based art programs, workshops, and demonstrations for visitors. Others may prefer to work independently, creating original artwork, educational materials, displays, signage, or creative resources that support our environmental education and outreach efforts.

Whether you enjoy teaching others, creating behind the scenes, or both, your artistic skills can help inspire appreciation for nature, wildlife, and conservation.

No prior teaching experience is required. We welcome artists of all styles and skill levels who are enthusiastic about using creativity to connect people with nature.

Volunteer Activities May Include:

Creating original nature-themed artwork, illustrations, paintings, sketches, or mixed-media piecesDesigning educational displays, posters, banners, and interpretive materialsDeveloping nature art projects for children, families, and adultsLeading or assisting with art workshops, classes, and special eventsDemonstrating artistic techniques inspired by wildlife, plants, landscapes, or conservation topicsCreating visual resources for environmental education programsDesigning activity sheets, coloring pages, and creative learning materialsAssisting with community art projects related to nature and conservationCollaborating with staff to create engaging experiences that connect visitors to the natural worldSupporting outreach events through live art demonstrations or interactive creative stations

Desired Qualifications

Interest in art, design, illustration, painting, drawing, or other creative disciplinesEnthusiasm for nature, wildlife, environmental education, or conservationAbility to work independently and/or with groupsCreativity, reliability, and a willingness to share ideas and talentsFriendly and professional interaction with visitors when participating in public programs

Impact

By volunteering with the Creative Design Lab, you will help make nature more accessible, engaging, and inspiring through art. Your contributions can spark curiosity, foster environmental stewardship, and create meaningful connections between people and the natural world.

Schedule: Ongoing, flexible opportunities available throughout the year. Volunteers may contribute remotely, on-site, or through participation in scheduled programs and events as needed. All in-person and virtual opportunities will be supervised by an adult representative of The Urban Studio.

For virtual opportunities, every hour spent virtually collaborating with The Urban Studio team to create and design nature art engagement activities and learning materials will count as 1 SSL hour.

Important MCPS SSL approval information:

A student’s parent/guardian must provide the nonprofit with written approval of the student’s participation in the virtual platform prior to the student serving/volunteering.Students must use personal/private accounts (not MCPS student accounts) to engage in the virtual platform.Students will only engage with others under the direct supervision of a nonprofit supervisor. The nonprofit supervisor will be directly present in the virtual space (including any breakout sessions) at all times.The nonprofit supervisor will initiate and host all virtual sessions. If the nonprofit supervisor is not available to initiate and host the virtual session, the session will not occur.Virtual sessions will not be recorded.Students should not share or upload any videos, pictures, or images of themselves, unless the nonprofit organization has obtained a signed form/waiver from the student’s parent/guardian authorizing permission/release.Students' email addresses/home addresses or any personally identifying information will remain protected and not shared.

Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian. In-person service must be completed outside of school hours in a public space under direct supervision of the nonprofit organization. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety and privacy at any time the student is interacting with the nonprofit and its clients. For virtual/remote service, the nonprofit organization will determine the number of SSL hours awarded based on the evidence submitted. This service activity is designed to be completed within the safety of the student’s home. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns.

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The Community Design Lab is a volunteer program that connects art, creativity, and nature. We are seeking dedicated garden maintenance volunteers to help maintain our current and upcoming gardens in Montgomery County.

Help care for gardens, native plant habitats, and trees while supporting environmental stewardship and community beautification. Garden Maintenance Volunteers assist with planting, weeding, watering, mulching, pruning, invasive species removal, and seasonal garden clean-up. Whether you are an experienced gardener or simply enjoy working outdoors, your efforts help create healthy, welcoming spaces for people and wildlife. Training is provided, and volunteers can participate on a flexible, ongoing basis throughout the year. There may be instances where you are volunteering alone or with a group of volunteers.

Any students under age 18 will be directly supervised by an adult representative from The Urban Studio.

Activities include:

• Weeding and maintaining garden beds

• Watering and mulching

• Pruning and seasonal garden care

• Removing invasive species

• Assisting with garden clean-ups and special workdays

Ideal for: Gardeners, nature lovers, conservation volunteers, students, retirees, and anyone who enjoys hands-on outdoor work and environmental stewardship.

Student participation in this service project is at the discretion of the student’s parent/guardian and must be completed outside of school hours in a public space under direct supervision of the nonprofit organization. The nonprofit organization is responsible for maintaining student safety. Parents/guardians should contact the nonprofit directly with any questions and/or concerns.