College and University Volunteer Programs

UCONN HASB Student Volunteer Group

Bring Your School Group to The REED Center

Hands-On Conservation & Meaningful Service Learning

Looking for an immersive, impactful volunteer opportunity for your students? The REED Center welcomes school groups for large-scale environmental service projects that make a real difference.

Why Volunteer at The REED Center?

  • Real Impact: Help restore ecosystems through reforestation, invasive species removal, and land conservation efforts.

  • Educational Experience: Learn about permaculture, biodiversity, and ecological restoration from experienced practitioners.

  • Team Building & Leadership: Strengthen group dynamics through collaborative outdoor work.

  • Hands-On Learning: Work directly in the field on conservation initiatives like riparian forest restoration.

  • Memorable Adventure: Enjoy a fun, immersive volunteer trip filled with hands-on activities, inspiring conversations, and a welcoming community passionate about ecological restoration—creating lasting memories along the way!

What to Expect

  • Flexible Group Sizes: We can accommodate large volunteer teams for half-day, full-day, or multi-day projects.

  • Guided Conservation Work: Our team provides instruction and tools for a safe, meaningful experience.

  • Scenic & Inspiring Location: Work in a beautiful outdoor setting, surrounded by Maryland’s natural landscapes.

Recent Impact: UCONN HASB Volunteers

In March 2025, UCONN Honors Across State Borders (HASB) students planted 600 native plants as part of a riparian forest buffer restoration project, covering 3 acres of an NRCS grant. Through their volunteer efforts, we accelerated the project significantly and their help brought us one step closer to meeting our grant timeline requirements with the State of Maryland.

Interested in Bringing a Group?

We’d love to work with you! Whether you’re an alternative spring break program, environmental club, or service-learning group, The REED Center offers a unique opportunity to engage in hands-on conservation work.

📩 Contact Us: info@thereedcenter.org
📍 Location: 1932 Mountain Church Rd., Middletown, MD 21769

Reviews From Students and Staff

🌟 Judith O. (March 2025)
"I had an amazing time at the REED Center during an alternative spring break service trip! I loved being able to truly engage with the outdoors in a hands-on way, which included planting trees and removing invasive roots. Everyone we met there is extremely knowledgeable and deeply passionate about what they do, which made the experience even more meaningful. It’s such a beautiful place, and I definitely hope to be back again!"

🌟 Grace X. (March 2025)
"We volunteered with REED Center for our large group service project, and it was an incredible experience! Everyone was so welcoming, knowledgeable, and passionate about their work, and our volunteers found it to be very educational and grounding. This place is magical—we were so lucky to have had the opportunity to work with the REED Center, and we would love to come back in the future!"

🌟 Leighanna F. (March 2025)
"Spent the last week volunteering here and honestly could not have imagined a better experience. It’s very clear that Ben, Josh, and Jared all love what they do, and I’ve been extremely lucky to be able to immerse myself in this experience. I have learned so much from them, and I can’t wait to come back again!"

🌟 Dinyar U. (March 2025)
"I went to the REED Center as part of a service spring break trip and was amazed at how much Ben and all the other workers knew about plants and sustainable food cultivation. We all got our hands dirty planting trees and digging holes for dams. Ben even opened our ears to the indescribable soundscapes of the ecosystem around us! I will definitely be coming back here whenever I pass through Maryland again."

🌟 K A (March 2025)
"I had the privilege of volunteering here for three days helping plant trees, which proved to be an incredibly fulfilling experience. Ben and Josh are masters of agricultural knowledge and are doing incredible work to farm sustainably. This is an absolutely beautiful site with even more remarkable people."

🌟 Coco (March 2025)
"The REED Center is an amazing experience! We took a group of college students, and they loved learning from Ben, Josh, Jared, and the whole team. They are very knowledgeable and had a wealth of experience to share with us. This was such a transformational experience for everyone. If you are thinking about visiting the REED Center, doing service learning here, or just want to be in a healing space, coming here will be one of the best decisions you'll make!"

🌟 Michelle E. (March 2025)
"Amazing!! We went here for a service trip, and it was honestly the coolest experience ever!"

🌟 Elena P. (March 2025)
"This is the best place I have been blessed to see in my life. Truly an eye-opening, riveting experience that transcended any of my expectations—spectacular tour!"