Building a Greener Future: Volunteer Impact at Newlin Grist Mill

By Ameya Singh

This previous month, in getting volunteer hours for Interact; I signed up for a Habitat Stewards activity in a local location at Newlin Grist Mill to get the community involved with nature and conservation efforts of the environment which really piqued my interest and led to further research.

Over the past 7 years, Newlin Grist Mill has led the initiative to plant 1000 trees in the community. This quaint. The head committee plans for this due to the development of a recent issue presented as an invasive beetle species; the mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae), a small insect that lives most of its life in the inner bark of pine trees. The adult beetles are black to rusty brown and 1/4 inch in length. They fly from infested trees to new host trees in late June or July.

This insect has been taking over the forest and breaking down the inner bark of trees nearby, bringing in the need for cages around the trees. On February 22nd, volunteers from the Interact and robotics club cleaned and aided in the growing of these trees once the cages were opened. This truly opened my eyes to the community taking the first step towards maintaining our local parks and trails. 

Some other projects that Newlin Grist Mill conducts include: 

The Water System Study aims to document the original 1704 configuration, track its changes over time, and assess the condition of its components. 

Glen Mills, PA – The Newlin Grist Mill is undertaking crucial restoration studies to preserve its historic water system, a defining feature of the 18th-century mill. The system, which includes dams, gates, and canals, has evolved over three centuries but now requires extensive analysis and repairs.

Additionally, a Tail Race Study is addressing deterioration in the mill’s 214-foot-long stone and brick waterway. Experts from J&M Preservation Studio began an assessment in December 2013 to determine structural conditions and guide future restoration efforts.

 – Newlin Grist Mill is offering diverse volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups eager to make an impact in historical preservation and environmental conservation. Volunteers can engage in archaeology, special events, and natural resource management, among other activities.

For those with limited availability, task-based projects provide meaningful contributions with a clear beginning and end. Seasonal volunteers can take on roles such as staffing the Visitor Center, leading interpretive tours, or demonstrating blacksmithing, offering a deeper commitment with a consistent schedule.

Supported in part by a Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission grant, these projects reflect the mill’s commitment to historical and environmental preservation.