Volunteers are essential to the success of events and programs offered through the Nature Park Interpretive Center and habitat enhancement projects in the Nature Park.  Thousands of hours are logged each year by volunteers maintaining trails, removing invasives, and planting natives in the Park, and events like Bug Fest could not happen without the scores of volunteers that give their time before, during, and after the events. Become a part of this amazing place by volunteering for one of the opportunities below.
One-time Volunteer Opportunities
ENVIRONMENTAL WORK PARTIES
The Natural Resources Department always has a need to maintain restoration sites and trails. Our scheduled ongoing events can be viewed at Environmental Opportunities. Pre-registration is encouraged. If you would like to schedule a separate volunteer event specifically for your group or business please contact Melissa Marcum.
SPECIAL EVENT SUPPORT
The Nature Park Interpretive Center hosts four events a year:
- Earth Day Celebration and Spring Native Plant Sale in April
- Bug Fest in August
- Fall Native Plant Sale in October
- Newt Day in November
Without volunteers these events would not be possible. There are jobs for everyone from plant and bug experts to those that just want to be inspired by a child seeing their first live newt. We'll match you up with the perfect job for you at these educational events.
We are currently recruiting volunteers for the Earth Day Celebration and Nature Plant Sale on Saturday, April 18, 2009. Volunteers are needed in shifts from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m to help with everything from sporting wildlife mascot costumes to loading plants for shoppers to helping visitors learn about wildflowers.
Regular Volunteer Opportunities
NATIVE PLANT GARDENERS
If you like to get your hands dirty, garden with native plants, and hang out at the Nature Park, consider adopting a plot in the Native Plant Garden around the Interpretive Center. Volunteers must commit to adopting and maintaining the plot for a minimum of one year. Activities would include:
- Mulching the area once a year. (Mulch will be provided.)
- Pruning and maintenance of plants.
- Weeding the area once or more every two months.
- Planting more native plants. (Plants will be provided.)
This program is perfect for individual volunteers, families, businesses or other community groups.
PARK WATCH - Concerned Citizens Are Making a Difference!
Park Watch volunteers are ambassadors of the Nature Park. Volunteers walk or jog the trails, provide information to park visitors, and inform park staff of any problems they may notice. All training is provided. This is a great opportunity to enjoy the park, learn about local wildlife and plants, and help your community all at the same time!
INTERPRETIVE CENTER ASSISTANTS
This volunteer position helps provide administrative support to the Interpretive Center staff by volunteering time to help with the daily operations of the center and keeping the library and information tables organized. Interpretive Center Assistants help visitors with their questions, answer the telephone, prepare materials for programs and events, stuff envelopes, make copies, and update interpretive displays.
NATURE EDUCATION ASSISTANTS
The Nature Education assistant is a great opportunity to help instill a sense of wonder and respect for the natural world in children and adults. This volunteer position helps to plan, prepare and lead educational activities while supervising program participants if necessary. If you are interested...
STEWARDSHIP LEADERS
If you love the Nature Park, want to help improve your watershed, and are looking for some leadership experience, you will be interested in our Stewardship Leader Program.
Stewardship Leaders assist the Natural Resources Department in improving the health of our local natural area parks by leading scheduled volunteer restoration projects and educating volunteers on local watershed issues.
The training for this program covers the following topics:
- Ecosystems, habitats, watersheds, biodiversity, etc.
- Native habitat restoration
- Planning and coordinating a local restoration work party
- Safety, tools and volunteer training
- Plant identification and proper planting techniques
- Removal of non-native plant species
Volunteer Today
If you are interested in any of the opportunities on this page, please contact Melissa Marcum, Natural Resources volunteer coordinator, at 503/629-6350.
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