Volunteer Opportunities at the Nature Center

Volunteers are the heart and soul of the Nature Center. With their support, we are able to fulfill our mission of connecting people with nature and bringing nature to people.

 

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If you’re interested in volunteering, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at jamieeync@gmail.com and answer the following questions:

• Are you a student, employed, retired, or in another situation?

• Why do you want to volunteer with us?

• Do you need to fulfill a specific number of volunteer hours?

• Which volunteer positions interest you the most?

• What is your availability? (e.g., weekday mornings, afternoons, weekends, regular or occasional)

• Do you have any special skills or interests that you would bring to your volunteer experience?

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Volunteer Opportunities

Not all positions are available at all times, but here are our most common volunteer opportunities:

• Docents

  • Docents are nature enthusiasts who enjoy engaging with children. After completing training, you’ll commit to one to two mornings per week. Docents lead nature walks, sharing your knowledge of local plants, animals, and ecosystems. Volunteers should be comfortable walking on uneven trails for up to an hour. Extensive training is provided.

• Receptionists

  • Receptionists are the friendly faces that greet visitors at the Nature Center. You’ll share information about our museum, trails, and programs, and assist with shop purchases, park passes, and memberships. The time commitment is one shift per week. Shifts are available Tuesday through Sunday, both mornings and afternoons.

• Animal Care

  • Animal Care volunteers help care for our animals, including local birds, snakes, and insects. Duties include cleaning enclosures and preparing food for the animals. Volunteers must be comfortable handling a variety of animals. Minimum age: 16. While there are currently no openings, please check back for future opportunities.

• Habitat Restoration

  • Join a dedicated team of volunteers working on habitat restoration in our Nature Study Area. Tasks include removing non-native plants, planting native species, monitoring monarch butterflies, conducting tree surveys, and protecting young trees. There are both set workdays and ongoing volunteer opportunities.

• Trail Stewards

  • Trail Stewards help maintain the safety and enjoyment of our trails. Responsibilities include monitoring for hazards, engaging with visitors to share points of interest, and informing them about trail rules (e.g., no bikes or dogs except service animals). Hours are flexible.

• Office Help

  • Office volunteers assist with various administrative tasks, such as data entry, organizing mailings, and handling paperwork. Opportunities may involve regular weekday shifts or occasional tasks, depending on needs.

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We greatly appreciate your interest in supporting the Nature Center!