Volunteer Opportunities

The spirit of partnership between the Dodge Nature Center staff and volunteers has educated thousands of children and helped the Nature Center operate at its highest possible level. With guidance from staff, volunteers teach classes to children and adults, lead hikes through the Nature Center, restore prairies, groom and exercise farm animals, plant trees, maintain trails, take photographs, assist in the office and much more. New volunteers are always welcome at Dodge Nature Center.

Indoor Opportunities

There are may occasions throughout the year we need help in the main office, assisting with copying, filing, organizing, mailings (sorting, folding, stamping) and special projects. You can work as little or as much as you like, setting your own days and times. We'd love to have you on our list to call for special projects or mailings!

Outdoor Opportunities

Teacher/Naturalists (weekdays)
Receive training and assist with the presentation of education/nature/agriculture based programs.

Weekend Tour Leaders
Volunteer guides receive training for Family Farm, Orchard, Snowshoeing, Maple Syruping and Monarch Tagging programs and present them to Saturday visitors at Dodge.

Woolly Bear Assistants (weekdays and Saturdays)
Help with a preschool parent/child program.

Land Restoration/Management
Involves invasive plant removal and restorative practices.

Buildings & Grounds
Trail maintenance, grounds work, carpentry, etc.

Benefit Planners
Assist the Development Department and Benefit Sub-Committee of our board prepare for our annual fall fundraiser.

Trail Patrols
Hike trails, report conditions, sightings, etc.

Special Events
Assist in the many aspects of our festivals, including Spring Farm Festival, Halloween Extravaganza, Winter Frosty Fun Festival and Pancake Breakfast.

Day Camp
Assist with the presentation of summer, fall and spring 1st - 7th grade camp programs.

Animal Care
Help to feed and care for raptors, farm animals and herptiles. This also includes bluebird house trail maintenance.

Gardens and Greenhouse
Propagation and maintenance of garden and greenhouse plants.

Miscellaneous Opportunities
Skilled photographers, seamstresses, artists, musicians, taxidermists, etc. are always needed!

For information on specific volunteer opportunities, contact Jason Sanders at 651.789.5235 or jsanders@dodgenaturecenter.org