Supporting the connection between community and nature is extremely vital, as future generations are at risk of losing touch with the natural world. Dodge volunteers foster nature connections and experiences by sharing their talents, ideas, and diversity of perspectives. You must have a volunteer application on file with the nature center before volunteering.
For: Adults, Teens ages 15+
Time Commitment: 1:30-5:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26 2019
Location: Main Property in West St. Paul
The Dodge Nature Center Halloween event is one the most exciting volunteer opportunities of the year. With a number of roles to choose from, you will be sure to walk away with festive fall memories. Dress up with the Halloween spirit and join us during the event to assist with an activity, admissions, concessions, or on our family friendly trick-or-treat trail. Choose the role that best fits your style and enjoy pop and pizza at the end of the night. Online sign up will open the end of summer.
For: Adults, Teens ages 15+
Time Commitment: February 2020 (TBD)
Shift: (TBD)
Location: Main Property in West St. Paul
Break up the long lull of winter by volunteering to support the Dodge event that beckons the community into the winter wonderland. Choose to supervise an activity station, welcome guests at admissions, or handout hot chocolate and treats at concessions. Sign Up will open in December. Online sign up will open in winter.
For: Adults, Teens ages 15+
Time Commitment: March 2020 (TBD)
Shift: (TBD)
Location: Garlough Environmental Magnet School in West St. Paul
Support the sweetest event of the year as an assistant at Dodge’s Pancake Breakfast. Help serve food to guests or work behind the scenes dishwashing in the kitchen. Choose a role that bests fits your style. Volunteering at a feast means you won’t go home hungry.
Online sign up will open in winter.
For: Adults, Teens 15+
Time Commitment: May 2020 (TBD)
Shift: (TBD)
Location: Main Property in West St. Paul
Welcome the green season by getting involved at Dodge’s Rock the Barn event. Enjoy an atmosphere of live music, baby farm animals, and fresh air. This farm festival generates excitement and community connection. Choose a role that best fits your style. Volunteers will get three complimentary meal tickets to be used for festival concessions. Online sign up will open in the spring.
For: Teens 16+
Time Commitment: Summer Camp 2020 runs mind June through early August. Sign up for a 2 camp minimum, more if you like. Camps run Monday-Thursday.
Location: Main Property in West St. Paul
Experience the glory of being a camp counselor by playing games, hearing the funny things kids say, and acting as a role model for young campers. Help naturalist staff with preparation, activities, group management, and ensuring that the camper experience is memorable. If you are interested in joining our summer team, submit a volunteer application and wait to be contacted for an interview in April. If accepted, new volunteers are required to attend an orientation/training at the end of May/early June at 4 p.m. Date to be determined.
For: Adults
Time Commitment: Weekdays during the school year
Location: Main Property in West St. Paul
Assist in providing environmental education programs to school groups by teaching/leading small group hikes. Ages of students vary, primarily K-6th grade. Teaching experience is helpful, enthusiasm is required. No experience needed. Training and feedback provided by professional naturalist staff.
For: Adults, Families, Teens
Time Commitment: During the growing season. Ongoing independent project flexible to fit your schedule. Daylight hours only.
Location: Lilly Property in Mendota Heights (5 min. away from our Main Property in West St. Paul)
Prior to European settlement, MN boasted more than 18 million acres of prairie. Today, less than 2% remains. The health of the pollinator population is uncertan and prairies are mandatory to support their survival. Remove brush (small trees like sumac and buckthorn) from invading the prairie habitat. This ensures grassland plants are winning in the area for the bees and butterflies. You will need: sturdy footwear, clothes that can get dirty, water, sunscreen, and bug spray. Dodge will provide instruction during an orientation and equipment so you can work indepedently.
