Volunteer Grassy Waters Preserve
Volunteer Opportunities
Minimum age 16
We need volunteers in many areas! We hope you’ll find your “niche” in the job descriptions listed below. You can specialize in one area, or do a little bit of everything! You don’t have to be well-versed in your area of interest before signing up. You will be paired with a staff member and/or an experienced volunteer for training, and will not be on your own until you feel comfortable doing so.
Nature Center Steward (includes office responsibilities)
- Interacts and greets all visitors, will dispense information, answer phones, makes program reservations, etc.
- Includes some office duties, including word processing.
- Must be outgoing and enjoy working with the public.
- Will become familiar with basic Nature Center operations and develop knowledge of the Preserve’s plants, animals, and habitats.
Children’s Program Leader or Assistant (to include ACWA, GWP camp, visiting camps etc.)
- May assist staff and/or lead students during activities which may include hikes, boardwalk tours, dip netting, crafts, etc. Most children’s programs occur on weekdays.
- Assists with any set up of materials and/or equipment necessary for activities.
- You will help keep students in a group and assist instructor as requested. Most activities will be outdoors and some will include hiking through various terrains, including mud and water.
- You will remain after activity has ended to help clean and put away materials and/or equipment. Must enjoy working outdoors with students of all ages. Must become familiar with various activities to know what equipment and/or materials are needed for each.
Canoe and/or Kayak Assistant
- Help with a variety of public and specialty canoe and kayak outings. These programs include school field trips, family outings, visiting camps and others.
- Programs vary from one to three hours and are offered on both weekends and weekdays at varying times.
- Help with setup and breakdown. This includes unloading boats prior to outing and getting supplies together for trip including radios, first aid kit, paddles, life vests, etc.
- May be asked to paddle with children and inexperienced adults
- May act as sweep boat, keeping the group together and assisting with rescues.
- Must be a fairly adept paddler and be able to lift the canoes and kayaks off of and back onto the storage racks.
- Must enjoy working outdoors and working with the public.
- Must be physically fit.
Trail Stewards
- Group or independent trail clearing and trail maintenance (may include use of approved herbicide).
- Exotic plant removal and restoration days scheduled 1-2 days per year.
- Patrol preserves properties. Monitor general condition along trail may remove trash, prune and trim brush. Report if any action needs to be taken.
- Will become familiar with native and exotic plants and able to distinguish between the two.
- Monitor preserve areas as assigned to determine plant and animal activities such as what’s blooming, who’s nesting, water levels, etc.
- You must be physically able to do occasional strenuous activities such as hiking in the swamp, digging, chopping, etc.
General Services
- Construct, repair, or assist with developing items needed for programs such as bird boxes, fish tanks, exhibits, special props, boat maintenance, etc.
Please contact Volunteer Coordinator Cindy Bush via email at grassywaters@comcast.net with any questions or to request a volunteer application!