Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers are the lifeblood of the Wehr Nature Center. As a volunteer, you might spend a few hours a year assisting with a special event, a few hours a week volunteering as part of a group, or a few hours every day feeding the animals. Whatever your talent or interest, we want to help you to help us.
If you are at least 12 years old, we welcome you to volunteer. No experience is necessary, and we'll provide training as needed.
Volunteer Programs
for students, individuals, social/civic groups and corporate organizations
Special Event Volunteer Programs
If you can commit to only a short amount of time, or would like to volunteer as a family, join us in making one or all of these special events even more spectacular. To volunteer for a special event, contact our volunteer coordinator.
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Maple Sugaring, February and March
Tap maple trees, collect and boil down sap. Demonstrate the sugaring process or lead hikes through the sugarbush. Volunteer Orientation Information
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Earth Week, April
Take part in celebrating the Earth by volunteering for various activities. Volunteer Orientation Information
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Walkabout at Wehr, May
Help with Wehr's family-friendly walk, the Center's major fundraiser. Help walkers stay on the correct path when you serve as a trail monitor or distribute items when acting as a tent monitor. Volunteer Orientation Information
- Goin' Buggie, July
Scores of hardy hands and smiling faces are needed to share the natural history and fun bug activities while teaching about insects and their relatives with young children. Volunteer Orientation Information
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Cider Sunday, October
With beautiful fall color as a backdrop, this event focuses on the apple harvest. Greet the public, help with children's activities and crafts, demonstrate traditional cider-making equipment, or help with food sales. Volunteer Orientation Information
- Halloween Haunts, October
Take part in one of the many activities during this famous, exciting weekend. Carve pumpkins, lead activities, or be a costumed character. Volunteer Orientation Information
Are you having trouble finding a program that fits your interests? Let us know how you'd like to use your talents as a Wehr volunteer– contact our volunteer coordinator.
Weekday Volunteer Programs
Whether you'd like to spend one morning a year or every day helping at the Wehr Nature Center, these groups of volunteers will welcome you. . .
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Phenology Walkers
Mon. mornings, year-round, 8:30-10:30 a.m.
Walk the trails and record the seasonal cycles of nature, such as the flowering of wildflowers or the presence of birds. Maintain the phenology data base. Volunteer Orientation Information
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Wehr Wheel & Chip Society
Tue. mornings, year-round, 9–11 a.m.
Come join the hard-working, fun-loving group to help take care of the nature trails. You may maintain the trails, prune shrubs or trees, or do minor outdoor construction. Volunteer Orientation Information
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Dotty's Crafters
Meet once a month, Wed. afternoons
Join the crafty volunteers to help create items for Wehr Nature Center and Nature in the Parks programs
- Earth Care Crew
Thurs. mornings, May–Nov., 9–11 a.m.
Be part of the group that cares for the wide variety of plant life at Wehr
You may transplant valuable flora, collect seeds for Wehr prairie sites, control exotic species, or maintain the ethnobotany garden. Volunteer Orientation Information
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Nature Interpreters (Teachers)
Weekday mornings or afternoons
Assist with activities, lead hikes, and teach environmental topics to school and youth groups throughout the year, or camp groups during the summer. A teaching background is not required. Seasonal training is provided. Opportunities are available through Wehr as well as Nature in the Parks. Volunteer Orientation Information
Are you having trouble finding a program that fits your interests? Let us know how you'd like to use your talents as a Wehr volunteer– contact our volunteer coordinator.
Evening & Weekend Volunteer Programs
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Nature Interpreters (Teachers)
evenings or weekends
Assist with activities, lead hikes, and teach environmental topics to youths, families, and adults. A teaching background is not required. Seasonal training is provided. Opportunities are available through Wehr as well as Nature in the Parks. Volunteer Orientation Information
Are you having trouble finding a program that fits your interests? Let us know how you'd like to use your talents as a Wehr volunteer– contact our volunteer coordinator.
Anytime-it-fits-your-schedule Volunteer Programs
Are you having trouble finding a program that fits your interests? Let us know how you'd like to use your talents as a Wehr volunteer– contact our volunteer coordinator.
Community Service Programs
Students and individuals may fulfill community service hour requirements, and members of social, civic and corporate groups may contribute to the community by donating their time to the Nature Center. Because you may have special needs or requirements, contact our volunteer coordinator about your program.
Perks for Volunteering
In addition to the joy of volunteering and the pleasure of meeting so many interesting people, you'll be rewarded with these benefits:
- Yearly volunteer recognition dinner
- Volunteer field trips
- Library privileges
- Discounts on select programs
Register for the next new volunteer orientation to learn how you can begin a fun and rewarding experience as a volunteer at the Wehr Nature Center!