Natural Areas Volunteer Opportunities
Your Role
Volunteers are critical in all levels of the Natural Areas Program - from education to restoration, from office work to field research. Each year hundreds of volunteers donate thousands of hours to help conserve fragile ecosystems, protect wildlife habitat and educate fellow citizens. As a volunteer, you will be part of a community that shares your passion for the outdoors and environmental conservation. Volunteers are valued and recognized through annual appreciation events and continuing education opportunities. Volunteer today!
On-Going Opportunities
Master Naturalists
Master Naturalists are highly trained volunteer educators who share their knowledge and experience with the public. As a Master Naturalist you will experience beautiful natural areas while you learn how to lead fun, hands-on field trips. Time Commitment: An intensive training session of 50 hours is offered each spring. 50 hours of volunteer service are required within 2 years of training. For 2009 training information email Sue Kenney at or call (970) 224-6118. To request a presentation by a Master Naturalist for your group, contact Susan Schafer, , (970)416-2480.
Adopt a Natural Area
Take an active role in the stewardship of natural areas by doing monthly litter clean-ups. A great way to work outside and get to know a natural area! Time Commitment: Flexible, visit your natural area once each month. Contact Susan Schafer, , (970)416-2480.
Volunteer Ranger Assistants
Volunteer Ranger Assistants serve as a friendly face on the trail to greet visitors, promote safe outdoor recreation and assist rangers with many of their important tasks. Time Commitment: Spring training session will be June 10 and 12, 6-9 pm and June 14, 8-5. Trainings are offered in the spring and fall. Volunteer schedule is flexible. 20 hours of volunteer service are required within 2 years of training. Contact Susan Schafer, , (970)416-2480. Applications are being accepted now! (pdf)
Constructing Bat or Flicker Houses
Bat and flicker houses that volunteers construct are provided to City of Fort Collins residents at no charge. We need your help to build the houses! The City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Program provides uncut materials and instructions; volunteers need their own tools (including table saw) and work space. Construction experience required. Time Commitment: Flexible, houses take 2-4 hours to construct and volunteers must build at least 5. Contact : Susan Schafer, or call (970) 416-2480
Bat House Plans (pdf)
Flicker Box Plans (pdf)
Short-Term Opportunities
Native Plant Gardeners
Help tend the native plant demonstration garden at the Natural Areas Program offices (1745 Hoffman Mill Road) Weeding is the main task with some mulching, planting, pruning and more. Gardening experience helpful, but not required. A wonderful way to learn about Colorado native plants. Time Commitment: Volunteer schedule is flexible, weekdays, April- September. Training/ garden tour will be scheduled in April 2008. Contact Susan Schafer at or call (970) 416-2480.
Grow Wildflower Seeds
Grow native wildflowers from seed to be planted in the native plant demonstration garden (at the Natural Areas Program's offices, 1745 Hoffman Mill Rd). Seeds, soil and planting trays are provided. Time Commitment: This is an early spring project only, volunteer schedule is flexible, seeds need light and water regularly. Contact Susan Schafer at or call (970) 416-2480.
One Day Projects
Weed Pulling at Soapstone Prairie Natural Area
Volunteers are needed to hand pull invasive, non-native weeds in natural areas. Non-native weeds take valuable resources away from native plants and are not useful to wildlife for food. You can help remove weeds and promote healthy ecosystems! You'll visit a spectacular natural area that is not yet open to the public. Transportation, training, lunch, and tools provided. No experience necessary. Time Commitment: Offered on three days: June 14, June 28, July 12, registration is required. Other dates may be available for groups, by appointment. To register Contact Geri Kidawski or call (970) 416-2815.
Weed Pulling at Gateway Natural Area
Volunteers are needed to hand pull invasive, non-native weeds in natural areas. Non-native weeds take valuable resources away from native plants and are not useful to wildlife for food. You can help remove weeds and promote healthy ecosystems! You'll visit a remote corner of beautiful Gateway Natural Area. To reach the site, you'll hike 1/2 mile on a steep trail to where typical weed control equipment can not reach. Training and tools will be provided. Time Commitment: Offered on two days: June 7 and June 21, registration is required. Other dates may be available for groups, by appointment. To register Contact Geri Kidawski or call (970) 416-2815.
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