Volunteer

Volunteer

We Have a Place For You

Pitching in at Great Parks will lead to fun, rewarding and unforgettable experiences!

Join our incredible team of volunteers to make a positive difference in your favorite parks. Assist with invasive plant removal, trail maintenance, seed harvesting, animal care, community science or interact with park guests at a special event.

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a group of people at a table with food items
a group of people in green shirts

Project Based Volunteering

Community Volunteer Projects

Great Parks welcomes individuals, families, community groups and corporate teams who want to see what volunteering at Great Parks is like. You’re sure to have fun, learn something new and make a positive difference.

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Lend a Hand

Community Volunteer Projects

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Invasive Removal at Mitchell Memorial Forest image

Invasive Removal at Mitchell Memorial Forest

Register
Landscaping at Woodland Mound image

Landscaping at Woodland Mound

  • calendar_today Tuesday, August 26
  • watch 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
  • pin_drop Woodland Mound
Register
Painting at Woodland Mound image

Painting at Woodland Mound

  • calendar_today Tuesday, September 2
  • watch 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
  • pin_drop Woodland Mound
Register
Invasive Removal at Miami Whitewater Forest image

Invasive Removal at Miami Whitewater Forest

Register
Trail Maintenance at Mitchell Memorial Forest image

Trail Maintenance at Mitchell Memorial Forest

Register
Invasive Removal at Triple Creek image

Invasive Removal at Triple Creek

  • calendar_today Tuesday, September 9
  • watch 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
  • pin_drop Triple Creek
Register

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Long-Term, Group & Youth Leadership Volunteering

Long-Term Volunteering

Great Parks offers diverse service opportunities for teens (ages 14-17) and adults to develop conservation and educational skills, make a difference in their community and build lifelong friendships! From environmental education to golf course care, whatever your passions might be, you can find your home at Great Parks! View the FAQ below for more information about Long-Term Volunteering.

Sign Up for an Information Session

Group Volunteer Projects

Bring your corporate, school or community groups to Great Parks for an energizing, highly visible service project. Participants will build leadership skills and teamwork while having fun and making a positive difference in the community. Hands-on projects might include planting trees, landscaping, trail work, removing invasive plants or cleaning lake and riverbanks. Great for groups of 10 or more. 

Apply to Volunteer

Youth Leadership Projects

Great Parks proudly supports Eagle Scout, Gold Award and senior capstone assignments. Although applicants may be matched with existing projects, we ask they tell us about their passions and creative project ideas. 

Apply to Volunteer

Long-Term Volunteering FAQs

  1. Sign up for and attend an information session! Information sessions take place March-September.
  2. Submit your application.
  3. Successfully pass a background check (adults only). Great Parks covers associated costs!
  4. Complete online training modules to learn more about Great Parks’ history, available volunteer opportunities, DEI&B training and more.
  5. Meet with the Volunteer Engagement team to receive your uniform and Motor Vehicle Permit, review our volunteer management system, discuss your volunteer interests and more. 
  6. Become a long-term volunteer!

  • Visitor centers
  • Educational interpreter programs
  • Litter cleanups
  • Invasive species removal
  • Tree and shrub planting
  • Trail work 
  • Golf course maintenance
  • Special events
  • Gardening
  • Animal care
  • And more!

  • Up to two Motor Vehicle Permits annually.
  • Monthly volunteer newsletter.
  • Great Parks volunteer shirts and hats.
  • Monthly volunteer meetings and team updates featuring special guest speakers.
  • Hands-on training with Great Parks team members.
  • Invitation to the annual Volunteer Recognition Celebration.
  • Learn new skills and build your resume.
  • Meet lots of great, like-minded people and make a positive difference in the environment and your community!

It helps to know which parks interest you and how you would like to contribute. However, if you don’t know, we’ll happily work with you to find the perfect fit. Attend an information session to learn more - no commitment necessary.

Any amount of time you can give is appreciated. We work with all types of schedules. If you have concerns about fulfilling a long-term obligation, consider a one-time opportunity.

Great Parks will provide you with a branded volunteer uniform. Attire is dependent on your role, which you will learn more about through an information session and online training courses.

Yes! You must record your service hours. This data helps us tell our community partners and potential funders about who we are and what we do.

Connect with the Volunteer Engagement Team

Learn more about volunteering with Great Parks

Email Volunteer Engagement
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a group of people posing for a photo
a group of girls standing in a forest
a group of women working in a garden
a group of people painting a picnic table
a group of people posing for a photo
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