If you are looking to volunteer once, or are interested in squeezing occasional volunteering into an already busy or irregular schedule, we invite you to be a part of staff-led group volunteer projects.

No prior experience is needed for these activities; you will be instructed by and learn from knowledgeable Urban Ecology Center staff. Our drop-in opportunities allow volunteers to help us in our land stewardship and park clean-up efforts. Unlike our Regular Volunteer Opportunities, these projects do not require you to attend an orientation prior to participating.

Drop-in opportunities include:

ROOT (Restoring Our Outdoor Treasures)

Come get your hands dirty and help us restore our outdoor treasures together! Help replace invasive species with native plants, trail maintenance, erosion control, and more. Most often we will be outside, so come prepared to go out and dress for the weather. Days and times are available at all three of our branches. Click here to view upcoming times.

Want to stay informed about Land Stewardship and Community Science news and volunteer opportunities? Sign up for our Weekly R&R (Research & Restoration) email here.

Park Rangers

Help keep our parks clean, safe and accessible. Dress for the weather and join other volunteers as we walk through the park picking up trash and noting any maintenance needs. See our calendar for upcoming Park Ranger times.

If you would like to volunteer specifically at one of our branches, contact the Volunteer Coordinator at that branch.

Riverside Park: Meghan Jones, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Menomonee Valley: Chris Steinkamp, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Washington Park: Davita Flowers-Shanklin, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.