Thank you for your interest in volunteering at the Urban Ecology Center! If you have already completed our volunteer registration process, please click here.

How to register for a volunteer opportunity

In order to register for an opportunity, you need to fill out a volunteer application and create a login. This gives you as a volunteer access to our online volunteer portal, where you can see all the upcoming volunteer opportunities.

Registration for our programs is required and is done in the online volunteer portal. You will also be given a volunteer PIN number, that will be used to sign in/out for each opportunity at the Center.

Public Opportunities

• 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. Registration Required. Click here to view upcoming times.
• Park Rangers: To allow for more volunteer engagement in a safe way, Park Rangers is now a self-led volunteer opportunity. Volunteers are encouraged to pick up trash on their own in the parks we manage. This opportunity is ideal for people needing service hours for school or the courts. Can be done for a maximum of 2 hours a day. Reach out to Davita Flowers-Shanklin, Volunteer Program Manager (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.), for more information.
• Early Morning Bird Walks: Kick-start your day with fresh air and bird song. Volunteer and contribute to community science as we identify species within UEC green spaces. Interested bird watchers of all ability levels are welcome. Registration required. 

Ongoing Opportunities

Interested in volunteering on a regular schedule? If you have a morning, afternoon or full day free on a weekly or monthly basis, there may be a regular volunteer opportunity that is a great fit for you. If you have a particular skill or talent that you are looking to share, the perfect project might be waiting for you at the Center.

Examples of ongoing opportunities:

• Reception: As the face of the Urban Ecology Center, reception volunteers greet visitors and answer general questions about the Center. Reception volunteers also answer and direct phone calls and promote the Hive.

• Education and Community Programs: Support our educational programs during the school day or our after-school nature clubs and adventure programs. Volunteers set up, help lead activities and give participants individualized attention during their program. 
• Special Events: Help out at our events and festivals as we provide opportunities for the community to come together surrounding issues that are important to us. Volunteer activities range from working with kids at craft and face painting stations, to leading walks through the park, greeting visitors, passing out food, and much more!
• Photographer at UEC events and programs: Are you an experienced or a beginner photographer/videographer? Help us capture our mission by taking photos and/or videos at Urban Ecology Center programs and events. 
• Animal Room Volunteer: Love animals? Support in our Native animal room by feeding, maintaining enclosures, and providing enrichment. 

Thank you for your dedication to environmental conservation and for choosing to volunteer with us at the Urban Ecology Center. We look forward to having you on board! If you have any further questions or need assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. Please contact us: Davita Flowers-Shanklin, Volunteer Program Manager, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..