volunteering

The following describes many of the volunteer opportunities we have at River Bend. If you have other interests, ideas, or special skills that you would like to share with us, please let us know. We will work together to develop a project that is meaningful and mutually beneficial.

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VOLUNTEER NATURALIST
Over 14,000 elementary students visit the center each year. These visits provide students with a unique field experience taught by both staff and trained volunteers. A desire to learn more about nature and a willingness to share your enthusiasm and knowledge with students is all that is needed to be a volunteer naturalist. Prior experience is not necessary since training is provided. Many volunteer naturalists spend three hours each week during the program season assisting with classes and attending the Friday morning training sessions.

OFFICE VOLUNTEER
Many hands are needed to operate River Bend, especially when it comes to folding letters, preparing mailings, labeling envelopes, answering phones, greeting visitors, and staffing the gift shop. If you have time during the day, we can use your assistance. About once a month, office volunteers come together to work on projects.

WEEKEND BUILDING VOLUNTEER
River Bend’s regular staff work throughout the week and we frequently need help to keep the Interpretive Center open on the weekends. Hours are Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Volunteers are trained in greeting visitors, answering phones and taking care of gift shop sales.

SPECIAL EVENTS
River Bend holds several special events each year with many opportunities for volunteers. Set up, food preparation and selling, parking, gift shop, leading walks, and helping with clean-up are some of the areas where we need assistance.

GROUP SERVICE PROJECTS
If your scout group, service club, or other type of organization is looking for a meaningful service project, please give us a call. We may have projects in mind that would fit with your goals, or we can work together to develop a project that would meet both of our needs.

MAINTENANCE
With over 700 acres and several buildings, help is always welcomed to keep things looking good for visitors. Maybe you could help us maintain trails, put up wood for maple syruping, do some cleaning, or help with repairs. If you have woodworking skills we may need help with special projects. Sometimes we just need a helping hand with a special task. Work days are occasionally scheduled for large projects. See also River Bend Rangers and Buckthorn Management.

Volunteering at River Bend

The following describes many of the volunteer opportunities we have at River Bend. If you have other interests, ideas, or special skills that you would like to share with us, please let us know. We will work together to develop a project that is meaningful and mutually beneficial.

Volunteering
at River Bend