volunteer Opportunities

Nature Steward:

Nature stewards get their hands dirty, actively caring for habitats. This work involves cutting or pulling invasive species and going on nature hikes with naturalists to collect or distribute native seeds. Nature stewards work closely with staff learning about ecological restoration, native species, and habitats.

Stewardship can be light work or physically demanding depending on the task. All ages and physical ability levels are welcome. Time commitment can range from just showing up at one of our calendar workdays, to a regular commitment of 5-10 hours per month (or more if you want!).

Photomonitoring:

Photomonitoring seeks to duplicate the same photo frame over the course of many seasons to document the transformation that happens as we care for our lands and waters. It can be quite remarkable to watch a shrub thicket change to a prairie in the course of a few years.

General nature photography is also welcome. Beautiful shots of landscape & flowers help us tell the story of the special moments and one-of-a-kind experiences found in our nature preserves.

This volunteer opportunity is very flexible in time and commitment level.

Preserve Monitor:

Preserve monitors are folks in the community that hike the trails on a regular basis, and report any maintenance needs back to staff. Their feedback is valuable in keeping our natural areas welcoming and safe. Some of them pick up trash along the trail, but this is optional. Others with specific botanical or animal knowledge report wildlife observations.

For more information about Washtenaw Countys Natural Areas Volunteer program:

Shawn Severance, Parks Naturalist
severances@ewashtenaw.org
(734) 971-6337 x 335

Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation
napp.ewashtenaw.org
PO Box 8645
Ann Arbor, MI 48107