Volunteer – McFadden Nature Center

Grow with us: Volunteer at McFadden Nature Center

At McFadden Nature Center, volunteers are a vital part of our mission to connect people with the natural world. Whether you’re helping to maintain trails, serving as a trail guide, or assisting with upkeep around the property, your time and talents make a lasting impact.

Volunteering at McFadden means more than lending a hand; it’s a chance to explore the outdoors, meet others who care about conservation, and grow your own knowledge of our region’s unique ecosystems. You’ll play a key role in keeping our trails safe, accessible, and engaging for visitors of all ages.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds and abilities who are eager to support nature education and stewardship.

As we grow, so will our volunteer program, and new opportunities will emerge to match the needs of the land and our community.

Apply Now

Already a Volunteer?

Getting Started as a Volunteer

All volunteer candidates must meet basic requirements before joining the program and becoming active. Some roles, such as trail guiding or equipment-based maintenance, may require additional training to ensure safety and effectiveness. We’ll provide everything you need to feel prepared and confident in your role.

Whether you’re ready to jump in or just exploring ways to get involved, we’re here to help you find the right fit.

Application Process

– Volunteers must be 18+ years old
– Complete and submit a Volunteer Application
– Attend a Volunteer Interview scheduled with a member of staff

Onboarding Process

• Complete all required paperwork
• Pass a background check
• Attend New Volunteer Orientation and Training
• Read the Volunteer Handbook
• Attend any supplemental training as needed
• Some positions may need a valid Adult/Child/Infant CPR, First Aid, or AED Certification

Volunteer Training

After you have successfully completed onboarding, volunteers will be placed in the designated department for additional training. Volunteers are required to commit at least 5 hours a month to maintain active status.

Volunteer Perks

Volunteering at McFadden is a great way to give back to nature, connect with others, and gain hands-on experience — all while supporting a place you love. Here are some active volunteer perks:

McFadden Nature Center T-shirt; Show your support and stay comfortable while you volunteer.

Verified Service Hours; Perfect for students, scouts, and anyone needing documented volunteer time.

Volunteer Appreciation Events; Join us for seasonal thank-you events with food, fun, and nature-based activities.

Discounts on Programs & Events; Save on educational programs, camps, and special events.

Early Access to Select Programs; Be the first to sign up for popular workshops and experiences.

Public Recognition; Get a shout-out on our website or volunteer board for your contributions.

Letters of Recommendation; Available for standout volunteers upon request, great for resumes or applications.

Learning Opportunities; Gain skills in conservation, education, trail work, and more.

Meet Like-Minded Nature Lovers; Join a community of people who care about the outdoors and giving back.

Enjoy Time Outside; Volunteering means fresh air, physical activity, and beautiful views.

Volunteer Opportunities

Site Maintenance Assistance

Help keep McFadden’s trails, buildings, and grounds safe, beautiful, and welcoming. This hands-on role is perfect for someone who enjoys working outdoors and has a knack for fixing things or keeping nature’s spaces tidy.

Responsibilities:

Assist with trail clearing, debris removal, and light landscaping
Support minor repairs (for example: signage, benches, fencing)
Help maintain picnic areas, and Visitor Center exterior
Perform seasonal tasks

Ideal For: People who enjoy physical work, DIY projects, and being outdoors

Time Commitment: Flexible, ideally 1–2 days per month or as needed for workdays.

Conservation & Land Management Assistant

Support ecological restoration and native species protection. This role involves assisting with land stewardship projects, habitat monitoring, and invasive species control.

Responsibilities:

Participate in prescribed burn prep and follow-up
Help identify and remove invasive plant species
Monitor wildlife or plant populations with guidance from conservation staff
Assist with native plantings and habitat restoration

Ideal For: Volunteers with an interest in ecology, biology, or conservation; training available.

Time Commitment: Seasonal, typically 1–2 days per month, depending on project needs.

Nature Tour Guide

Be a welcoming presence at McFadden Nature Center for groups. Share the stories of the land, its history, and its wildlife through guided walks.

Responsibilities:

Lead scheduled group tours through trails
Share fun facts and answer visitor questions
Help groups stay engaged and safe
Assist with visitor check-in and orientation

Ideal For: People who love nature, enjoy public speaking, and want to inspire curiosity in others.

Time Commitment: As needed for scheduled group visits (typically weekdays, 1–2 times per month

Volunteer FAQs

Who can be a volunteer?

Anyone who is over the age of 18, passes a background check, completes an interview and is offered a volunteer position, completes onboarding and training.

What time do I volunteer?

Depending on where you are volunteering onsite, the time of day will vary!

Do I need experience to be a volunteer?

Not necessarily, but for the roles in maintenance, experience is highly encouraged.

What kind of volunteer opportunities are available?

• Nature Tour Guide
• Conservation & Land Management Assistant
• Site Maintenance Assistant

How do I sign up to volunteer?

Fill out our online volunteer application. We’ll reach out to schedule an interview and talk about the next step!

Can I volunteer with a group?

Yes! We welcome school groups, scout troops, corporate teams, and other organizations. Group projects must be scheduled in advance — just contact us to plan something meaningful together. Please contact Kim Gullage, HR Coordinator and Bookkeeper at kim@mcfaddennature.org or call 229-448-4589.

What should I bring or wear when volunteering?

Wear weather-appropriate clothes you don’t mind getting dirty, closed-toe shoes, and bring a reusable water bottle. We provide tools and supplies unless noted otherwise.

How often do I need to volunteer?

To maintain active volunteer status and receive all the great volunteer perks, we require a minimum of 5 hours a month. How those 5 hours are distributed, whether all in one go or spread out over the month, is up to you! Let us know what works for your schedule.

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