Volunteering

Donate Your Time, Energy, And Talents

Calling all Park Protectors—help sustain the integrity and biodiversity of our Warner Parks

From gardening to stream cleanup, office work to trailwork, fieldtrips to park tours, we offer opportunities for individuals and groups alike to roll up their sleeves and go to work on behalf of the trails, the birds, the plants, and all the wonders of nature that are Percy and Edwin Warner Parks.

Public Volunteer Days

Join Friends of Warner Parks staff out in the Parks during public volunteer events. To get involved, simply login to your Volunteer Impact profile and register. We bring the tools, gloves, and expertise.

Details & Requirements

Trail Maintenance: 13+ (with Adult), Minimum Age: 18+
Litter Pick-up: All ages
Invasive Plant Removal: 13+ (with Adult), Minimum Age: 18+
Stream Clean-up: 16+ (with Adult), Minimum Age: 18+

Next Steps

If you are a new volunteer, please create a Friends of Warner Parks Volunteer Profile prior to registration.
Location details and further instructions will be sent the week of.

School Group Volunteer Days

Give your students the opportunity to give back to Warner Parks and learn the value of volunteering by helping our staff with seasonal projects. Students can build teamwork skills and camaraderie while helping keep the Parks clean and beautiful.

Details & Requirements

Open to students in grades K-12. Two or more chaperones required. Groups are limited to 50 volunteers.
Activities are assigned by Warner Parks based on the needs of the Park at the time of the scheduled program and may include:
– Removing invasive plants
– Parks cleanup
– Tree planting
– Trail maintenance
Sessions are supervised by our trained field staff, and we provide all of the tools or equipment needed for the activity.

Next Steps

Please reach out to our volunteer coordinator Elizabeth Griscom to schedule your group volunteer day.

Ambassador Program

Ambassadors are trained representatives that play a pivotal role in serving Warner Parks and its one million+ visitors each year.

As an ambassador, you offer assistance with directions, provide a friendly presence at the trailheads and along the trails, promote positive trail experiences, offer basic information about the Park’s resources, inform visitors about trail conditions or issues, educate visitors about park rules and regulations, and notify park staff about important safety-related incidents or concerns.

Details & Requirements

Must be 18 years or older
Able to make a one-year commitment, averaging 4 hours per month
Shadow a Warner Parks staff member out in the park
Willing to attend additional meetings as required

Next Steps

Please reach out to our volunteer coordinator Elizabeth Griscom indicating your interest in our Ambassador Program.

Nature Center

There is always something going on at the Nature Center! Whether you’re assisting with bird banding, leading a field trip, or greeting visitors at the front desk, you are bound to have a fun experience.

Details & Requirements

Bird Program: Includes all bird research like Project Feederwatch, hummingbird banding, bluebird box nest monitoring, etc. Bird banding requires 6 months of training.
Environmental Education: Help with field trips, special events, and public programs. Additional training and background check required.
Nature Center Office: Assist staff naturalists with museum reception and provide office support as needed.
Garden & Grounds: Help maintain the teaching gardens (wildflower, herb, and vegetable), learn about organic growing, and maintain paths, the greenhouse and the Nature Center grounds.

Next Steps

Please create a Friends of Warner Parks Volunteer Profile, indicating your interest in the Nature Center.

Crew Leaders

Do you love the Warner Parks, enjoy working outdoors and meeting new people who share these interests? If so, consider becoming a volunteer crew leader and help lead volunteer projects throughout the parks.

Details & Requirements

Must be 18 years or older
Must complete required training

Next Steps

Please create a Friends of Warner Parks Volunteer Profile, indicating your interest in becoming a Crew Leader.

Corporate Volunteering

Volunteering in Warner Parks is the perfect way for your team to bond and enjoy a fun, active day outdoors with purpose!

So too is the opportunity available for you and your team to carve out your own special corner of Warner Parks to protect. Our Adopt-A-Park program allows individuals and groups to identify a portion of the Parks they’d like to maintain – be that with the removal of litter and invasive plants, tree planting, reporting of vandalism, beautification and more.

Details & Requirements

Maximum of 50 volunteers per group
Minimum of four weeks advance notice. The location and specific activity will be confirmed one to two weeks prior to the scheduled program.
Activities are assigned by Warner Parks based on the needs of the Parks at the time of the scheduled program and may include:
– Removing invasive plants
– Park cleanup
– Tree planting
– Trail maintenance
Sessions are supervised by our trained field staff, and we provide all of the tools or equipment needed for the activity.

Next Steps

Please reach out to our volunteer coordinator Elizabeth Griscom to discuss opportunities.
To multiply your impact, consider pairing your volunteer support with a financial contribution. Learn more about Park Partnership opportunities.

Adopt-A-Park

The Adopt-A-Park program allows individuals, groups, and other organizations to show pride in their community by assisting the Parks staff with routine maintenance, clean up, and beautification of parks, open spaces, and trails, creating a beautiful, clean environment for all to enjoy.

Warner Parks is very fortunate to have 3,187 acres of wooded hills, open meadows, streams, and 60+ miles of trails. Through the use of volunteers, designated areas will be spruced up by removing litter and debris, removing invasive plants, identifying hazards/repairs needed, reporting vandalism, and planting trees, along with other approved vegetation.

Details & Requirements

Each group must select a group leader who will also be responsible for communications with Parks staff and to assure that each participant complies with the Adopt-A-Park program requirements, safety procedures, and signs a liability release.
We request a one-year commitment, with a minimum of four cleanups per year.
All volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by a supervising adult.

Next Steps

Please create a Friends of Warner Parks Volunteer Profile, indicating your interest in the Adopt-A-Park program.
Once approved, you and/or your group will train with Park staff in the designated task and area.

Events

Join us as we put the fun in fundraising at Friends of Warner Parks’ Full Moon Pickin’ Parties and other donor events.

Next Steps

Please create a Friends of Warner Parks Volunteer Profile, indicating your interest in Events.

Eagle Scouts

Over the years, numerous Boy Scouts have completed beautification and structural improvement projects for Warner Parks. Thank you so much to the many Eagle Scouts that have helped get projects accomplished throughout the parks.

Next Steps

Please create a Friends of Warner Parks Volunteer Profile, indicating your interest in Eagle Scout Projects.

Seasonal Teams

Invasive Plant Removal Team (Fall/Winter): Join staff on organized removal and restoration days. Do your part to protect our native species.

‍Trail Maintenance Team (Summer): Lend a hand with stewardship of the trails. Volunteers are essential to the routine clearance of drainage features and help keep the trail clear of limbs and debris.

‍Golf Cart Tour Team (Spring & Fall): Warner Parks is accessible to all! We are looking for volunteers to help us guide/drive golf cart tours of the Allée for those with difficulty walking.

‍Tent Outreach (Spring & Fall): Help us spread the word about Friends of Warner Parks!

Next Steps

Please create a Friends of Warner Parks Volunteer Profile, indicating your interest in Seasonal Teams.