VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Grass River! Without our generous and knowledgeable volunteers, Grass River Natural Area would not exist as we know it today. There are a variety of fun and rewarding volunteer opportunities at Grass River covering many interests. We are sure you'll find an opportunity that is perfect for you! We invite you to read about our volunteer positions below and become part of this amazing team!
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EVENT VOLUNTEER
Event Volunteers assist the Volunteer Coordinator in developing and coordinating community events at Grass River Natural Area. This includes researching theme-based crafts, games and activities based on the event, planning, registration, games and crafts supervision, set-up and clean-up on the day of the event. Events Volunteers must love to have fun and encourage others to do the same. Read more here. |
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CONSERVATION STEWARD
Conservation Stewards work on various components of the Grass River Natural Area Natural Resources Management Plan. Volunteer led efforts to sustain and monitor natural features, biological diversity and ecological diversity is a key component of the Plan. Conservation Stewards may perform a variety of tasks from taking part in aquatic insect collections to conducting bird surveys. Read more here. |
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DOCENT
Docents serve as interpreters for visitors, connecting them to the incredible natural world of Grass River. Working in either the Nature Center or on the trails as guides, docents share their knowledge of Grass River’s ecology and history with the public. Docents answer basic questions both about the Natural Area amenities and trails as well as the surrounding community. Read more here. |
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EDUCATION VOLUNTEER
Education Volunteers assist with large educational programs, including school field trips, home school programs, public programs, family festivals and events. Volunteers provide support and assistance to naturalists while they lead classes or events for children or adults, including preparation of programs, distributing supplies, supervising and redirecting students, answering questions, and possibly some teaching. Read more here. |
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FUNDRAISING EVENT VOLUNTEER
The primary role of Fundraising Event Volunteers is to solicit donations for our annual silent auction. This requires communicating via email, phone and in-person to potential auction donors, including initial contact, follow up and coordinating item pick up or drop off. These volunteers will regularly communicate with the Silent Auction lead, updating them on items that are pledged, in-hand, or need to be approached. Read more here. |
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LAND AND TRAIL STEWARD
Land and Trail Stewards perform basic trail maintenance functions including trimming, simple boardwalk repair, removing debris and sign replacement or installment. Trail maintenance will be conducted using a variety of hand tools which require training on how to properly and safely use the tools. The land and trail steward may work independently or assist staff with larger stewardship projects. Read more here. |
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NATIVE PLANT GARDENER
Our Native Plant Gardeners maintain the established plantings around the Nature Center, including the Bird and Butterfly, Wetland, Meadow and Serenity gardens. Gardeners will be responsible for weeding, watering and general maintenance of the native species in our gardens. These volunteers may also have the opportunity to assist with native plant walks. Read more here. |
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OUTREACH VOLUNTEER
Outreach Volunteers assist staff and/or other volunteers at off-site community events such as fairs, festivals and other community gatherings. The primary role of the Outreach Volunteer is to interact with the public about what GRNA does and be up to date on upcoming programs and events as well as the GRNA trail system and nature center . This may also include assisting in set up and clean up. Read more here. |
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TRAIL MONITOR
Trail monitors adopt a trail or section of trail and then monitor and report trail conditions and hours logged on a regular basis. Reports may include issues such as trees down, trail impediments, broken boardwalks or missing signs. This position also includes answering questions and providing information to visitors, observing visitor use patterns and documenting any noxious or invasive plant species. Read more here. |
GETTING STARTED
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Please fill our our Volunteer Information Form to become one of our amazing volunteers.
To learn more about what we've been up to check out our past newsletters. For additional information call (231) 533-8314 or email info@grassriver.org Grass River Natural Area, Inc. is a member of Northwest Michigan Association of Volunteer Administrators |
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