Volunteer Opportunities

Mahatma Ghandi said, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” The Urban Ecology Center is a good place to start. Whether you are looking for a way to give back to the community or a way to meet other people who share your interests, there is a place for you here.

Our diverse and well-managed volunteer program offers a variety of opportunities for your fun, enrichment and satisfaction. Want to be a “zookeeper,” managing our native reptiles, fish, invertebrates and amphibians? Want to share your talents with the kids who “hang out” at the Center? Want to greet visitors in person and on the phone as one of our valued receptionists? Join the UEC community! You’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that you’ve helped others and you’ll have fun doing it.

Current Volunteer Needs

Below is a list of only some of the many opportunities you can find at the Center. But even if the items below don't interest you, we still need you! Contact Susan at (414) 964-8505, x110 or swinans@urbanecologycenter.org to find out how your skills could be used.

Groups welcome for volunteer activities

Please register groups with Susan Winans, Volunteer Coordinator, as space may be limited.

Winterfest volunteers needed

Help with indoor or outdoor activities on Saturday, January 30th. Contact Scott at 344-5460 to sign up for a shift.

Can you come out and play at our Washington Park Branch with our neighborhood kids? Lead outdoor activities on Friday afternoons between 4 and 7 p.m. If interested, contact Scott, at 244-5460.

Intergenerational Habitat Restoration

Help us clean, sort and start native seeds this winter in preparation for our new prairie and native plantings at the Washington Park Senior Center to be planted by adults and area youth the next growing season.

Meet at the Washington Park Senior Center
Thursdays, January 7 & February 4
10:30 - 11:30 a.m.
For adults and accompanied children

Park Rangers

Kick off your weekend at either UEC branch and help keep our parks clean, safe and accessible. Dress for the weather and join other volunteers as we walk through the parks picking up trash and noting any maintenance needs.

For everyone
Free-donations appreciated

Riverside Park
Saturdays, January 9, 23, 30, February 13 & 27
9 - 10:30 a.m.

Washington Park
Every Saturday
9 a.m. - noon

Burdock Brigade

Have a direct impact on our natural world by increasing native biodiversity in our parks. The Burdock Brigade engages in hands-on restoration activities: removing exotic invasive plants and re-planting native vegetation.

For adults and accompanied children
Free - donations appreciated

Riverside Park
Every Tuesday, 9 - 11 a.m. &
1st and 3rd Saturday of each month, 9 - 10:30 a.m.

Washington Park
Every Thursday
3:30 - 4:30 p.m.

Papermaking

Join other UEC volunteers as we learn the art of recycled papermaking to create beautiful gifts for our Center’s supporters.

Riverside Park
Every Wednesday
4 - 6 p.m.
For adults and accompanied children
Free-donations appreciated

Volunteer Orientations

We encourage you to discover how you can get involved at the Urban Ecology Center by attending one of our free Volunteer Orientations. Call to register, (414) 964-8505.
Upcoming dates are:

Riverside Park
Saturdays, January 2 & February 6
10:30 a.m. - noon

Thursday, January 14
6:30 - 8 p.m.

Tuesday, February 16
6:30 - 8 p.m.

Washington Park
Every Saturday
10 - 10:30 a.m.