Volunteer

Volunteer Opportunities

In order to register for an opportunity, you need to fill out a volunteer application and create a login. This gives you as a volunteer access to our online volunteer portal, where you can see all the upcoming volunteer opportunities.

Registration for our programs is required and is done in the online volunteer portal. You will also be given a volunteer PIN number, that will be used to sign in/out for each opportunity at the Center.

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Routine Opportunities

ROOT (Restoring Our Outdoors Together)

Registration required - Program may be canceled in inclement weather.
Help with trail maintenance, erosion control, replace invasive species with native plants, and more! ROOT will most often take place outdoors, so come prepared for the weather. Click here to view upcoming sessions.

Park Rangers

This is a self-led opportunity in which volunteers are encouraged to pick up trash in the parks we manage. This opportunity is ideal for folks that need service hours and can be done for a maximum of 2 hours a day. Reach out to Davita Flowers-Shanklin, Volunteer Program Manager (dflowersshanklin@urbanecologycenter.org), for more information.

Early Morning Bird Walks

Registration required - Program may be canceled in inclement weather.
Kick-start your day with fresh air and bird song. Volunteer and contribute to community science as we identify species within UEC green spaces. Interested bird watchers of all ability levels are welcome.
Menomonee Valley: Tuesdays 8am - 10am
Washington Park: Wednesdays 8am - 10am
Riverside Park: Thursdays 8am - 10am

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Some Tailored Opportunities...

If you have free time on a weekly or monthly basis, there may be a volunteer opportunity that is a great fit for you at the Center!

Reception

As the face of the Urban Ecology Center, reception volunteers greet visitors and answer general questions about the Center. Reception volunteers also answer and direct phone calls along with promotion of the Hive.

Education & Community Programs

Support our educational programs during the school day or our after-school nature clubs and adventure programs. Volunteers set up, help lead activities, and give participants individualized attention during their program.

Special Events

Help out at our events and festivals as we provide opportunities for the community to come together surrounding issues that are important to us. Volunteer activities include working with kids at craft and face painting stations, leading walks through the park, greeting visitors, passing out food, and much more!

Photographer

Are you an experienced or a beginner photographer/videographer? Help us capture our mission by taking photos and/or videos at Urban Ecology Center programs and events.

Animal Room

Love animals? Support in our Native animal room by feeding, maintaining enclosures, and providing enrichment.

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Required Service Hours

If you have service hours to complete, you may be able to complete them at the Center. Please make sure to contact us with enough time to get your hours completed. We can provide verification letters.

If you would like to explore these opportunities, contact Davita Flowers-Shanklin, Volunteer Program Manager, dflowersshanklin@urbanecologycenter.org

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Service Groups

Bring your youth group, employees, or teams to the Urban Ecology Center for a special service project. Opportunities available for groups small and large to participate in land restoration and preservation work, park and equipment maintenance, and special event preparation. All of our volunteer opportunities currently take place outside.

If you are interested in learning more about group service opportunities, please fill out the form below. A member of the Urban Ecology Center staff will be in contact with you.