Trails Open Daily 9am – 7:30pm Visitor Center Open Today 9am – 5pm

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Volunteer

At the Kalamazoo Nature Center, volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. Whether they’re lending a hand with a special event, helping care for the land, or supporting educational programs, our volunteers make a real difference. We offer a wide variety of volunteer opportunities—some are one-time, some are ongoing, and some are perfect for individuals or groups. Because our needs change throughout the year, the best way to get involved is to reach out and learn about current opportunities. However you choose to give your time, your support is deeply valued and helps us connect people with nature every day.

These volunteer opportunities in Kalamazoo, MI are on a by-need basis and change dependent on the season. If you have specific questions about volunteer opportunities at the Kalamazoo Nature Center, please email: volunteer@naturecenter.org

Contact Us

Joy Penney
Volunteer Coordinator
she/her
volunteer@naturecenter.org

Are you a current volunteer?

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Current & Upcoming Volunteer Events

invasive lanternflyHabitat Watch

Volunteers can help us keep an eye out for new pests and diseases that may impact the health of our habitats. Work will entail taking a hike on our trails and checking specific areas, key species, trees and vegetation for impacts from various pests and diseases and reporting back observations using an electronic form.
Learn More

Garlic Mustard Games

Friday, April 24 & Saturday, April 25

Calling all competitors—welcome to the Garlic Mustard Games, where you can help take down invasive plants like garlic mustard and dame’s rocket before they spread and earn glory for protecting local habitats! Grab your friends, coworkers, or team, and compete for prizes and bragging rights as you pull, bag, and conquer these pesky invaders together.

Details & Registration
From farm to forest, there's something for everyone!
VOLUNTEERS raking on farm on a sunny day

DeLano Farm

Our regenerative CSA farm would not be successful without our volunteers! DeLano Farm hosts open volunteer hours on a weekly basis as well as hosting groups consistently. April-November our farmers are outside working with the land – come join us! 

Monarch butterfly on yellow goldenrod with research tag

Community Science

Community science is a collaboration between professional scientists and any member of the general public who is interested in protecting our environment. Through volunteering as a Community Scientist, people of all ages, experience levels, and interests work to help gather different kinds of data about nature. Email research@naturecenter.org for details.

people in forest planting trees in fall

Conservation

Interested in learning more about Conservation/Ecological Service Volunteer Opportunities at KNC? Email volunteer@naturecenter.org for details.

*this does not include trail maintenance 

How to Get Involved
volunteer holding garlic mustard

Register as a Volunteer

The best way to keep up to date with our volunteer opportunities is by registering as a volunteer. Volunteer needs are on a by-need basis, meaning that when opportunities arise, our Volunteer Coordinator, Joy Penney, reaches out to our volunteer base via email to recruit.

Register Here
group of people sitting outside

Bring a Group

We would love to host your organization, corporation or community group for a service project. We can work with you to find the perfect project that help us meet our mission and also creates an educational and fun day for your team. We welcome you to bring a picnic and stick around to enjoy the beautiful KNC grounds.

Email volunteer@naturecenter.org for details.

Special Events

KNC hosts several special events throughout the year and we need volunteer help to make them happen. Volunteering at these events is a fun way to serve with friends or make new ones. This is perfect for students who need to meet service hours. Under 18 years of age? See our Youth Volunteering policy below.

Email volunteer@naturecenter.org with the subject line, Special Events, for details.

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