Volunteer Opportunities at The Preserve – Sign Up for Specific Dates
We invite community members passionate about nature and conservation to join us in making a positive impact. Whether you’re interested in hands-on land management, sharing your knowledge as an educational docent, or supporting our administrative team, we welcome your talents! Below, you’ll find specific dates for volunteer opportunities. If you’re available to contribute your time and expertise, simply sign up for a session that suits you, and we’ll be excited to connect.
LAND MANAGEMENT CREW
Led by our Land Manager
Join our dedicated Land Management Crew to help maintain the unique urban playa environment. Volunteer tasks include trail construction, habitat restoration, and other land improvement efforts. Volunteers can work alongside the crew or, once approved by the Land Manager, assist solo with projects like trash collection and invasive species removal.
INSTRUCTIONAL DOCENTS
Trained by our Education Director
Volunteer as an instructional docent to provide engaging, hands-on learning experiences. Our docents lead educational activities and inspire environmental stewardship in visitors of all ages. Help us bridge the gap between science and the public by leading interactive stations and supporting citizen science projects.
ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM
Coordinated by our Strategic Initiatives Director
If you have skills in photography, marketing, social media, or general office support, join our administrative team. Volunteers assist with marketing campaigns, event coordination, and other essential behind-the-scenes tasks that keep The Preserve’s programs running smoothly.
How to Sign Up
After you register as a volunteer, browse any of the opportunities listed below, select an opportunity of interest and sign up. For reoccurring opportunities sign up for as many session dates as you would like. We look forward to working with you in preserving and enhancing The Preserve!
To record your volunteer hours click the link below.
Record hours
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Ecosystems Interactions Volunteers
Grades 3-5 Ecological Curriculum at The Preserve
Our curriculum for grades 3-5 introduces students to essential ecological principles through interactive, hands-on learning stations at The Preserve. Designed to engage young minds, the experience is divided into three parts: a classroom introduction with a pre-test, a curriculum-based field trip to The Preserve, and a final post-test to assess their understanding.
Ecological Concepts Covered:
Photosynthesis: How energy from the sun powers life on Earth.
Nutrient Cycles: The building blocks of life are continuously cycled and recycled through ecosystems.
Energy Flow: Energy and resources flow through ecosystems to support all living organisms.
Interactive Learning Stations:
During their visit, students rotate through six interactive learning stations, each covering a key ecological concept. Due to time constraints, students will participate in five of the following six topics:
Food Chains and Energy Pyramids: Explore how energy flows through ecosystems, from producers to consumers.
Human Interactions: Understand the impacts of human activities on ecosystems and biodiversity.
Adaptations: Discover how organisms have evolved traits to survive in their environments.
The Importance of Water: Learn about the critical role water plays in supporting all forms of life.
Ecosystem Interactions: Study the relationships between different species and how they depend on each other.
Abiotic and Biotic Factors: Explore how living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) components of an ecosystem interact.
Classroom Preparation:
Before the guided field trip, we ask teachers to prepare students for the visit by completing the following:
Pre-Test: A brief test to gauge students' current understanding of ecological concepts (graded by Preserve staff).
Vocabulary Review: Reinforce key terms related to ecosystems and ecology.
Homework Assignment: Allow students to complete a short journal activity to prepare them for their visit.
Presentation: Watch a brief presentation about The Preserve, highlighting its importance and the activities they'll participate in.
Behavior and Outdoor Prep: Discuss appropriate outdoor clothing, gear, and trail-side behavior that reflects school pride.
Group Organization: Divide students into groups of about eight, using color-coded nametags for easy identification during the visit.
Post-Visit Classroom Work:
After the field trip, students will:
Complete Journal Work: Finish any activities from their Preserve journal in class.
Post-Test: Take a post-test (graded by Preserve staff) to assess the knowledge they've gained during the experience.
Program Goals:
By the end of the curriculum, students will have a deeper understanding of the complex relationships in ecosystems, the importance of energy flow, and how organisms adapt and interact with their environment. This hands-on, interactive approach encourages curiosity and fosters a lasting connection to the natural world.
Join as a volunteer for the Curriculum-Based Visit as a docent at a teaching station, walking guide, or schedule coordinator.
