Volunteering opportunities

Click the following to find a volunteering opportunity in your area:

Metro area and Central MN

Northwestern MN

Northeastern MN

Southern MN

METRO AREA AND CENTRAL MINNESOTA - Fall 2013

NORTHWESTERN MINNESOTA - Fall 2013

NORTHEASTERN MINNESOTA - Fall 2013

SOUTHERN MINNESOTA - Fall 2013

water festival posterMetro Area Children's Water Festival – Sept 25

(Metro Area and Central MN)

Volunteers are needed for the 16th annual Metro Children's Water Festival held Wednesday, September 25, 2013 at the State Fairgrounds, St Paul. The DNR is one of many local partners helping to plan the festival. We need water arcade team members, parking assistants, lunch assistants, photographers and assistant photographers, presentation helpers, and volunteers to dress up as our mascots the Water Drops, as well as a variety of other logistical jobs for the day. Come help us reach 1,200 4th graders from across the metro area to learn about and celebrate our water resources!

Visit www.metrocwf.org or contact Charlie Sawdey at rsawdey@co.carver.mn.us or 952-361-1810 for information about the water festival and volunteering.

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rip rapWater Permits Consolidation

(Metro Area and Central MN)

Assist with filing, sorting and scanning public waters and water appropriation permit paper files into an electronic format. Public waters permits are issued for beach sand blankets, riprap (which protects the shore from eroding), and construction of bridges and culverts. Water appropriation permits are required for those requesting to use 10,000 gallons of water per day or 1 million gallons of water per year for irrigation purposes. This general office work will help reduce the amount of file cabinets needed as the office undergoes remodeling.

Volunteers with entry-level computer and typing skills are needed. Training will be provided. This work must be done at the DNR Central Region Headquarters, 1200 Warner Road, Saint Paul, MN 55106, anytime from 10 AM – 2 PM, Monday through Friday. Hours are flexible and any amount of time is acceptable (from 1 to 4 hours). For more information contact Lindsey Peterson, Ecological and Water Resources, St Paul, at 651-259-5771 or email Lindsey.peterson@state.mn.us

 

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zebra musselsInvasive Species Unit Volunteer

(Metro Area and Central MN)

Assist the Invasive Species Unit with creating educational and demonstration materials. Volunteers will work with both the Aquatic Invasive Species Training Coordinator and Aquatic Invasive Species Specialist to preserve teaching specimens of a variety of invasive plant and animal species. This project will involve using 2-part epoxy to create molds around samples of zebra mussels, Eurasian water milfoil, and more. Training is available and volunteers must have attention to detail and the ability to follow directions. Volunteers are needed from September to early December with flexible timing during the September work week, 8AM – 4:30PM, to match up volunteer and DNR staff schedules. This work will be done at the DNR Central Region Headquarters, 1200 Warner Road, Saint Paul, MN 55106.

For more information contact April Rust, Aquatic Invasive Species Training Coordinator, Saint Paul, at 651-259-5706 or email april.rust@state.mn.us

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nest boxNest Box Project – Sax-Zim WMA

(Northeast MN)

DNR Wildlife is seeking an individual or group to "adopt" the nest boxes at Sax-Zim Wildlife Management Area in northeastern MN.   We are looking for volunteers interested in maintaining and reporting on about 50 nest boxes used by Eastern bluebirds and tree swallows at Sax-Zim WMA. The project would involve 3 site visits per year: Once in the spring to get the boxes ready for nesting, once during the summer to observe occupancy, and a final visit in the fall to report on the outcome.   Occasionally a nest box will be in need of repair or replacement.  Interested volunteers would also be asked to report on condition of parking lots as they visit the WMA, and to pick up litter as needed. To find out more about Sax-Zim WMA and the nest box project contact Jeff Hines at Jeff.Hines@state.mn.us or 218-753-2580 (ext. 243). 

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wmaAdopt a Wildlife Management Area (WMA)

(Southern MN)

Help maintain wood routed signs at entrances of WMAs to lengthen the life of the signs and improve the WMA property. Volunteers will be painting wood routed signs and if time allows, pick up litter in the parking lots and mow parking areas. You will be provided with paint, brushes, and garbage bags; however volunteers will need to provide weed whip or mower for parking areas. You would work one day per WMA from September through early December. See a list of Wildlife Management Areas needing your help.

For more information contact Kurt Haroldson, Assistant Regional Wildlife Manager, at 507-359-6031 or email Kurt.Haroldson@state.mn.us

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field deskBuild Portable Field Desks

(Metro and Central MN, NW, NE, and Southern MN)

The Minnesota School Forest Program works with schoolteachers to educate students about forestry and nature in the outdoors. Field Desks are a fun tool to assist with teaching in a School Forest. They are a great way for students to carry supplies out to the forest, provide a hard surface for writing, and help keep students organized. Younger students can even turn them on their side and use them a small stool.

DNR Volunteers make classroom sets of 30 field desks for School Forest sites. The School Forest Program connects volunteers with sites. The volunteer then delivers the field desks.

If you are interested in making a classroom set of field desks, read the info below and then contact Laura Duffey, Forestry Education Specialist, St Paul, at 651-259-5263 or email laura.duffey@state.mn.us

Field Desk Details

  • A classroom set is 30 field desks.
  • You need to provide all materials.
  • You can use this field desk design or come up with your own approach. Do what works best for your woodworking skills.
  • You will need to deliver the field desks directly to the School Forest site when they are complete.
  • Several volunteers have been successful at seeking donations for the materials from hardware stores.

School Forest Site Selection

  • There are School Forest sites statewide interested in field desks. After you finish making a set of field desks, we will provide you with a current list of sites needing desks. Then you can select a school to deliver to. The School Forest site list changes as volunteers complete projects, so we do not post a list online.
  • You can request a current list of School Forests to get a sense for where the schools are. However, remember that the list is likely to change before you complete the project.
  • We do NOT reserve School Forest sites. When you have completed your field desks, you can select from the list.

Eagle Scouts

If you are considering doing field desks for an Eagle Scout project, School Forest is happy to work with you.

  • School Forest staff can sign your paperwork to initiate the project.
  • Once you have the desks completed, the School Forest site coordinator at the school should be able to sign the final/completion form. Or, if preferred, School Forest staff can sign it.
  • Be sure to allow enough time to finish and deliver the project before your 18th birthday.

Contact Laura Duffey, Forestry Education Specialist, St Paul, at 651-259-5263 or email laura.duffey@state.mn.us to let her know you are interested and then get started on your project.

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tree cookiesTree Cookie Name Tags

(Metro Area and Central MN, Northeast MN, Northwest MN, Southern MN)

The goal of the MN Master Naturalist Explorers Program is to offer fun, outdoor, science-based educational opportunities for 4th and 5th grade students to learn about the ecology and natural history of their schoolyard, neighborhood, nearby natural areas, and the entire state. Current adult Minnesota Master Naturalist Volunteers and school staff in existing after-school programs across the state work with these youth and are in need of name tags for the program.

The tree cookies name tags will support the Minnesota Master Naturalist Explorers Program.  This program connects Master Naturalist volunteers with after-school programs around the state with the goal of getting elementary students outdoors and connected with nature.

Volunteers are needed to cut tree cookie name tags (approximately 2-3 inches in diameter).   The name tags will be worn by students participating in the Master Naturalist Explorers Program. No qualifications are required, but some woodworking experience might be helpful with this volunteer opportunity. The program is interested in having up to 500 name tags cut.   This project is available to multiple volunteers and may be done wherever you live!

Here's how to make a tree cookie name tag:

  • Select a species such as maple, ash, oak, pine, spruce or even buckthorn. Sometimes trees with sap have dense centers in their branches that produce a good writing surface, but make sure the tree is 100% dry or the sap will make a mess. The preferred diameter for a tree cookie is 2 -3 inches.
  • Allow the nametag branches to cure in a dry place for at least 6 months before cutting them into cookies. If you cut them too soon (when they still have moisture in them) then a much higher percentage of the tags will crack as they dry out the rest of the way.
  • Use a sharp blade with many teeth to get a smoother cut. A smooth cut is desired to provide a good surface for writing on. Keep your fingers well away from the blade. Saws tend to occasionally grab the branches as you cut and pull your hand toward them throwing pieces of the wood in all directions. The approximate thickness of the tree cookie name tag should be ¼ inch.
  • Drying the tree cookies. If you dried your cookies as logs/branches, skip this step. If cookies are not dried properly they will attract mold and fungus. Store you cut tree cookies in a dry well ventilated location for about a week. If you need faster results, it is possible to very carefully and slowly dry them in an oven set on "warm" (200 degrees or less). This should be done under closer monitoring and supervision. Place the cookies on a cookie sheet or foil and allow to slowly dry for three to five hours, turning the cookies over occasionally. The length of time to dry the cookies with this method depends on the tree species and moisture content.
  • Drill a small hole into each tree cookie name tag. The hole should be drilled near the upper edge of the tree cookie. These holes will be used to thread a small string or twine to place around the neck.

For more information or questions, contact Darren Lochner, Master Naturalist Program, University of Minnesota – St. Paul Campus, at 612-626-2690 or email dlochner@umn.edu

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minnesota master naturalist logoMinnesota Master Naturalist Training

(Metro and Central MN, NW, NE, and Southern MN)

Any adult who is curious and enjoys learning about the natural world, shares that knowledge with others, and supports conservation can be a Minnesota Master Naturalist Volunteer. If you enjoy hiking, bird watching, following tracks, or identifying wildflowers, you'll love being a Minnesota Master Naturalist Volunteer! Minnesota Master Naturalist Volunteers are a motivated group of fun and interesting people: teachers, retired professionals, nature guides, hunters, eco-tour operators, farmers, and...YOU!

To learn more visit www.MinnesotaMasterNaturalist.org . The Minnesota Master Naturalist Program is a joint effort of the University of Minnesota Extension and the MN Department of Natural Resources.

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volunteersState Natural Areas Assistance

(Metro and Central MN, NW, NE, and Southern MN)

State scientific and natural areas (SNA) are the premier state lands displaying examples of native prairies, old growth forests, geological features and habitat for rare and endangered species.  The state natural areas program needs volunteers to work on projects at natural areas throughout the state. Projects are typically carried out on Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, unless otherwise noted, many weekends throughout the year. Activities include prairie and woodland seed collection, planting seedlings, removal of exotic species, pulling buckthorn, and cutting and burning brush such as sumac.

These activities and other events posted on the SNA Program Events Calendar. 

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volunteersAdopt-a-River Program

(NE, NW, Southern, Metro area and Central MN) The Adopt-a-River program encourages Minnesota volunteers to "adopt" a section of a lake, river, wetland, ditch or ravine to ensure its long-term health through annual cleanups. Get involved!

 

 

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lake level mnLake Level Minnesota volunteering… doing your level best!

(NE, NW, Southern, Metro area and Central MN)

Whether it is floods, droughts, or just a normal year, lake level fluctuations (or the lack of them) are important to document. Lake levels are recorded on a regular basis, thanks to the efforts of volunteer observers. These volunteers are joining with the Minnesota Department of natural Resources to create permanent, credible, public lake level records.

 

Find out more about the Lake Level Minnesota program  and Check lake levels with the LakeFinder 

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safety classVolunteer Safety Instructors

(Metro and Central MN, NW, NE, and Southern MN)

Consider becoming a Certified Volunteer Safety Instructor in Firearms, Bow hunter Education, Snowmobile, ATV, or Wildlife Species!

Pass on a love for your sport by teaching youth and adults the ethics and safety you would expect from those you meet in the field. During the instructor training, applicants will learn about policy and procedures, teaching concepts, use of training aids and youth classroom training techniques.

Check current certified volunteer instructor classes or sign up for our instructor e-mail list to receive notification of any additional instructor training sessions.

All new instructor applicants and instructors seeking recertification must meet the requirements of being at least 18 years old and passing a Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) background check. All applicants for any of the DNR safety programs must also complete the forms online and attend a volunteer instructor training course. There is no fee to attend.

Please contact the Regional Training Officer in your area - Map of RTOs

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loonVolunteer LoonWatcher survey

(NE, NW, Southern, Metro area and Central MN)

Volunteers that live on lakes or regularly visit lakes can participate in the Minnesota Volunteer LoonWatcher Survey as a volunteer "loon watcher". Loon watchers report on their lake at the end of the season providing information on nesting success, number of loons observed, interesting occurrences and problems that may negatively affect the loons. Anyone with an interest in loons can join this program and choose a lake to report on. Some volunteers have been in this program for many years. For more information about the Minnesota Volunteer Loon Survey contact Kevin Woizeschke at Kevin.Woizeschke@state.mn.us or 218-833-8729.

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wmaZebra Mussel Monitoring Program

(NE, NW, Southern, Metro area and Central MN)

Zebra mussels are spreading to lakes and rivers in the Midwest. These small invasive mussels attach to hard surfaces in lakes and rivers killing native mussels, limiting recreational activities, clogging water supply pipes, and competing with larval fish for food. You can provide important help tracking their distribution in Minnesota by spending a few minutes monitoring the lake or river where you live without any specialized equipment. Early detection for zebra mussels is important in protecting your property and Minnesota's water resources.

Learn more on how you can monitor for zebra mussels.

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safety classDNR Firearms Safety Hunter Education Program ADRFD (Instructor/Mentor)

(Metro and Central MN, NE, NW, Southern MN)

Be part of a team of Instructors/Mentors in your area that guides Firearms Safety Hunter Education Students, ages 11 and older, through a 5-6 hour Range and Field Day so youth can complete their certification process after completing HunterCourse.com online.

You will work with a group of 3-4 students (ages 11-15 yrs.) for approximately 5 hours. You facilitate, mentor and evaluate students as they complete a scenario based Hunters Trail. Activities on the Hunters Trail include outdoor survival, shoot don't shoot, tree stand safety, firearms transportation, common action types, blaze orange, big game, small game and turkey hunting. You and your team of instructors will be responsible for locating a suitable site that includes a range and classroom and ample space to create a Hunters Trail. Or you may join an existing site team. Teams may collect a fee from students to defray costs.

All Instructors/Mentors need to understand the basic principles of mentorship and facilitation of sceneries. General knowledge of various types of hunting activities and knowledge of the principles of safe, responsible and ethical hunting are required. Must be 18 yrs. or older and pass a background check. Applicants must complete the instructor prerequisites listed on the DNR web site along with additional Range and Field Day training by a DNR Trainer and receive instructor certification. Range and Field Days are usually held on Saturdays and vary depending on the time of year. The DNR's goal is to have 10 instructors/mentors in every community across the state.

For more information contact the Enforcement Education Program Staff at Camp Ripley, 15011 Hwy. 115 Little Falls MN 56345. Call 1-800-366-8917 or email enforcement.education@state.mn.us

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blocksMake Building Blocks out of Trees

(Metro and Central MN, NW, NE, and Southern MN)

Nature preschools in the state need sets of building blocks made from trees. As preschools and schools trend toward the use of "green" rather than commercially-manufactured materials, sources for products like these building blocks are hard to find. We need volunteers to create sets of 50 building blocks like the ones outlined in this plan. You will need to provide your own wood, tools, and materials. You are free to experiment with different species of wood. At least one adult who is comfortable and skilled using power tools is necessary to complete these blocks. This may be an individual or group project. At the end of your project, we will give you the name of a preschool or school that needs the blocks. This project benefits teachers and children who are in the School Forest program, which is Minnesota's program for outdoor classrooms. For more information contact Laura Duffey, Forestry Education Specialist, St Paul, at 651-259-5263 or email laura.duffey@state.mn.us No training or reimbursement is available for this project.

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making cookies100 Tree Cookies

(Metro and Central MN, NW, NE, and Southern MN)

Project Learning Tree (PLT) program is a natural resources education program for teachers across Minnesota. PLT needs volunteers to create "tree cookies" as teaching aides for teachers to use with their students. Tree cookies are slices of branches or trunks that show the rings of a tree. They are used to teach children how trees and other woody plants grow, environmental factors affecting tree growth, tree identification, and more. Teachers often don't have the time or capability to make these so volunteer help is greatly appreciated!

Slice the branches or trunk into half-inch thick, wafer-shaped "cookies" that are between three to six inches in diameter. Sand the surfaces until the rings appear. Finish the surfaces with clear varnish. "Interesting" cookies with easily readable rings are preferred (e.g. cookies that show history of disease, disturbance, or other story). Labeling cookie species and location harvested is optional, but appreciated. This project can be done individually or with a group (scouts, 4-H, FFA, Kiwanis, etc.) You must provide your own tree or woody plant material, saws, sander, oven, varnish, and labor.

When finished contact Laura Duffey, Project Learning Tree Coordinator, at 651-259-5263 or email laura.duffey@state.mn.us to arrange for delivery to site and to get Minnesota DNR recognition! The Project Learning Tree program could use at least 100 cookies made by each volunteer group. 100 cookies are enough for about three classes. So the more you can make, the better! They will be used!

Tree Cookies - How to Make Your Own

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