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Natural Areas

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Natural Areas Volunteer Opportunities

Your Role

Volunteers are critical in all levels of the Natural Areas Program - from education to restoration, from office work to field research. Each year hundreds of volunteers donate thousands of hours to help conserve fragile ecosystems, protect wildlife habitat and educate fellow citizens. As a volunteer, you will be part of a community that shares your passion for the outdoors and environmental conservation. Volunteers are valued and recognized through annual appreciation events and continuing education opportunities. Want to read more about volunteer opportunities available? Download a PDF of the 2009 Volunteer Opportunities brochure. Volunteer today!

For Active Volunteers For current volunteers with the Natural Areas Program

  • Volgistics Volunteer Information Center
  • Frog survey resources

    • Volunteer Opportunities

    Master Naturalists
    Master Naturalists are highly trained volunteer educators who share their knowledge and experience with the public. As a Master Naturalist you will experience beautiful natural areas while you learn how to lead fun, hands-on field trips. An intensive training session of 50 hours is offered each spring. 50 hours of volunteer service are required within 2 years of training. Full job description here. Ready to apply? On-line 2010 Master Naturalist application. To learn more, email Sue Kenney at skenney@fcgov.com or call (970) 224-6118.
    To Request a Presentation by a Master Naturalist
    Would you like to invite a volunteer Master Naturalist to work with your group? Contact Susan Schafer, sschafer@fcgov.com, (970)416-2480.

    Master Naturalist Assistant
    Master Naturalist Assistants (MNA) serve as an important aid to volunteer Master Naturalists (see above for description) by lending a helpful hand to all aspects of leading a field trip or activity for the public. As a MNA, you will assist with group management, props and activities. Full description here. Ready to get started? Apply on-line here!

    Trailhead Ambassador
    Trailhead Ambassadors serve as a friendly face to welcome and greet visitors, offer helpful information and answer questions. Each year thousands of people visit natural areas. It's important that visitors understand their role in conserving natural areas and the impact that recreation may have. Read the full description here. Interested? Apply on-line here! Or use the pdf (print, fill in and send) form.

    Adopt a Natural Area
    Take an active role in the stewardship of natural areas by doing monthly litter clean-ups. A great way to work outside and get to know a natural area! Time Commitment: Flexible, visit your natural area once each month. Full job description. Ready to get started? Apply on-line here! Or use the pdf (print, fill in and send) form here. Contact Susan Schafer, sschafer@fcgov.com, (970)416-2480.

    Volunteer Ranger Assistants
    Volunteer Ranger Assistants serve as a friendly face on the trail to greet visitors, promote safe outdoor recreation and assist rangers with many of their important tasks. Time Commitment: Training sessions are about 20 hours (generally two evenings and a Saturday). Trainings are offered each winter and summer. The next training will be Feb. 23 and 25 from 6-9 PM and Feb. 27, 8 AM - 4 PM. Volunteer schedule is flexible, 20 hours of volunteer service are required within 2 years of training. Read more about the Volunteer Ranger Assistant Program >>> You can apply on-line here! Or use the pdf application (print, fill in and send). Contact Susan Schafer, sschafer@fcgov.com, (970)416-2480.

    Group Projects
    Looking for a volunteer project for your group? Help keep natural areas clean by participating in a group litter clean up. In some summer months, weed pulling projects are available too. Fill out the Group Project Application and submit to Susan Schafer at sschafer@fcgov.com .

    Spring 2010 Opportunities

    Rare Plant Survey--Spring 2010
    Information about plant communities is valuable for natural resource planning so the City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Program (NAP) needs help collecting information about plants in natural areas. Many rare plant populations have yet to be discovered. Read the full job description here. You can apply on-line now or print, fill in and return the pdf volunteer application.

    Nix Gardener--Spring 2010
    The native plant garden at Nix Natural Area/the Natural Areas Program offices is a demonstration garden that showcases Colorado's native plants. Visitors will see beautiful grasses, flowers, shrubs and trees that require little water and are useful in attracting wildlife. Gardeners are needed to help maintain and enhance this extensive garden. Time Commitment:Volunteers participate in an orientation in the spring. The volunteer gardening schedule is flexible. Full job description here. Applications are being accepted now! Use the on-line form, or print, fill in and send the pdf.

    Wildflower Seed Packaging--Spring 2010
    Looking for a fun and easy project for your group? Package native wildflower seeds to be distributed to the public. All the supplies are provided. Your group works at your own location to cut out and assemble the seed packets and fill with native seeds. Part of the project is pick up and return of the supplies to the Natural Areas Program office. Supplies are limited- to reserve your seeds, fill out the Group Project Application and submit to Susan Schafer at sschafer@fcgov.com . You can also apply here >>>