Volunteer

Volunteer With Us!

Volunteers are a vital part of the Leslie Science & Nature Center and participate in almost every aspect of our organization. Volunteers work in the Critter House, assist program coordinators, help out with trail maintenance, garden in our native plant beds, and participate in a variety of special programs. You can come once to help with a particular task or come once a week to bring your energy and expertise to one of our programs.  We also welcome groups who are interested in volunteering together as a service project.

To let us know you're interested in volunteering, please email us your name, areas that you are interested in volunteering, and if you are inquiring as an individual or as an organized group. 

Examples of past projects:
Frog Fest: In the spring volunteers help LSNC staff host our annual frog fest. Games, hikes and other activities are just a few examples of volunteer fun.
Stewardship workdays throughout the spring and summer: Volunteers clean and help maintain the native plant beds and trails.
Summer camp volunteers help in daily activities (14 years and older): Guest presenters for Day Camps have included musicians, storytellers and local experts.
Animal Haunts: During the month of October volunteers help build the prairie maze, stuff scarecrows, make leaf garlands, decorate the Nature House, run the outside games, concession stand or act as a trail guide. We average about 200 volunteer hours hosting everyone's favorite, non-scary Halloween program.
 

Serve on our Board of Directors

Leslie Science & Nature Center is governed by a Board of Directors. These members serve the organization as volunteers. If you are interested in serving on the Board please contact our Executive Director. The Board of Directors, as a group and as individuals, is not only expected to provide organizational governance, but also take an active role in fundraising, fiscal stewardship, networking, public relations, long-range strategic development, event planning, and Board recruitment. Directors must exercise a strong sense of professionalism and high moral standards, maintaining the best interest of the Leslie Science & Nature Center in sight. The Board relies on the experienced and professional staff of LSNC to run the daily operations and programming of the Center. We have periodic openings on the Board of Directors and/or its subcommittees.
 

Care for our birds of prey!

Most of the raptor volunteer positions at Leslie Science & Nature Center require a full 1 year commitment. The exception to that rule includes garden help and specialized carpentry projects.  Overall, the work is outside in potentially unfavorable conditions (snow, rain storms, high temperature days) and in most cases working with raptor food (dead rats, mice, quail…).  If you are up to the task, this volunteer position may be for you!  We have 3 tiers of volunteers who work directly with the raptors, beginning with the Raptor Cleaning Crew.  Based on time, ability and commitment you can progress up to the next step.  If you feel this is a good fit for you, please email Francie.