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 fill out the application below.

Adult Application
Youth Application

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 DTE Energy Nature House, run the outside games and concession stand, or act as a trail guide. We average about 200 volunteer hours hosting everyone's favorite non-scary Halloween program.

Summer Camp Volunteers

Our summer camp wouldn't be the same without the help from our fabulous summer camp volunteers! High School students get the opportunity to help with the logistics of camp by making snacks, playing games, making friends with the campers, and having tons of fun! If your high school student has completed 9th grade, have them email LSNC at volunteer@lesliesnc.org for more information and an application!

Volunteer Opportunities at Special Events

Currently there are no upcoming events, please check back soon!

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, Susan Westhoff. 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. 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!

Our raptors fill an important role by acting as ambassadors for their species through educational programs. If you would like to assist in the care, feeding, and educational use of these magnificent birds please email Michele.

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.

Type of Volunteers	Requirements	Commitment
Raptor Crew	Must be available to work with a mentor for at least 2 months or 8 feeding sessions; basic knowledge of raptor natural history and biology	2 hour shift per week for 1 year
Education Crew	Know interpretation techniques or be willing to learn them within 2 months; basic knowledge of raptor natural history and biology; member of the Raptor Crew for at least 3 months	At least 1 Saturdays per month for 1 year; fill a mentor role
Raptor Handler	Recommendation by a senior staff member; in-depth understanding of raptor biology and natural history; member of Raptor Crew and Education Crew for at least 2 years	1 year; fill a mentor role
Carpentry Crew		Varies by project and season