Get Involved: Natural Areas

Are you looking for a way to give back to natural areas and open spaces? Do you like getting your hands dirty? Do you want to be involved beyond a one-day project? Become a Stewardship Volunteer!

After your training as a Crew Leader volunteer, you’ll work individually or lead small groups on a variety of service projects including plantings, restoration work, gardening, trail building and maintenance, trash cleanups, and more.

Crew Leader Volunteers participate in about 10 hours of training and work on projects that help manage and restore natural areas and open spaces. Training topics include the values of natural areas and open lands, outdoor safety skills, group management and restoration/trail building skills.

Read the full volunteer description here.

Find out more about volunteering with Natural Areas.

Volunteer Description Overview City of Fort Collins Master Naturalists are volunteers who:

• provide programs including school field trips and community programs,
• welcome visitors to natural areas,
• share practical stewardship tips for these special places.

Master Naturalists care about natural areas and have fun sharing their enthusiasm with others. During the training presentations by a variety of experts, field trips to natural areas, and opportunities to practice techniques provide naturalist trainees with the skills they need to lead fun, fact-filled, and meaningful field trips for all ages.

Those admitted to the training must attend the following training dates:

• 2020 Training Dates include:

  • Tuesday, March 10, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, March 12, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday, March 17, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, March 19, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, March 21, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday, March 24, 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, March 26, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, March 28, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday, March 31, 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, April 2, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. 
  • Saturday, April 4- 8:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday, April 7, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, April 9, 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

• Activities are scheduled well in advance. You will have the opportunity to sign up for those that interest you and fit your schedule.
• Mandatory training of approximately 80 hours.
• Commit to at least two years of volunteer service.
• Present a minimum of two programs by the end of the training calendar year and donate at least fifty hours within two years of training.
• Attend at least two qualified continuing education programs, field trips, or workshops per year. These are sponsored/provided by the City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Department and are provided free of charge; some exceptions may apply.

Read the full job description here.

Find out more about volunteering with Natural Areas.

 Volunteer Description Overview

The Office and Equipment Volunteer is responsible for managing the supplies that are essential to running natural areas programs and events.

Key Responsibilities

• Organize, manage, and re-stock supplies, tools, and equipment before and after school field trips, community programs, and stewardship projects.
• Keep Resource Room, Education House, and Tool Shed organized and stocked during busy season.
• Help respond to inquires from program participants, compile attendance reports, manage the library, and other office-based projects.
• Help with the ongoing organization and filing of the Natural Areas photo library.
• Actively think of ways to improve our organization of supplies, equipment, and information
• Record hours and impact through the City’s online system, Engage

4-8 hours a week, Mondays and Fridays preferred

https://www.fcgov.com/naturalareas/files/office-and-equipment-volunteer.pdf