Volunteers are an important part of Carpenter Nature Center. In fact we couldn’t offer many of the programs if we didn’t have volunteers to supplement the staff. Some volunteer on a weekly basis while others come out only for our special events which occur two or three times a year. All of our volunteers are valuable assets and help us fulfill our mission.

 

Why should I volunteer at CNC? In addition to the benefits listed below, volunteers share their time and talents for a variety of personal reasons. Whether you are looking for some professional experience, like to be outdoors, want to share your knowledge with children, or just want to stay busy, CNC can provide a rewarding volunteer experience.

 

Free use of snowshoes at CNC

10% off gift shop items

Invitation to Volunteer social events

Subscription to CNC newsletter

Hourly awards

 

What can I do at CNC? Here is a list of volunteer positions that are available at CNC.

 

Naturalist Assistant - help teach/lead small group hikes. Ages of students vary but primarily K-5th. Teaching experience helpful but the only requirement is enthusiasm and willingness to share nature with children.

 

Animal Care – We have a variety of animals used for educational purposes. Help is needed with feeding, cleaning, and general care of these animals. No experience needed, we provide training.

 

Gardeners – Volunteers help plan, plant, and tend the gardens at CNC. All material costs involved are paid by us we just need people to come “play in our dirt.” We are also looking for people to help with our apple orchard.

 

Special Events – If you are only available during the weekend, there are a variety of things to do at all of our special events. We need a lot of volunteers to staff positions for the Apple Blossom Races in May, Apple Fest in October, the St. Croix Valley Golf Scrammble in July and the BRAND NEW Natural Challenge events.

 

How do I get started?

As with many things, getting started is the hardest part. The best way is to call and reserve a spot at the next Volunteer Information Meeting. The schedule for 2013 is:

 

January 23

April 10

June 5

September 11

 

All orientations start at 7:00 p.m. and lasts about an hour. Please call ahead to let us know you are coming.

 

If you cannot attend an orientation or want to get started volunteering right away, call the Nature Center at 651-437-4359 and ask for the Volunteer Coordinator, Alan.

 

Volunteering as a group is welcome. Please consider talking to co-workers, friends, brothers, sisters, parents, or grandparents and see if they would like to volunteer too.

 

Volunteering pays in more ways than one! A number of employers will donate funds of $50-$500 to the non-profit organization at which their employee, or retired employee volunteers. These programs are known by the titles such as Dollars for Doers, or 3M GIVES. There is often a minimum time commitment of 20-40 hours per year, with a limit of one donation per year. If you are not sure whether your company takes part in this program, please contact your Human Resources Department. For any additional questions, and to add companies that donate for volunteer hours, please contact our Development Director.

 

Carpenter Nature Center would like to thank our current volunteer hours matching Donor Companies – 3M Foundation, Securian, and EcoLab

 

For more information on volunteering at Carpenter Nature Center, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator.