Volunteering
Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, discover new things and do something good for Indiana's natural and cultural resources. Volunteers who work with our interpretive naturalists provide valuable assistance in many ways. We make every effort to match your skills and interests with our needs.
Volunteers In Action
See some of our volunteers in action!
Our volunteers often help with these projects and tasks:
- Serve as receptionists at interpretive centers.
- Help out with program preparation.
- Write grants or brochures.
- Provide graphics and artwork for brochures and exhibits.
- Assist with web site design and maintenance or other computer projects.
- Present programs as guest speakers.
- Offer musical programs for campers and other guests (audition tapes required).
- Assist with school programs (training provided before service).
- Maintain trails.
- Care for the live animals in our interpretive centers.
- Identify and catalog plants, animals or artifacts.
- Monitor bluebird or other wildlife nesting boxes.
- Design and care for interpretive gardens.
- Remove exotic and invasive plants like garlic mustard, honeysuckle and autumn olive.
- Take a look at some specific volunteer projects that our properties can use assistance with.
Want to see what some of our volunteers are doing? Download an issue of our Volunteer Newsletter that is sent to volunteers who commit 50 hours or more each year on a regular basis.
Each property has a volunteer coordinator. For more information about our volunteer program and how to contact the property where you'd like to participate, download our Volunteer Brochure that can provide details.
Forms
Volunteer Application. Download, complete (be sure to indicate the property where you'd like to volunteer) and return to Volunteer Coordinator, Division of State Parks and Reservoirs, 402 W. Washington Room W298, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Volunteer Service Agreement for Parents. If you are a parent or guardian of a Scout or other group member who will be volunteering at a state park or reservoir, complete this form and return it to your child's group leader.
Volunteer Service Agreement for Adults. If you plan to register as a volunteer, complete this form and send it with your application.
Volunteer Service Agreement for Adult Groups. If you are a leader of an adult group that will be volunteering, complete this form and have your group members sign it.
What volunteers are doing and saying
Fort Harrison State Park has been designated as an Important Bird Area by Audubon because of the community of interior-forest and woodland birds that breed within the park. Enhancing the habitat further by removing invasive species and planting native plants is important to me because of the positive impact it has on the ecosystem. The more people who volunteer to help, the more effective the outcome.
- Don Gorney, Amos Butler Audubon, President
I have been volunteering at Potato Creek for about 6 years, it is so rewarding to jump in and make a difference. When you go to the Park and see what you have contributed for others to enjoy for many years, it really makes you feel good. There is a little piece of you out there. It really is true that in giving we receive. I would encourage everyone to volunteer and make the Park you love a better place. Best regards / Mit freundlichen Grüßen
- Kathy Serrat, volunteer
Great way to spend a few hours of time. Great people and you get to share your love of nature.
- Brenda Pickett, volunteer
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