Volunteering at the Pine River Nature Center

Learn about nature, have fun and meet new people

Volunteers play a special role at the Pine River Nature Center. They assist the St. Clair County Regional Educational Service Agency in maintaining and enhacing the nature center's facility and grounds. They also help with programs for students and the public.

Who can volunteer?

Volunteers can be anyone 16 years and older. The Pine River Nature Center appreciates assistance from retirees and high school students. Volunteers are welcomed regardless of race, religion, age, gender, nationality or disability.

When can a volunteer work?

Most opportunities are available during weekdays. However, weekend opportunities include helping out with special events, trail work and the adopt-a-trail program.

What can volunteers do?

There are a variety of ways that volunteers can help the Pine River Nature Center. Below is a list of volunteer opportunities. People should discuss their interests with the naturalist as job descriptions are flexible.

Adopt-a-Trail Program

This program is ideal for a family or group. By "adopting a trail," a volunteer is responsible for caring for one of the nature center's many beautiful trails. Volunteers in this program may visit when convenient; trails are open daily from dawn to dusk.

Trail Work Volunteer

Maintain trails at the nature center on scheduled volunteer work days during the week and select Saturdays. Assist in removing invasive plant species, such as bush honeysuckle, barberry and autumn olive.

Volunteer Naturalist

Conduct and support school, Scout and public programs; training provided. Volunteers who work directly with students must pay $55 for a state-required background check.

Aquarium Specialist

Maintain fish, reptile and amphibian displays. This requires regular visits to the nature center to monitor, clean and care for the animals. Experience working with animals is important.

Exhibit Designer

Construct exhibits for the nature center.

Office Volunteer

Assist with a variety of office projects using Microsoft Word and Excel, including forms and letters. Maintain the nature center database and help with project mailings.

Call the nature center to for more information at (810) 364-5477. Stop by the nature center to pick up a volunteer application packet.

PRNC volunteer application