Volunteer With Us!
Photo Credit: Edwige Moses/NPS
Winter River Field Trip Assistant
Volunteer Opportunity Spotlight!
Volunteer shifts: February 20-21, & 26-28; 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Get outside and assist staff and educators in helping to foster fourth-grade classes with their connections to winter adaptation, the river, and the surrounding natural habitat! Volunteers assist at one of two stations related to tree identification or animal habitats. No special skills are needed. Volunteers are given a station overview from station leads on their volunteer shifts. Generally, volunteers will assist with station rotations, station set-up, handing out and assisting students with equipment, providing information, organizing teams, and encouraging participation. Volunteers need to dress properly as this role is outdoors during wintertime.
Note: The volunteer shift times may be adjusted due to scheduling or weather issues. Field trips may also be canceled/rescheduled due to weather, scheduling difficulties, or busing issues. State permit park fees are waived for volunteers the day of their shift.
Winter Tree Identification Hike
Mni Owe Sni/Coldwater Spring
Volunteer Training - By Popular Demand!
Saturday, February 22; 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Do you wonder how to differentiate between trees without their leaves? Due to popular demand, we are hosting another training event for more people to learn about winter identification!
Join staff as we hike and share winter tree identification basics by focusing on the bark, winter buds, tree canopy form, and other unique features of some common species in the park. Staff will also highlight the ecological and cultural significance of each species. This event is best suited to participants ages 10 and up.
Why Volunteer?
The Volunteers-in-Parks (VIP) Program for the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area is co-managed by the National Park Service and Mississippi Park Connection. Volunteers are a crucial component in many areas of park operations. We offer a wide range of volunteer opportunities throughout the Twin Cities. Most options do not require training or a lengthy time commitment and we welcome drop-ins. It’s a great way to meet others and a fun and rewarding way to spend the day.
Volunteer Training Resources
From history and interpretation to natural resources, we have something that might pique your interest. Please take some time to learn how you can positively impact our river community and create a welcoming environment for everyone. Hours spent on these resources can be added to your volunteer profile! Report them at miss_volunteer@nps.gov.
Stay Connected!
Our monthly Volunteers-In-Parks e-newsletter announces upcoming volunteer opportunities throughout the park, volunteer team updates, and more. Sign up to stay informed on all things volunteer-related!
Volunteer Opportunities
Habitat Restoration
Habitat restoration improves Mississippi River water quality, offers wildlife habitat, aids migrating birds, and enhances park and trail scenery. Volunteers can assist by removing invasives, planting natives, or joining river clean-ups.
Public Programming
Our public programming events happen with the support of volunteers! This includes tabling, assisting in hikes, and other needed support.
Field S
cientific Survey
The park has several ongoing research projects monitoring wildlife and vegetation in the park. Past and current opportunities include tree surveying, beaver monitoring, waterfowl surveys, and the Monarch Larvae Monitoring Project.
Youth Education
Help foster youth learning by supporting field trips and other education programming along the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area!
Specialized Volunteer Roles
Specialized volunteer roles require training from a volunteer supervisor/staff before volunteering for a shift. Examples include tree surveying, Trails & Rails, the Mississippi River Visitor Center, and more.
Are you interested? Look at what positions are offered and check out if there are any training dates at the link below! Otherwise, feel free to email miss_volunteer@nps.gov or volunteer@parkconnection.org to be added to the waiting list for upcoming training dates.
Organized and Corporate Group Volunteers
A great team-building experience for corporate groups, community organizations, youth groups, and schools. Help preserve the Mississippi River, while working together in a meaningful and unique way.
Volunteer Blog Posts
Featured
Contact Us!
The Volunteers-In-Parks Program for the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area is co-managed by the National Park Service and Mississippi Park Connection. Feel free to email miss_volunteer@nps.gov, volunteer@parkconnection.org, or call the MPC Volunteer Coordinator number at 651-291-9119.