Conservation Volunteer Guidelines

Thank you for volunteering! Your work helps the Friends of Rye Nature Center’s team enhance the Rye Nature Center’s forest preserve and educational programs. Your much-appreciated volunteerism will improve overall ecological health, support wildlife and provide access to nature for our communities. If you have any questions, please contact the Director of Conservation at jax@ryenaturecenter.org.

Preparation

  • Closed-toe shoes are required for all volunteers. Boots or tennis shoes are advised.

  • Forest and Trail Volunteers work outdoors – come prepared with appropriate clothing for the day’s weather. There are mosquitoes and poison-ivy at the nature center, so long sleeves and long pants are strongly recommended.

  • Please bring a water bottle, especially if it is hot. Bathrooms are available and you can re-fill your water bottle inside.

Safety

  • If weather is inclement (lightning, hail, extreme wind), volunteer time should be rescheduled.

  • Volunteers should wear gloves while working. You may bring your own or borrow them from us.

  • Tools and Safety: Training in tool use and safety will be provided by nature center staff. Glove and safety glasses will be issues when indicated by the job. Tools used may include and are not limited to the following:

    • Pruners / Loppers

    • Hand- and bow-saws

    • Pole saws

    • Fan and iron rakes

    • Shovels

    • Pick mattocks

Volunteer Contact Info

In addition to a volunteer application, please fill out the volunteer waiver form(s):

Volunteer Forms need to be completed on an annual basis.