Macon County Conservation District Volunteer Opportunities

If you enjoy working with children, the Conservation District has numerous volunteer opportunities for you. Join our team of volunteer naturalists and assist in teaching school groups about our local plants and animals. Training and tools are provided and scheduling is flexible. Volunteers should be able to hike over uneven terrain.

Each summer, Rock Springs Conservation Area hosts many different summer day camps for children ages 1 through 12 years. Volunteers (ages 13 and up) are needed to assist camp counselors with various hikes and activities It’s a great way for youth to get involved in volunteering and gain experience for future work.

"If you ever wanted to help make a difference in our community there are opportunities for you with the Macon County Conservation District."

There are more than 3,200 acres of natural areas and hundreds of school programs, special events, and workshop presentations at the Macon County Conservation District in Decatur, IL. Indoor and outdoor volunteer opportunities are available year-round in our many Conservation areas.

Every year, hundreds of volunteers make an invaluable contribution to the operation of our conservation areas and historic sites. Whether greeting visitors, or assisting with programs, our volunteers help the Conservation District serve the residents of Macon County.

Making the decision to volunteer

Volunteers are essential to the Conservation District. All potential applicants are interviewed and placed in an area suited to their interests and abilities. We welcome your inquiries about our programs and hope you consider applying for a volunteer position!

For more information, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator by calling 217-423-7708 or by sending an email to emoyer@maconcountyconservation.org.

Download the Volunteer Application form.

Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities March Saturday, March 20, 2010, 9a.m. - 12p.m. Natural Restoration Days - Volunteer for our Natural Restoration Days at Sand Creek Conservation Area on Saturday, March 20, 9 a.m. to 12 noon! Participants will help remove bush honeysuckle - an invasive, nonnative plant. Please wear long pants and sturdy shoes, and be prepared for some physical activity. Light refreshments will be provided. For more information or to sign up, contact Rich Crowe at 217-423-7708 or email at rcrowe@maconcountyconservation.org April Friday, April 9, 2010, 10:00am Hike Leader Training – Are you interested in the outdoors? Do you enjoy working with children? If so, sign up to be a hike leader for our spring school programs! Hike leaders help children discover the plant and animal life just outside their door. Volunteers for this position should be able to hike up to one hour over slightly uneven terrain. Saturday, April 10, 2010, 9a.m. - 12p.m. Natural Restoration Days - Volunteer for our Natural Restoration Days at Rock Springs Conservation Area on Saturday, April 10, 9 a.m. – 12 noon. Participants will help remove bush honeysuckle - an invasive, nonnative plant. Please wear long pants and sturdy shoes, and be prepared for some physical activity. Light refreshments will be provided. For more information or to sign up, contact Rich Crowe at 217-423-7708 or email at rcrowe@maconcountyconservation.org Monday, April 19, 2010, 1:00pm Homestead Prairie Farm Training – For anyone interested in local history, this training is for you! Learn about our 1860s historic farm house and become a tour guide yourself! Homestead Prairie Farm training will take place at 1pm with a slide presentation and history of the farm and will continue at 2pm with training on how to lead tours through the house. Upcoming Volunteer Trainings: Trainings are offered throughout the year for new volunteers and current volunteers! If you would like to join our volunteer group, attending a training session is a great way to start! For more information on trainings or to sign up, call Erin Moyer at 217-423-7708 today

 

Rock Springs Nature Center The Rock Springs Visitor's Center offers many indoor and outdoor volunteer opportunities. Some of the activities include: Nature Center Greeter Library Attendant Cross country ski rental Maple syrup production Special Events Download the Volunteer Application form to get started!

Educational Outreach Work with our education staff in one of the many ways that we bring information to the community. Help out with a presentation or with a special event, or work with the thousands of school children who visit the district each year. We will provide any necessary training. Volunteer options include: School Programs Workshop Presentations Hike Leaders Download the Volunteer Application form to get started!

Conservation Support Volunteers assist with many projects at all of our sites. You'll be helping to preserve our beautiful natural areas, keep track of birds, and count wildlife species. Volunteers are needed for projects such as: Trail Monitors Bluebird Trail Monitors Natural Area Restoration Download the Volunteer Application form to get started!

Historical Interpretation Join our talented staff in bringing Macon County history to life at one of our cultural heritage events. Volunteer opportunities abound at our historic sites as well, including: Homestead Prairie Farm Tour Guides Bethel School Tour Guides Governor Oglesby Mansion Tour Guides Vintage Base Ball Games Heirloom Gardeners Carpenters Seamstresses Download the Volunteer Application form to get started!

Youth Programs In our youth programs, young people can learn about nature and our rich cultural heritage in a unique hands-on atmosphere. Young volunteers are active through programs like: Summer Camp Youth Leaders Historical Program Assistance Environmental Program Assistance Download the Volunteer Application form to get started!