Volunteer

Rob Sartwell

Join the IRLC community as a volunteer!

Volunteering is a great way to support the Indian River Lakes Conservancy (IRLC)’s mission, spend time outdoors, and meet new friends. You can be a partner in our ongoing work to protect the land and water quality of the Indian River Lakes region.

Lean more about the five categories of volunteering that are common at IRLC below. If you feel inspired, we would love to get to know you through our volunteer application.

Keep in mind that:

  • You are not required to perform all the duties listed in the descriptions.
  • You can volunteer for one hour or on a regular basis.
  • Our volunteer positions are great for retirees, young professionals, students, scouts, school clubs, church groups, & anyone who wants to help the community and preserve the environment!

Please email Anna at ahardiman@indianriverlakes.org if you are interested in becoming a volunteer with the IRLC.

volunteer surrounded by giddy Nature camp kids
Kara Dry

When you volunteer at IRLC, you are participating in community conservation. You are helping to protect land and water for people, for wildlife, forever.

four volunteers working on trails
Erin Ermine

Land & Trail Stewardship

  • Walking trails to ensure there are no obstructions such as fallen trees
  • Cutting back vegetation
  • Replacing trail markers
  • Posting appropriate signage
  • Restocking trail guides in trail kiosks
  • Marking Boundaries of IRLC properties
  • Building planking over wet areas
  • Identifying and removing

Skills Developed

Maintenance, land management, independent work ethic, map reading

IRLC booth at Fort Drum

Community Outreach

  • Help to get the word out about IRLC's Conservation Programs, Trails, and Education Programs
  • Help to design or distribute event calendars, trail maps, and other flyers
  • Photograph the Indian River Region or IRLC events
  • Social Media Outreach
  • Event Outreach
    • Attend and distribute information at IRLC events or other community events
    • Answer general questions about IRLC

Skills Developed

Communication, marketing, community outreach, photography, social media, knowledge of topics in conservation

two volunteers helping to check guests into event
Rob Sartwell

Event Crew

  • Greeters
    • Greet guests
    • Ensure sign-in
    • Direct guests
    • Provide materials
  • Set-up/Clean-Up Crew
    • Tables and Chairs (set-up/tear-down)
    • Food and beverage (set out/put away)
    • General clean-up and waste removal
  • Technical Support
    • Set up projector and computer
  • Plan the Celebration of Lakes Annual Fundraiser

Skills Developed

Customer service, organization, event-planning, communications, teamwork, IT support

a group of volunteers who help run the camp
Rich Applebaum

Education

  • Planning educational presentations, hikes, or kids' programs
  • Join a once-a-month committee, volunteer at events, or both
  • Bring Fun Ideas for Nature Education for Groups

We welcome education volunteers of all backgrounds. Our group is focused on getting kids out in nature to enjoy all the sensory, educational, health, and confidence building benefits.

Skills Developed

Outdoor education, event organization, promotion, leading groups, and community organization

 

Kids' Education Committee: Environmental Education for ages 3-14 including Summer Kids' Nature Camp

Project WHIRL: Environmental Education for ages 14-18

we welcome volunteers of all ages

Administration

  • Front Desk
  • Answering Questions about Trails
  • Writing or Editing
  • Copying or Filing
  • Mailing
  • Advertising
  • Keeping office clean

Skills Developed

Business administration, writing, data entry, organization, teamwork, communication, journalism, marketing

 
Wylie Huffman
Fun Fact

The Indian River Lakes preserves are located within a critical region of the Algonquin to Adirondacks (A2A) wildlife corridor. Indian River Lakes Conservancy protected lands benefit both the local environment and the larger continental system of wildlife movement, range requirements, and safeguarded habitat.