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 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 info@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 Ambassador

  • 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 Support

  • 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

Scholarship Committee A committee that reviews senior scholarship applications annually and collaborates with local schools.

women sorting papers

Newsletter Committee

  • Assist in writing and designing IRLC's newsletter
  • Work with the Executive Director for updates and support (a template is provided!)
  • Help share the latest conservation efforts, upcoming events, and community stories

Skills Developed

Writing and editing, graphic design and layout, storytelling and communication, collaboration and organization.

 

small group of people talking to each other

Volunteer Coordinator

  • Help manage and organize IRLC's volunteer network
  • Reach out to volunteer's for project assistance and event support
  • Assist with scheduling and tracking RSVPs for events

Skills Developed

Leadership and communication, event coordination and scheduling, volunteer management and outreach, community engagment.

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

Land protection directly supports watershed health! Conserving land helps to reduce erosion and runoff, reduces pollutant export through filtering, preserves natural flow patterns, and minimizes flooding.