Volunteer
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 info@indianriverlakes.org if you are interested in becoming a volunteer with the IRLC.
When you volunteer at IRLC, you are participating in community conservation. You are helping to protect land and water for people, for wildlife, forever.
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
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
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
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
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
The Indian River Lakes Conservancy maintains 28 miles of trails open to the public across 5 different land preserves, and we are consistently working to expand our trail system. With trails in Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties, there are lots of places for you to explore and enjoy!