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September 26, 2023

Help make a difference

Bird by Bird Program starting October 16

Help foster meaningful experiences for youth and communities to connect to nature and nourish a love of birds and wildlife by becoming a volunteer in the Bird by Bird Program.

As a Bird by Bird volunteer you will: 

• spark and support student’s interests in birds and wildlife through hands-on indoor and outdoor exploration,
• assist the program lead and/or lead education activities in classrooms,
• learn alongside and make a difference in a youth and/or young adult’s life through mentorship, or
• support program logistics.

Choose what kind of volunteer opportunity you want to be involved with at school locations within the St. Paul and Minneapolis Public School districts.

Volunteers have the option of:

• volunteering in elementary schools and assisting in education activities and field trips,
• mentoring high school students during their field experiences,
• engaging families and communities in bird watching, bird walks, and bird education related activities co-led by high school students as BOLD youth leaders in the Birding & Outdoor Leadership Development initiative, or
• working behind the scenes on volunteer projects that support the program by
  • delivering bird seed and program supplies to schools,
  • helping to develop curriculum,
  • installing and maintaining bird feeding stations or
  • supporting field trips.

Get Physical on a Scientific and Natural Area

Scientific and Natural Areas (SNAs) are premier state lands displaying examples of native prairies, old growth forests, geological features and habitat for rare and endangered species.

As part of a typical volunteer workday on an SNA you will:

• collect prairie and woodland seeds
• plant seedlings
• pull buckthorn or other invasive species of plants
• cut and burn brush such as sumac

Projects are typically carried out on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., unless otherwise noted, on many weekends throughout the year. 

Adopt-a-WMA Program   The Adopt-A-WMA Program was established to encourage sporting, outdoor, business, and civic groups or individuals to voluntarily assist in improving and maintaining Wildlife Management Areas (WMA). This program encourages Minnesota volunteers to "adopt" a specific site, parking lot, or project on a WMA area to help maintain these public lands in cooperation with Assistant Area Wildlife Managers. Time Commitment: Projects are typically focused on a minimum 2-year time commitment. Volunteers must be able to work safely outdoors in various weather conditions without direct supervision except for initial guidance and orientation as needed. Hours are flexible - typically Monday through Friday with weekends possible depending on the project. Projects available for individuals, groups, organizations or companies.

Campground Host Program   Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live or work in a state park? Well, why not find out? If you enjoy the great outdoors, scenic vistas and the company of other campers, then consider being a host anytime from April to October. Length of time, workdays and hours are established with the campground manager, but will generally include all weekends and holidays.  Avid campers or RV’ers are encouraged to apply!

Lake Level Volunteering... Doing Your Level Best!   Whether it is floods, droughts, or just a normal year, lake level fluctuations (or the lack of them) are important to document. Lake Level Minnesota is a program in which volunteers and cooperative organizations collect and report lake levels throughout the state. Be a volunteer observer and record lake levels on a regular basis.

Volunteer Safety Instructors   DNR Certified Volunteer Safety Instructor opportunities are available in the following areas: Snowmobile safety Firearms safety Bowhunter education ATV safety Wildlife species Pass on a love for your sport by teaching youth and adults the ethics and safety you would expect from those you meet in the field.

Volunteering with the Minnesota DNR

For more information on becoming a volunteer with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, go to the DNR volunteer main page.

To see other volunteer activities available around the state, please refer to the DNR volunteer opportunities webpage.

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