Volunteer at the Kalamazoo Nature Center

We need hundreds of volunteers and several interns every year to continue providing high quality opportunities for our members and visitors. Volunteer positions and internships at KNC are intended to be mutually beneficial: we further our mission of connecting people with nature and enjoy the benefits of your hard work and positive energy, and you receive education and experiences in a professional, natural setting, working closely with our world-class staff.

For questions on volunteering or to get involved, contact Jen Meilinger at jmeilinger@naturecenter.org

Due to COVID-19, volunteer opportunities for the time being will be more limited than in the past. This will specifically impact special event and group opportunities. We are working hard to get as many volunteers involved as possible while following KNC's COVID Safety Plan. We appreciate your understanding and are looking forward to working with you!

There are four ways to start volunteering at KNC:

Special Events

Volunteer for a Special Event

KNC hosts several special events throughout the year and we need volunteer help to make them happen. Volunteering at these events is a fun way to serve with friends or make new ones. You are not required to become a Registered Volunteer to help at special events. This is perfect for students who need to meet service hours. Under 18 years of age? See our Youth Volunteering policy below.

Registered Volunteers

Become a Registered Volunteer

Want to be more involved as a volunteer and become part of the KNC team? Becoming a Registered Volunteer is the way to go. We’ll help fit you with volunteer jobs that match your interests and you will receive monthly communications about upcoming opportunities. Registered volunteers also receive an invitation to an annual Volunteer Appreciation Party and a 15% discount in the Nature Center gift shop. Registered volunteers must complete an online application, pass a background check and sign a waiver. Applicants under 18, see our Youth Volunteering policy.

Become a Registered Volunteer

Bring a Group

We would love to host your organization, corporation or community group for a service project. We can work with you to find the perfect project that help us meet our mission and also creates an educational and fun day for your team. Group service projects can be any length of time that meets your needs. We welcome you to bring a picnic and stick around to enjoy the beautiful KNC grounds.

If interested in this option, please contact our Volunteer Manager directly at volunteer@naturecenter.org or
(269) 381-1574 ext 47.

Citizen Science

Citizen science is a collaboration between professional scientists and any member of the general public who is interested in protecting our environment. Through volunteering as a Citizen Scientist, people of all ages, experience levels, and interests work to help gather different kinds of data about nature. Learn more here...

KNC Volunteer Policies

Youth Volunteering

We love to have the young members of our community and families as volunteers! While not all jobs are appropriate for youth volunteers, we work to provide opportunities and experiences for them. Here are our policies for volunteers under age 18:

Children 13 years and younger must have parent/guardian: Volunteer side by side together on an activity. Parental supervision must be provided at all times.

Teens 14-16 years must have parent/guardian:Commit to ensuring transportation for the volunteer. Commit to training with the teen volunteer. Continue to provide parental supervision to help ensure volunteer commitment is fulfilled.

Teens 16-18 years must have parent/guardian:Sign all applicable paperwork. Commit to ensuring transportation

The Kalamazoo Nature Center has many volunteer opportunities and we would like to work with you to find something that matches your interests, skills and availability. For any questions, contact the Volunteer Manager at volunteer@naturecenter.org or (269) 381-1574 ext 47.

Are you a current volunteer? Log in to your
Volunteer Profile

New! View our Volunteer Newsletter archives here!

Volunteer Newsletters