Volunteer
Environmental stewardship is at the heart of our mission.
For nearly 30 years, Great River Greening has been engaging the public with environmental stewardship opportunities that strengthen our care and connection to the land. We aim to deepen environmental connections, teach environmental restoration practices, and empower individuals to actively participate in caring for our shared natural resources.
With a robust, hands-on volunteer program, our inspiring Future Stewards youth education initiative, diverse community partnerships, environmental justice commitment, and year-round events, there’s truly something for everyone.
Volunteer Opportunities!
-
![A young person squatting on the ground planting, smiling, in Minnesota]()
Public Events
Our public volunteer events provide individuals, groups, and families opportunities to join in hands-on restoration work like planting, seeding, and invasive species removal. We provide all tools and training needed to welcome individuals of diverse backgrounds and experience levels in our conservation work.
Volunteer opportunities are available year-round and typically occur on Saturdays or weekend evenings.
View upcoming opportunities and sign-up here
-
![A man smiling, on the ground planting a tree in Minnesota]()
Private Events
Great River Greening provides private events that can be customized to an organization’s goals, location, and timeframe. There’s a special atmosphere that comes with teams working together outside and many organizations value this “change of pace” opportunity as a fun, values-based way to promote teamwork and provide some public. These events typically require advance notice to plan and an accompanying donation to support our work.
To learn more about our private events, contact Brennan Blue at bblue@greatrivergreening.org.
-
![An adult with a volunteer vest surrounded by students looking at native seeds in Minnesota]()
Become a Volunteer Supervisor
Each year, Great River Greening engages thousands of volunteers in land restoration projects. To support this effort, we train and engage Volunteer Supervisors to help lead specific teams or tasks within our projects.
Volunteer Supervisors gain and utilize tangible restoration, communication, and leadership skills and play a pivotal role in welcoming the public into the conversation movement.
To learn more about becoming a Volunteer Supervisor with Great River Greening, contact Jessica Drummond at jdrummond@greatrivergreening.org or simply register for our next Volunteer Supervisor training event offered each spring and fall.
-
![A person in an orange volunteer vest taking a photo of newly planted shrubs in the background in Minnesota]()
Volunteer Photographer
Our team of talented volunteer photographers help us share the impact of our work. Our photographers capture the energy at our events, from the smiles on volunteer faces to the striking before and after images of a restored habitat.
To put your photographic talent to work in support of preserving Minnesota’s green spaces, contact to Jessica Drummond at jdrummond@greatrivergreening.org.
-
![Two students looking at native seeds that will be planted in Minnesota]()
Future Stewards and Youth Engagement
Launched in 2022, Future Stewards is a youth environmental education program serving over 500 students each year. Delivered in partnership with K-12 schools, participants engage in environmental education, hands-on planting and restoration work, and time spent in nature. Future Stewards increases student participation in outdoor activities that drive success in school, at home, and in their communities.
In addition to schools, Great River Greening partners with youth and family community groups to provide similar hands-on environmental education and experiences.
Interested in connecting your school or community group to our Future Stewards program? For a school-based group, pleased fill out our linked survey to request a consultation. For all other groups, please contact Jessica Drummond to explore opportunities.
Environmental Justice
Great River Greening believes that Minnesota’s natural areas should be accessible to all. From public parks to expansive wildlife habitat to healthy lakes and rivers, our work ensures that our full, diverse public experiences the benefits that natural spaces have to offer. Learn how Environmental Justice and Equity is embraced and embodied in our work.
FAQs
-
You can get involved by attending our public volunteer events, organizing a private volunteer event for your group or company, becoming a Volunteer Supervisor, volunteer photographer, or site steward. Visit our Events Page for more details on upcoming opportunities.
-
No prior experience is necessary to volunteer at our events. All tools and training are provided on-site. Our events are family-friendly and each event features an accessibility level description of the outdoor terrain.
-
Hosting a private volunteer event offers a customized restoration experience based on the location, timeline, and goals of the group. These private events provide an excellent opportunity for team building while giving back and making a difference to the wider community. To learn more about or schedule private events, contact Brennan Blue at bblue@greatrivergreening.org.
-
Reach out to our Education and Outreach Coordinator, Jessica Drummond, for more information. The Future Stewards program is entirely privately funded (from foundations and individual donors), so space is very limited.
-
Volunteers will receive customized information on what to expect for all events. In general, we recommend dressing in layers, wearing closed-toed footwear, and bringing a reusable water bottle. All necessary tools and equipment will be provided on-site.
-
Volunteer efforts are crucial to restoring and stewarding Minnesota’s natural habitats. Volunteers help plant native species, remove invasive plants, and create sustainable green spaces, directly contributing to improved biodiversity, water quality, and community green spaces