Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer Environmental Fair
Tuesday, September 15 4-7 pm
Are you interested in the environment and looking to get more involved in your community? The Elkhart Environmental Center will host an Environmental Volunteer Fair connecting people, places and nature. Environmental organizations from around the area will be displaying information on their mission and how you can get involved. Admission is free. For more information call the Elkhart Environmental Center at 574-293-5070.
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Volunteer Opportunities
The Environmental Division offers a variety of volunteer opportunities. Many individuals, groups, and organizations donate their time to special projects each year. If you can help with one or more of these projects please call 293-5070 for more information.We have one day volunteer events, on-going projects, or occasional community service opportunities - anything to fit your schedule!
One Day Volunteer Events
Saint Joseph River Clean Up
September 12th 9:30am-3:30pm
Join the Elkhart Environmental Division for the 14th annual St. Joseph River Clean-Up! The fun begins at Island Park. Volunteers will be in the river and surrounding area collecting litter. Lunch will be provided. Be sure to dress for water and wear closed-toed shoes. Registration is encouraged.
Elkhart Environmental Center and Boot Lake Volunteer Days
September 19th 9am-3pm
Come out and join the community in keeping Elkhart's natural areas looking beautiful. Groups will be at both Boot Lake and the Elkhart Environmental Center performing litter clean up, non-native species removal, weeding and other maintenance tasks. Bring lunch and dress for the weather.
Fall Community Clean Up
Saturday, October 17th
Airport Garden 9:00am-1:00pm
Hudson Sterling Garden 1:00pm-4:00pm
Come one come all as we take the gardens down from the 2009 growing season. Volunteers are needed to help pull this years plants, spread a cover crop and perform general garden maintenance. Everyone is welcome to join us as we celebrate the 2009 growing season. If you are interested in volunteering please call the Elkhart Environmental Center at 293-5070.
Spring/Summer/Fall Opportunities
Saturday, October 17th
Airport Garden 9:00am-1:00pm
Hudson Sterling Garden 1:00pm-4:00pm
Come one come all as we take the gardens down from the 2009 growing season. Volunteers are needed to help pull this years plants, spread a cover crop and perform general garden maintenance. Everyone is welcome to join us as we celebrate the 2009 growing season. If you are interested in volunteering please call the Elkhart Environmental Center at 293-5070.
Garden Guardians
The Four Winds Garden Club has adopted the butterfly garden and members take turns caring for the plants. Many other gardens need your help! Bring your gloves and give us a hand maintaing our flower beds organically.
Year Round Community Service.
Saturday Center Hosts
April through September
On Saturday afternoons volunteers and volunteer families become Weekend Hosts, welcoming guests to the log cabin education center during its open hours of 1 to 4 p.m. Volunteers can have a monthly time slot or just host a few times per year. Training is provided.
Year Round Service Opportunities
Friday Restoration Days
Every Friday, the Environmental Division staff performs restoration on one of these natural sites in Elkhart; the Elkhart Environmental Center, Boot Lake Nature Preserve, and Hudson Sterling Restoration Area. Volunteers are needed to assist with invasive species removal, trail maintenance. litter pickup and more. Times vary. For more detail or to sign up you or your group for service please call the Elkhart Environmental Center at 293-5070.
Adopt-a-Trail
Nature lovers are invited to adopt trails at the Elkhart Environmental Center, Boot Lake, the River Greenway Trail, and Woodlawn Nature Center. Volunteers are needed to 'adopt' trails monthly to clear fallen limbs and other debris, remove trash and notify the Elkhart Environmental Division of large obstacles that may be blocking trails.
Adopt-a-Spot
The Environmental Division is looking of adventurous individuals that love to work outdoors to adopt areas of the Elkhart Environmental Center, Boot Lake and the Hudson-Sterling Restoration Area. Tasks would include weeding, non-native species removal, litter clean up and other maintenance tasks.
River Monitoring
The Environmental Division staff tests the quality of the river quarterly through biological, physical, and chemical tests. If you are interested in participating and learning more about how to test river quality call the Elkhart Environmental Center. 1 or 2 participants needed.
Public Programmer
Do you have a special skill you can share with others? Perhaps you could teach others how to paint landscape potraits, nature photography, or how to build a compost bin? We are always looking for new program ideas - give us a call if you have a skill you can share!
Purple Martin and Bluebird House Repair Person
Some of our bird boxes need some help...if you like to play with a hammer and nails then this project might be for you!
Purple Martin House Monitor
We need to discourage the starlings and attract some real purple martins - we have the perfect habitat - but haven't had any luck! If this is your fortay, please come and help our boxes!
If you would like to become a volunteer, please call and request a volunteer application and mail it to the Center at 1717 East Lusher Avenue, Elkhart, IN 46516 or fax it to 574-970-0593.
We will then schedule a volunteer interview and get you started on a project!
Note: some volunteer opportunities may require a background check.
News & Notices
- Boot Lake Nature Preserve Trail Map
Published: Thursday, November 19, 2009
Print out your own copy of the Boot Lake Trail map to enjoy a day outside hiking at Boot Lake Nature Preserve.
- 2009 Fall & Winter Green Gazette
Published: Wednesday, November 11, 2009
The Green Gazette is a regular publication of the City of Elkhart's Environmental Division. Inside you'll find out about our upcoming events and helpful information and environmental tips.
- Fall 2009 Environmental Division Volunteer Brochure
Published: Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Are you looking for an opporunity to help the environment? If so please check out the Environmental Division's Fall Volunteer brochure to discover ways you can help your community and environment.
- 2009-2010 Environmental Education Brochure
Published: Wednesday, August 26, 2009
The Elkhart Environmental Division offers hands-on, environmental curriculum for Elkhart Community and Concord Schools. Curricula are available for grades kindergarten through sixth on topics such as recycling, water conservation, and the benefits of trees.
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