Volunteer with Us
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with WREN! We have a number of Date-Specific and Ongoing opportunities that community members can get involved with. Volunteers help us extend our reach, increase our impact, and meet our mission as an environmental education organization focused on community engagement. We are grateful for you!
Read on to learn about our different opportunities and find a way to volunteer that suits you. Click the “Apply to Volunteer” button below to fill out our volunteer interest form and receive a monthly email of Date-Specific events or email nate@wewetlands.org.
Date-Specific Opportunities
In Class Lessons
WREN goes into elementary and middle school classrooms to do presentations about the West Eugene Wetlands, avian migration, pollinators, and other popular science topics! Volunteers would help lead/support during these presentations, usually for a few hours in the morning or afternoon. Presentations are often in conjunction with field trips as well! No experience is required, but past work with kids and Spanish language speaking/writing skills are a plus!
*Since we’re working with kids here, volunteers will need to be background checked and cleared before joining us!
Field Trips
Join us in leading wetland exploration field trips! Students will be participating in various stations along the Red House wetland’s Tsanchiifin Trail to learn about wetland stewardship and conservation-focused careers. Volunteers will help with setting and cleaning up and co-lead small group activities. Field trips are mainly K-5 students. No experience is required and there will be a required training beforehand to help prepare volunteers for the field trip. Past work with kids and Spanish language speaking/writing skills are a plus!
*Since we’re working with kids here, volunteers will need to be background checked and cleared before joining us on our field trips!
Tabling and Community Events
These events are held in collaboration with local WREN partners to educate the public about our organization and the programs and events we provide. Tabling includes interacting with the public to provide background info on WREN and doing fun activities with families. These are usually weekend events and we ask that volunteers commit for at least 2-4 hours.
Family Exploration Days
Generally Saturday events, Family Exploration Days are a time for families to come together and get outdoors! We provide exploration backpacks and information about the habitat of the park we are in and occasionally lead a guided walk. Volunteers will help pass out supplies and interact with families at WREN’s table.
Restoration Days
Help us restore the wetlands by participating in a weeding party! We will remove meadow foxtail and other invasive species. We might also add weed fabric to plots without camas or other native plants. No experience is required and all tools will be provided.
Ongoing Opportunities
Wetland Wanders
Expert-guided walks around various wetland habitats with a specific focus (recent topics include habitat restoration, endangered species management, controlled burns, and more!). If you have a science background and/or are passionate about the West Eugene Wetlands and other restored habitats and wildlife, we would love you to lead a walk. Walks are the second Tuesday of each month, 9-11 am.
Join the Board
We’re always looking to expand and diversify our board. If you have a love of wetland stewardship and want to support our programs, joining the board is an excellent way to do that.
Curriculum Writing
WREN is always developing curriculum to expand our programming for kids and adults. If you have an interest or ideas for any new curriculum or related activities, this might be the volunteer opportunity for you!