The New Canaan Nature Center would not be the organization we are today without the hard work and dedication of our amazingly enthusiastic volunteers. Donating countless hours to help support our mission, our volunteers are the backbone of our non-profit.

We invite you to join our team by helping out in one of the following ways:

Special Events

Be a part of our annual special events! Volunteers are an integral part of our events’ success. Help with setup and breakdown, as well as manning ticket tables, concessions, crafts, and many other fun-filled activities. Inquire today for specific dates and times!

Animal Care

Our dedicated Animal Care Volunteers assist with daily feeding and general care of the Nature Center’s many animal ambassadors. All permanently injured or otherwise human-dependent, our animals form a vital part of our educational programs. Inquire today about current openings!

Mammals: We are looking for volunteers who would like to be trained to feed and care for our resident small mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs, etc.) on Fridays and/or Saturdays. Work involves feeding, watering, and cleaning the animals’ enclosures.
Time required: about 20-30 minutes weekly.

Lizards, Amphibians and Invertebrates: We are looking for 1 volunteer who would like to be trained to feed and care for our resident lizards, amphibians and invertebrates on Fridays. Work involves feeding, watering, and cleaning after these animals each week.
Time required: About 20-30  minutes weekly

Chickens: We are looking for volunteers who would like to be trained to feed and care for our resident chickens on Tuesday mornings, Thursday evenings, Saturday evenings, Sunday mornings and/or Sunday evenings. Work involves feeding, watering, and letting the chickens out/putting them away for the night each week.
Time required: About 15-20 minutes weekly

Snakes: We are looking for volunteers who would like to be trained to feed and care for our resident snakes every other Friday. Work involves handling and feeding snakes as well as cleaning the animals’ enclosures.
Time required: about 1 hour, every other week.

Because formal training will be provided by our Director of Animal Care, we are seeking volunteers who are able to provide us with a long-term commitment.

Trails & Grounds

Volunteers are needed to help our staff maintain our unique 40 acre property. Seasonally, there is a need for help with pruning of trees and bushes, weeding, spreading wood chips on our many trails, and removing brush and invasive plants.

Administrative Work

Lend a helping hand by volunteering to assist with the many administrative duties here at the New Canaan Nature Center. Such duties include mailings (stuffing, labeling, sorting etc.), data entry, filing, marketing/communications assistance, and visitor center hosting.

Youth Groups

Summer Stewardship Program: This is a youth volunteer program designed for high school students, ages 14-18, who enjoy being outdoors and are not afraid to get dirty. Stay tuned for summer 2025 dates.

Teacher Naturalists In Training (TNTS)

Attention teens age 14 and older! Are you looking for a great way to spend some of your summer vacation? Consider spending it with energetic children while they explore nature up close and personal! Our Summer Camp TNTs spend their time assisting our Summer Camp Staff (college-age & older) with everyday camp responsibilities and learning appropriate ways to work with children ages 3 – 10.

College Interns

Internships are available for college level students during the spring, fall, and summer semesters in the areas of environmental education, animal care, communication/marketing, and visitor services. Internships are generally 10 – 20 hours per week for 6-8 weeks and work schedule is determined based upon individual applicants. All internships are unpaid, but college credit may be arranged.

Candidates must be 18+ years of age and should have a minimum of a high school diploma. All internships are contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.