Volunteer

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 1 volunteer who would like to be trained to feed and care for our resident small mammals (rabbits, guinea pigs, etc.) on Saturdays. Work involves feeding, watering, and cleaning after these animals each week.
Time required: About 30-45 minutes weekly

Goats & Chickens: We are looking for 1 volunteer who would like to be trained to feed and care for our resident farm animals on Wednesday evenings. Work involves feeding, watering, and putting these animals away for the night each week.
Time required: About 15-20 minutes weekly

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.

Greenhouse & Gardens

Do you have a green thumb or a general love of plants? Volunteers of all ages are needed to help water plants and prune in the New Canaan Nature Center’s greenhouse and gardens. From spring through fall, volunteer opportunities in the Herb Garden include gardening, propagation, culinary projects using herbs, and record keeping.

Herb Garden
Our dedicated team of Herb Garden Volunteers meets weekly on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings throughout the spring and summer. All are encouraged to come visit the garden and new volunteers are always welcomed.

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.

The dates for the 2023 program are as follows: July 11, 18, 25, and August 1. Each day will begin at 9:00 a.m. and go until 12:00 pm. This year, our group will tackle projects which involve trails and grounds maintenance, habitat restoration, and invasive species removal. Volunteers are encouraged to bring a water bottle, work gloves, and a pair of comfortable shoes.

Spaces are limited, so please email Aidan to sign up today. A completed volunteer application will also be required prior to your participation.

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.

Make a difference in your local community!

With your support, we’ll continue to inspire people of all ages to understand, appreciate and care for the world of nature.