Volunteer Opportunities

Conservation and habitat restoration are part of Nachusa Grasslands' core mission and one of the preserve's greatest needs. Initially, the first preserve acquisitions contained small, rich, remnant hills separated by farm fields. Over the past several decades, these agricultural lands have been restored to prairie. This work is ongoing. Of all these opportunities, our greatest need is for folks willing to help with restoration, mainly seed collection and weed management.

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Introductory Volunteer Sessions: Learn about volunteering at Nachusa! Monthly sessions offered on different days and at different times will provide similar information and varied stewardship experiences. Sign up for one or several sessions.

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Fall

• ​Harvesting Seeds for Grasslands Restoration​
• Processing and Storing Seeds
• Weeding and Brush Clearing
• Serving on a Controlled Fire Crew (Certification Required)

Winter

• Planting Seeds
• Clearing Trees and Brush
• Applying Herbicide to Invasive Trees and Shrubs

Spring

• ​Harvesting Seeds for Grasslands Restoration
• Weeding and Brush Clearing
• Serving on a Controlled Fire Crew (Certification Required)

Summer

• Harvesting Seeds for Grasslands Restoration​
• Weeding
• Applying Herbicide to Invasive Trees and Shrubs
• Visitor Center Docent
• Species Monitors

Year Round

• Stewarding Units
• Leading or Attending Workdays
• Bison Corps/Bison Fence Monitoring
• Leading Tours
• Equipment/Vehicle Maintenance
• Woodworking and Construction
• Giving Presentations
• Coordinating or Helping with Special Events, including Autumn on the Prairie
• Developing Publications and Marketing Strategies
• Raising Funds
• Taking Photographs & Video
• Stream Monitoring
• Social Media (website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & Blog)

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Join Our Weekly Volunteer Workday E-Mail List!

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​College Students:  College students seeking extra credit or fulfilling class requirements are welcome to participate in workdays from early May through early November. Stewardship activities usually include weed management and seed collecting. During the late fall and winter, Nachusa staff and trained volunteers focus on tree and brush removal involving heavy equipment. Because of safety considerations, workdays are not open to students seeking extra credit or fulfilling class requirements from November 23, 2019, to February 29, 2020. If you are planning on attending a workday, please discuss your participation with your instructor. You do not need to telephone or email us.
 
See Workdays – November to February for details.

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Volunteer Workday Schedule

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UPDATED 11/2019