Volunteer

VOLUNTEER

Join us for on-site volunteer work, and help Bluff Lake thrive! Here are a few of the ways you can help:

BE A SITE STEWARD

Warm Weather Months
Between the months of April and October, small groups of volunteers meet regularly at Bluff Lake to conduct restoration projects. The groups meet every Wednesday at 8:00 a.m. Depending on the week, the group plants willows or trees, pulls invasive species, collects seeds, or repairs trails. Please contact our site manager if you are interested as the schedule can vary.

Cold Weather Months
Between November through March we occasionally meet on Wednesday mornings, depending on the weather. There’s no need to register for the projects — simply show contact our site manager so that they can provide you with further details.

The work is geared for all skill levels, and you’re bound to learn quite a bit from our experienced core of volunteers and staff. For more information, please contact our Site Manager, Joe Koch, joe@blufflake.org or by phone at 720-352-1082.

 

 

VOLUNTEER AS A YOUTH ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATOR

Volunteers introduce groups of schoolchildren (10-25 students at a time) to the natural world through hands-on exploration in topics including wetland ecology, habitat diversity, urban wildlife, food chains, and life cycles. Students range in age from ECE-6th grade, and primarily attend Denver and Aurora Public Schools. Volunteer Youth Environmental Educators make science fun and meaningful for kids! Through their enthusiasm and guidance, volunteer educators make it possible for each student to be able to see and touch even the smallest find at Bluff Lake.

At the site, volunteers lead groups of students on nature walks and guide them through program-related activities. Our programs are in the format of stations with groups of students rotating from one station to the next.  Volunteer Youth Environmental Educators typically lead one station for the entirety of the program. Program write-ups and materials are provided.

Volunteers use the program curricula and present it according to established guidelines as well as receive training on the job and in several training workshops offered throughout the year. No experience is necessary.

We prefer that Youth Environmental Educators work one morning per week throughout the school year on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday mornings from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; however, we will work with your schedule.

Responsibilities:

  1. Become familiar with the education programs through shadowing staff members and volunteers.
  2. Familiarize oneself with Bluff Lake’s natural history.
  3. Upon completion of mentoring, lead school groups, and facilitate student exploration.
  4. Attend volunteer meetings and continuing education opportunities.
  5. Maintain good working relationships with BLNC staff and volunteers.

Requirements:

  1. Pass a CBI background check.
  2. Excellent interpersonal communication and group presentation skills.
  3. A cooperative demeanor and the ability to work as part of a team.
  4. Ability to answer questions in a patient manner.
  5. Willingness to work outdoors in highly variable elements including hot and cold temperatures, rain, snow and wind.
  6. Ability to traverse up to a mile of variable terrain.
  7. Ability to supervise small groups of children.
  8. Transportation to and from site.
  9. A commitment to the mission of Bluff Lake Nature Center.

Benefits:

  1. Real teaching experience in an outdoor setting and getting the chance to inspire future naturalists.
  2. Free continuing education opportunities and a great resume builder.
  3. Personal satisfaction and making a difference in the lives of children.

Volunteer Youth Environmental Educators play a key role in fulfilling Bluff Lake’s mission to “share our unique urban natural area and inspire a sense of environmental connectedness and stewardship through experiential education, environmental engagement, and natural area preservation and restoration,” as leaders in our youth science programs. For more information, contact our Environmental Programs Manager Rachel Crouch at rcrouch@blufflake.org.

 

JOIN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD PARTNERS ENVIRONMENTAL TEAM

The Neighborhood Partners Environmental Team meets on the first Saturday of every month from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. to pick up trash in the waterways at Bluff Lake and in adjacent open space areas along Sand Creek and Westerly Creek. All ages are welcome. The location changes regularly, based on need. The work is geared for all skill levels, and you’re bound to learn quite a bit from our experienced core of volunteers and staff.

There’s no need to register for this opportunity – simply  contact our Site Manager, Joe Koch at joe@blufflake.org or by phone at 720-352-1082, to confirm time and date and meeting location each month.