Volunteer With Us
Join our team of dedicated volunteers making a difference in our community
Demarest Nature Center is run entirely by volunteers - from our board of directors to our trail maintenance crew to our program educators. Every hour volunteered helps us maintain our preserve, deliver educational programs, and inspire environmental stewardship. Whether you have a few hours a month or can commit to regular involvement, there's a meaningful way for you to contribute.
Volunteer Opportunities
Trail Maintenance & Stewardship
Help maintain over 2 miles of trails, clear brush, repair bridges, install benches, and keep our preserve accessible and beautiful.
Activities Include:
- Trail clearing and maintenance
- Bridge and boardwalk repair
- Invasive plant removal
- Planting native species
- Installing and maintaining trail markers
- General preserve cleanup
Time Commitment: Flexible - join monthly trail days or help on your own schedule
Best For: Those who enjoy outdoor physical work
Education & Program Leadership
Share your knowledge and passion for nature by leading programs, assisting with school groups, or teaching workshops.
Activities Include:
- Leading guided nature walks
- Assisting with school field trips
- Teaching workshops (bird watching, plant ID, etc.)
- Supporting summer camp programs
- Developing educational materials
- Conducting wildlife surveys
Time Commitment: Varies by program - from one-time events to ongoing roles
Best For: Educators, naturalists, those with specialized knowledge
Event Support
Help make our events successful by assisting with setup, registration, activities, and logistics for programs throughout the year.
Activities Include:
- Event setup and breakdown
- Registration and check-in
- Activity stations at family events
- Oktoberfest Craft Show support
- Maple syrup making demos
- Refreshment coordination
Time Commitment: Event-based - a few hours per event
Best For: People-oriented volunteers who enjoy community events
Administrative & Office Support
Provide behind-the-scenes support that keeps our organization running smoothly.
Activities Include:
- Newsletter writing and editing
- Social media management
- Website updates
- Membership database maintenance
- Grant research and writing
- Photography and videography
- Graphic design for materials
Time Commitment: Flexible - can often be done remotely
Best For: Those with professional skills in writing, design, communications
Wildlife Monitoring & Citizen Science
Contribute to scientific research and conservation by participating in wildlife surveys and monitoring programs.
Activities Include:
- Bird counts and surveys
- Wildlife observation and documentation
- Stream monitoring and water quality testing
- Plant surveys and phenology tracking
- Photo documentation of species
- Data entry and analysis
Time Commitment: Varies - from single survey days to ongoing monitoring
Best For: Nature observers, photographers, data enthusiasts
Board & Committee Service
Provide leadership and strategic direction as a board member or committee participant.
Opportunities Include:
- Board of Directors positions
- Fundraising committee
- Education program committee
- Facilities and grounds committee
- Marketing and outreach committee
- Special project teams
Time Commitment: Regular meetings plus additional work
Best For: Those with governance, nonprofit, or specialized professional experience
Benefits of Volunteering
Make a Real Impact
Your work directly supports environmental education and conservation in our community. See the tangible results of your efforts.
Learn & Grow
Develop new skills, deepen your knowledge of nature, and gain experience in nonprofit work, education, or conservation.
Connect with Community
Meet like-minded people who share your passion for nature and environmental stewardship. Build lasting friendships.
Enjoy the Outdoors
Spend time in nature while doing meaningful work. Experience the preserve in all seasons and discover its hidden treasures.
Flexible Opportunities
Choose commitments that fit your schedule and interests. One-time, occasional, or regular opportunities available.
Recognition & Appreciation
Volunteers are honored at our annual appreciation event and recognized in our newsletter and annual report.
Volunteer Spotlights
"I started volunteering at DNC five years ago after retiring, and it's become a central part of my life. Leading bird walks allows me to share my passion while learning something new from every group."
"Volunteering as a family has been wonderful for us. Our kids love helping with trail cleanup days and participating in summer camp programs. We're teaching them the value of giving back."
"Using my graphic design skills to help DNC create beautiful materials has been so rewarding. It's fulfilling to apply my professional expertise to a cause I care about."
Volunteer Application
After submitting your application, a volunteer coordinator will contact you within one week to discuss opportunities and next steps.
Questions?
If you have questions about volunteering at Demarest Nature Center, please don't hesitate to reach out:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: Call during office hours (Mon-Fri 9-5, Sat-Sun 10-4)
In Person: Stop by the visitor center at 90 Park Street, Demarest, NJ
We look forward to welcoming you to our volunteer family!