Volunteer at Bernheim

Pollywog Play Parties combine music, art, language and outside play to encourage children, 5 and under, and their families to learn about nature. Volunteers participate in the preparation, presentation and clean-up of the parties.

Bernheim’s award-winning Naturalist Program provides volunteers with an in-depth learning and service experience. The Naturalist Program begins each winter and creates a volunteer community through an inspired curriculum where volunteers will significantly increase their knowledge of the local environment. That knowledge can then be used to lead various Bernheim educational programs and hands-on discovery stations at events and programs. Naturalists are required to volunteer at least 60 hours per year.

Want to be involved in the Naturalist Program, but don’t have 60 hours a year available to volunteer? Become a Naturalist Assistant and provide support to our team of Volunteer Naturalists through direct involvement with our E.C.O. Kids programs and other special events.

This volunteer position supports the education staff to prepare for programs and events, as well as help with organizational tasks. Tasks could include, but are not limited to, gathering and preparing materials for craft projects and educational programs, filing paperwork and assisting with mailings.

Volunteer play facilitators work within various zones of Playcosystem to help visitors maximize their play experience at Bernheim and serve as ambassadors for outdoor free play. They interact with families, both adults and children, to explain why Bernheim is involved in play and to help parents understand the value of outdoor play, risk in play, self-directed free play, and other play topics. They maintain the loose parts, perform light landscape maintenance, and keep the play space in a safe working condition. They also serve as play ambassadors by answering questions and helping families get the most out of their visit. Play facilitators must be comfortable initiating conversations with Bernheim visitors of all ages.

Minimum of four hours per month preferred.

Volunteers work side by side with staff in all aspects of Visitor Services, such as greeting visitors, answering phones and questions, and labeling and selling merchandise. Our LEED Platinum Visitor Center is the hub for visitors looking for information, gifts or just a place to relax and enjoy nature. Our visitors are our biggest asset (besides our volunteers!), and we need you to help us take care of them.

As a café volunteer, you will work closely with staff in all areas of food service including food prep, making lunches, taking orders and washing dishes. This position will also talk with visitors about the relationship between the Edible Garden and the food that is served at Isaac’s Café. Isaac’s offers a relaxing area where visitors can enjoy a wonderful local lunch — using produce from the garden, along with breads, meats and cheeses from small businesses in the surrounding community. Join a fun group of talented and conscientious food lovers and help our visitors to connect with the story behind their meal!

If you have ever wanted a chance to explore Bernheim’s natural areas beyond the hiking trails, become a Forest Steward. Bernheim’s skilled Natural Areas staff will work with volunteers to show them the many different plant species that threaten the Natural Areas and Arboretum. Forest Stewards will then have the opportunity to adopt an area of Bernheim, becoming responsible for its upkeep and keeping it free of unwanted plant species to maintain the health of our forest.

Volunteers check the trails for hazardous conditions, missing trail markers and trash. This volunteer position is critical to ensuring visitors' safety throughout our 40 miles of trails. Hand tools, trail markers and supplies are provided.