Volunteer at the Glen

Glen Helen would not be successful without the assistance of a legion of regular volunteers. They help carry out programs, events, and initiatives that help preserve the regional treasure that is Glen Helen. When you volunteer at the Glen, not only will you participate in our important efforts, but you'll also have fun!

Whether you are a short-term volunteer with a service requirement, or you are seeking a longer-term position in the Glen Helen community, we may have an opportunity for you.

Benefits of Volunteering at Glen Helen

  • Flexible schedule
  • Meet interesting people and make new friends
  • Regular access to an outstanding nature preserve
  • Special discount on Nature Shop merchandise
  • A variety of training opportunities will be available to you 
  • Have fun!

Volunteer Opportunities

Land Stewardship

  • Help remove invasive species and promote a healthy, balanced ecosystem in the Glen
  • Individuals, groups, and students are welcome
  • Work outside in various environmental conditions and over rough terrain
  • Be a Guardian of the Glen, assist our Ranger with land preservation and trail maintenance tasks such as:
    • Trail cleanliness
    • Graffiti removal
    • Trail structure maintenance (bird blind, stone paths, bridges, handrails, etc)
    • Invasive species removal

 

Nature Shop

  • Greet visitors to the Glen Helen Nature Shop and Trailside Museum
  • Answer visitor questions- what hike is best, what animal did I see, what’s blooming
  • Discuss Membership opportunities with visitors
  • Check out purchases, restock inventory and arrange products
  • Assist customers to find fun Glen Helen merch and nature-themed products

 

Trailside Museum

  • Welcome visitors to Glen Helen & the Trailside Museum
  • Highlight native plants and animals of the Glen for visitors
  • Engage with others passionate about the natural world
  • Provide open hours so visitors can engage with our exhibits and animals

Public Programs

  • Share your expertise and passion with our visitors
  • Lead or co-lead a themed hike or program such as a Full Moon Hike, Beavers, Trees, Mushrooms, and more

Trail Ambassador

On the trails:

  • Help us provide great customer service to our visitors!
  • Greet visitors, answer questions, provide directions
  • Report trail obstructions and remove trash
  • Gently help our visitors follow the rules
  • Families welcome, minors must be accompanied by a guardian

Special Events

  • Assist with fun events such as the Whoo Cooks for You Dinner, Solstice Poetry Reading and Community Square Dance
  • Table with us at Outreach Events like the Yellow Springs Street Fair, Yellow Springs Brewery Brew Release Party, Earthday Celebration

Administrative Support

  • Help us keep the Glen running smoothly!
  • Light office work and mailing assistance
  • Literature distribution to area locations
  • Data entry and other administrative support tasks
  • Marketing and design assistance- social media post creation
  • Writing, researching, and mapping initiatives

Vernet Center Welcome Desk

  • Greet & welcome visitors to Glen Helen!
  • Answer visitor questions and map inquiries, share the best trails and must see features
  • Provide open hours for bathrooms, indoor rest area, art exhibit, and access to Glen Helen information
  • Be part of our Visitor Services Team

Join a Committee

Our committees are the driving force behind most of the activities at Glen Helen. For example, the Development Committee does the legwork to provide financial support toward our mission; the Property Committee champions stewardship efforts, inspired by ecology, the protection of species at risk and all matters related to biodiversity.

There are several committees to choose from. Committee members have a unique opportunity to play a critical role in development and growth at Glen Helen.

 

Raptor Center

  • Raptor Center Bird Taxis*: Assist with transporting injured birds to and from the Raptor Center.
  • Raptor Center Bird Care*: Help us care for the education and rehabilitating birds at the Raptor Center. (mornings only)
  • Raptor Center Educator*: Join our education team and teach others about the wonders of these magnificent animals.
  • Commit to extra training and volunteering at lease one 3hr shift per week

*Note, because of special requirements associated with wildlife work, the Raptor Center has additional training and commitment requirements.

Have a skill to contribute that isn’t listed above, let us know what you’d like to offer.

To volunteer, check out our Volunteer Portal Link below.

New Volunteers can create an account and sign up for a New Volunteer Orientation.

We look forward to meeting you at Orientation!

Questions about volunteering, contact us at programs@glenhelen.org.

Raptor Center

Raptor Center Bird Taxis*: Assist with transporting injured birds to and from the Raptor Center.

Raptor Center Bird Care*: Help us care for the education and rehabilitating birds at the Raptor Center. (mornings only)

Raptor Center Educator*: Join our education team and teach others about the wonders of these magnificent animals.

 

Note, because of special requirements associated with wildlife work, the Raptor Center has a  additional training and commitment requirements.