Volunteer | orlandgrassland

How to Volunteer?

E-mail your name and address to Pat Hayes, Site Steward, at the link below. Specify which day you plan to volunteer and ask any questions you might have.

E-mail Pat Hayes, Site Steward.

Orland Grassland Volunteers welcome adults age 18 and older who are steady on their feet and like to hike on the wild side, off the beaten path and into natural terrain. Sturdy shoes and socks that cover the ankles are needed; jeans and long sleeves work best. Bug spray is a must beginning late spring and through fall, and sunscreen is a good idea. We provide the tools and guidance, we just need you!

Minors are welcomed as a group with a sponsor.

Our important restoration work is also good for schools, organizations and businesses.

Read useful FPCC information about volunteering and helpful classes.

When to Volunteer?

Habitat Rescue Workdays:

9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Second and fourth Saturdays of every month, year-round.
Every Wednesday, year-round.
Meet-up location varies around the site. Contact us to let us know you'd like to attend and to find out the meet-up location.

Why Volunteer?

You'll meet some terrific people, learn new things, earn community service hours, build your résumé, and experience the joy and serenity of being surrounded by nature.

When your work is done, you can look around and see what you've accomplished as part of a dedicated team. It's a good feeling!

Volunteering

to save the grassland

There are many important ways to be a part of our stewardship community. It takes many helping hands and every job is important. Either as a volunteer, leader or steward, there's a place for you. No prior experience is necessary. We help and train each other as we grow.

Habitat Rescue

The Habitat Rescue Team works on clearing aggressive brush and small trees, invasive plant control, and seed collecting and distribution. The team sometimes travels to other sites.

Bird, Butterfly, Dragonfly and Frog Monitoring

Monitors—citizen scientists, really— identify and count important species of birds, amphibians, and insects during specific time periods and seasons.

Weed Scouting

The Weed Scout program is relatively new. Learn about it here.

Outreach, Hospitality, and Education

Volunteers host events and give presentations to community groups throughout the year. Their goal is to raise awareness and understanding of the grassland and win support.

Tips for Volunteers

As nature intended, the grassland rocks and rolls. The terrain is uneven, with no neat pathways. Volunters work off-road, hiking over hill and dale, on both upland and swale. Gym shoes and socks or hiking boots to support your feet and ankles are best. In spring, especially, choose mud-proof footwear.

The deep prairie is not kind to people wearing tank tops, shorts, and sandals. Stick to long-sleeved shirts and jeans or other sturdy work pants.

Wear clothes that you don't mind getting dirty. And remember that natural-fiber clothing is less likely than synthetics to snag on thorns and brambles and won't melt if a stray ember from a brushfire finds you.

Winter calls for dressing in layers and hats.

Well-fitting work gloves may come in handy in any season.

A hat with a visor is a summer necessity. Sunscreen is a must at any time of year.

Skip the perfume, cologne or other scented cosmetics. Do NOT skip bringing along some insect repellant.