Opportunities From: Mass Audubon

About This Volunteer Position

As an Education Programs Volunteer, you will...

Assist experienced naturalists/educators who lead youth and family audience nature learning experiences at schools, sanctuaries and other natural areas.

Help Mass Audubon in achieving our goal of helping youth and families connect with nature and learn how to protect nature now and for future generations.

This volunteer position is a great fit for someone who ...

Enjoys interacting with the public and sharing their passion for nature experiences and conservation.

You will have the opportunity to ...

Spend time learning with and assisting experienced naturalists/educators.

Meet and interact with people who share your interests.   

Learn more about the natural world, conservation science, ecological stewardship.

Responsibilities

As a volunteer, you may assist the program leader with...

Greeting participants as they arrive.   

Checking in program participants.   

Distributing equipment to program participants.   

Supporting participants with using equipment following program leader instruction Serving as “sweep" on programs, taking up rear to ensure no one gets separated from the group.   

Assisting program leader and participants with spotting wildlife, plants, etc. 

Informally share knowledge about nature subjects with participants and staff.

Volunteers may also be asked to ...

Assist program leader with loading and unloading supplies and program material; training will be provided.   

Assist program leader with collecting, cleaning, and stowing program equipment.

Qualifications

A well-qualified volunteer will have...

An interest in sharing your love of nature and conservation with youth and/or families.

Personal experience with bird watching, hiking, etc.

A general knowledge of local plants and animals and interest in learning more.

This volunteer position is suitable for...

Adults aged 18 and older

Requirements

Background Checks: CORI and SORI background checks are required for all volunteers

Physical: Walking and standing on uneven terrain in a variety of weather conditions (sun, heat, light rain, etc.) during nature walks, birding programs, and hikes.   

Equipment: Mass Audubon will provide all program specific equipment. The volunteer is responsible for personal clothing and footwear.

Time Commitment: Ability to confirm and commit to assisting scheduled programs. Programs range in length from 1-3 hours and volunteer would need to be available for the duration of the program and approximately 30 minutes before and after the program time.   

Tracking Hours: Volunteers agree to log their completed volunteer hours in our online volunteer portal. This can be done on a personal phone, computer, or tablet. Training on how to enter hours will be provided as part of volunteer orientation.

Safety

Maintaining a safe work environment is a priority of Mass Audubon. Volunteers should dress in long pants/sleeves, wear study, closed-toed shoes, and bring their own snacks and water.   Any additional safety training required for this position will be provided for volunteers.

Schedule/Shift Information

Volunteer shifts are posted and shared with volunteers for each season of the year and may occasionally be subject to change due to weather or other program scheduling needs.

Next Steps

To express interest in this opportunity, click the "Respond" button. In the "Response Notes," share in a few sentences why you are interested and why this is a great volunteer role for you. Please note that this step is only to express interest in this opportunity. A volunteer coordinator will follow up with you about the next steps, which will include a brief conversation and a background check before you begin volunteering.

Help close the Community Gardens for the winter season, by removing water lines, plot markers, and plant materials.

Meet at Community Garden entrance at approx. 350 Williams Street.

Tools for the tasks will be provided. Bring your own gloves and bottled water.

Visitors Services Volunteers perform day-to-day duties of greeting our visitors to Long Pasture and ensuring an overall positive, welcoming, enriching and safe experience to all members and visitors.  This includes providing excellent customer service while greeting and registering visitors in person, providing orientation to the sanctuary, directing visitors throughout the property and trail systems, answering questions about events and programs, introducing visitors to the many benefits of Mass Audubon membership, and generally educating guests about Mass Audubon.

Visitor Services volunteering is a great opportunity for you to get involved in your local Mass Audubon wildlife sanctuary and local community; meeting, engaging, and getting people excited about Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary and everything we have to offer here!   

Responsibilities:

Join us for a hands-on volunteer day as we put the finishing touches on our new All Persons Trail and care for the surrounding habitat. Volunteers will help with signage installation and gravel placement along the trail, ensuring it is accessible and welcoming for all visitors. We’ll also support the landscape by working on invasive plant removal and adding native plantings that will benefit local wildlife and pollinators. All tools and materials will be provided.

This Vineyard tradition held the day after Thanksgiving (November 28) connects hundreds of people with nature each year and we couldn’t do it without you.

Help assist with hayrides, crafts, squash bowling, food, or even wreath making, there is something for everyone!

To sign up to volunteer, click the “Respond” button. You can then sign in using your existing volunteer account with Mass Audubon, or, if this is your first time using the volunteer system, you will be prompted to create a new account before signing up.

Volunteer on our Second Saturday projects to help us maintain Arcadia's grounds and trails. Projects will vary each month. Possible projects include:

To apply for this volunteer position, please complete this online form:  https://forms.office.com/r/gyyw06q51s

Surrounded by nature, birds, water, and air that is clean and fresh, Arcadia's Art House located on the Tulip Tree Trail is perfectly situated to serve visitors who wish to connect to the nature around them through art. Art House guided projects combine the interrelated principles of Art, Nature and Science.

Spring through Fall step inside to find readily available art supplies and instructions and ideas for drawing, painting, sculpture, journaling, printmaking, and collage projects. You can also borrow a portable art pack to take along the trails with you.

Volunteers help with staffing the Arcadia Art House and running art related activities. You will help greet visitors, direct them to available art projects, and answer questions.

To apply for this volunteer position, please complete this online form:  https://forms.office.com/r/gyyw06q51s

About This Volunteer Position

As an Education Programs Volunteer, you will...

Assist experienced naturalists who lead adult and/or family audience nature learning experiences at sanctuaries and other natural areas.

Help Mass Audubon in achieving our goal of helping adults and families connect with nature and learn how to protect nature now and for future generations.

This volunteer position is a great fit for someone who ...

Enjoys interacting with the public and sharing their passion for nature experiences and conservation.

You will have the opportunity to ...

Spend time learning with and assisting experienced naturalists/educators.

Meet and interact with people who share your interests.   

Learn more about the natural world, conservation science, ecological stewardship.

Responsibilities

As a volunteer, you will assist the program leading with...

Greeting participants as they arrive.   

Checking in program participants.   

Distributing equipment to program participants.   

Supporting participants with using equipment following program leader instruction Serving as “sweep" on programs, taking up rear to ensure no one gets separated from the group.   

Assisting program leader and participants with spotting wildlife, plants, etc. 

Informally share knowledge about nature subjects with participants and staff.

Volunteers may also be asked to ...

Assist program leader with loading and unloading canoes, supplies, or other program material; training will be provided.   

Assist program leader with collecting, cleaning, and stowing program equipment.

Qualifications

A well-qualified volunteer will have...

An interest in sharing your love of nature and conservation with adults and/or families.

Personal experience with bird watching, hiking, canoeing, etc.

A general knowledge of local plants and animals and interest in learning more.

This volunteer position is suitable for...

Adults aged 18 and older

Requirements

Background Checks: CORI and SORI background checks are required for all volunteers

Physical: Walking and standing on uneven terrain in a variety of weather conditions (sun, heat, light rain, etc.) during nature walks, birding programs, and hikes.   

Assist with loading/unloading/moving canoes and other equipment for short periods/distances before and after canoe programs.

Equipment: Mass Audubon will provide all program specific equipment Volunteer is responsible for personal clothing and footwear

Time Commitment: Ability to confirm and commit to assisting scheduled programs. Programs range in length from 1-3 hours and volunteer would need to be available for the duration of the program and approximately 30 minutes before and after the program time.   

Tracking Hours: Volunteers agree to log their completed volunteer hours in our online volunteer portal. This can be done on a personal phone, computer, or tablet. Training on how to enter hours will be provided as part of volunteer orientation.

Safety

Maintaining a safe work environment is a priority of Mass Audubon. Volunteers should dress in long pants/sleeves, wear study, closed-toed shoes, and bring their own snacks and water Any additional safety training required for this position will be provided for volunteers*

*Additional safety training required for canoeing.

Schedule/Shift Information

Volunteer shifts are posted and shared with volunteers for each season of the year and may occasionally be subject to change due to weather or other program scheduling needs.

Next Steps

To express interest in this opportunity, click the "Respond" button. In the "Response Notes," share in a few sentences why you are interested and why this is a great volunteer role for you. Please note that this step is only to express interest in this opportunity. A volunteer coordinator will follow up with you about the next steps, which will include a brief conversation and a background check before you begin volunteering.

About This Volunteer Position

As an Education Programs Volunteer, you will...

Assist experienced naturalists who lead adult and/or family audience nature learning experiences at sanctuaries and other natural areas

Help Mass Audubon in achieving our goal of helping adults and families connect with nature and learn how to protect nature now and for future generations

This volunteer position is a great fit for someone who ...

Enjoys interacting with the public and sharing their passion for nature experiences and conservation

You will have the opportunity to ...

Spend time learning with and assisting experienced naturalists/educators

Meet and interact with people who share your interests

Learn more about the natural world, conservation science, ecological stewardship

Responsibilities

As a volunteer, you will assist the program leading with...

Greeting participants as they arrive

Checking in program participants

Distributing equipment to program participants

Supporting participants with using equipment following program leader instruction

Serving as “sweep" on programs, taking up rear to ensure no one gets separated from the group

Assisting program leader and participants with spotting wildlife, plants, etc. 

Informally share knowledge about nature subjects with participants and staff

Volunteers may also be asked to ...

Assist program leader with loading and unloading canoes, supplies, or other program material; training will be provided

Assist program leader with collecting, cleaning, and stowing program equipment

Qualifications

A well-qualified volunteer will have...

An interest in sharing your love of nature and conservation with adults and/or families

Personal experience with bird watching, hiking, canoeing, etc.

A general knowledge of local plants and animals and interest in learning more

This volunteer position is suitable for...

Adults aged 18 and older

Requirements

Background Checks:

CORI and SORI background checks are required for all volunteers

Physical:

Walking and standing on uneven terrain in a variety of weather conditions (sun, heat, light rain, etc.) during nature walks, birding programs, and hikes

Assist with loading/unloading/moving canoes and other equipment for short periods/distances before and after canoe programs

Equipment:

Mass Audubon will provide all program specific equipment

Volunteer is responsible for personal clothing and footwear

Time Commitment:

Ability to confirm and commit to assisting scheduled programs

Programs range in length from 1-3 hours and volunteer would need to be available for the duration of the program and approximately 30 minutes before and after the program time

Tracking Hours:

Volunteers agree to log their completed volunteer hours in our online volunteer portal. This can be done on a personal phone, computer, or tablet.

Training on how to enter hours will be provided as part of volunteer orientation.

Safety
Maintaining a safe work environment is a priority of Mass Audubon.

Volunteers should dress in long pants/sleeves, wear study, closed-toed shoes, and bring their own snacks and water

Any additional safety training required for this position will be provided for volunteers*

*Additional safety training required for canoeing

Schedule/Shift Information
Volunteer shifts are posted and shared with volunteers for each season of the year and may occasionally be subject to change due to weather or other program scheduling needs

Next Steps
To express interest in this opportunity, click the "Respond" button. In the "Response Notes," share in a few sentences why you are interested and why this is a great volunteer role for you. Please note that this step is only to express interest in this opportunity. A volunteer coordinator will follow up with you about the next steps, which will include a brief conversation and a background check before you begin volunteering.

About the Event: Duck Derby is a Mass Audubon annual event and fundraiser for which participants purchase entries of racing rubber ducks in support of vital restoration efforts at Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary and the surrounding region (Conservation Projects at Allens Pond). As part of the fun, staff and volunteers will host a booth at the South Coast Harvest Festival in Westport, MA (Sept 27-28) for a community-centric day filled with nature games, wildlife crafts and more. Activities and displays are geared towards raising awareness about the wildlife, habitats, and conservation work underway at Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary and across the region.

Why Volunteer with Us? Volunteering with Mass Audubon offers you a chance to connect with your community and get to know our organization! By volunteering for one 4-hour shift, you will have free admission to the South Coast Harvest Festival on the day you volunteer.

How You Can Help: During the shift you sign up for, we'll ask for your support with:

event setup

leading wildlife games

assisting at Mass Audubon's designated table

Your support will be greatly appreciated in ensuring the success of our event and ultimately in helping us achieve our wildlife restoration goals.

Next Steps: If you are interested in joining us as a volunteer or learning more about the event, please click "respond" to this opportunity! Here, you can make a profile and view and sign up for volunteer shifts. Please also, feel free to reach out to Nicole Kirkos, nkirkos@massaudubon.org if you have any questions or need more information.

Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary offers a variety of programming-nature day camp, nature preschool, kayaking, youth climate leadership events, public programs, accessible programs and more! Program schedule depends on area of focus, but most programs are Monday - Friday with occasional evening and weekends. Program support has higher demand in the summer months.  

Program Volunteer responsibilities may include:

To express interest in this opportunity, click the "Respond" button. In the "Response Notes," share in a few sentences why you are interested and why you would be an excellent fit for this volunteer role. Please note that this step is only to express interest in this opportunity. A volunteer coordinator will follow up with you about the next steps, which will include a brief conversation and a background check before you begin volunteering.

Volunteer Gardeners help maintain the gardens at Mass Audubon Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. This means weeding, planting/transplanting, and cleaning up last year’s seed heads. Shifts involve working outside, standing, sitting, and kneeling. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet people and share interests in nature. This position is from May through October. Volunteers can set their own schedule once trained.

Responsibilities:

Qualifications:

Requirements:

Benefits:

Ecological Management Volunteers play a key role in the enjoyment and safety of all visitors to Wellfleet Bay. They work with our Property Manager on ecological management projects including landscaping, trail maintenance, events setup, and small carpentry projects. This volunteer opportunity is scheduled on Friday mornings from 9am to 12pm, October through June.   

Qualifications: 

Requirements: 

Benefits: 

Support our local Adopt-A-Highway program by picking up trash and litter along Route 6 and West Road, Van Rensselaer’s to Maurice’s Market. Work with our Property Management Team to protect the nature of beautiful Wellfleet for people and wildlife. This opportunity is on the 2nd Tuesday every month, April through October.  

Qualifications:

Requirements:

Benefits:

Volunteer ID cards are issued to volunteers who work 50 hours or more per year. The Volunteer ID card provides free admission, for yourself and immediate family, to all of Mass Audubon’s wildlife sanctuaries. It also allows you to take advantage of our Reciprocity Program which grants free or discounted access to participating area museums and attractions.  

MassDOT has placed a sign on the highway to recognize Mass Audubon’s Adopt-A-Highway Team for their hard work.

Join us at Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary on the last Saturday of every month to help us maintain our sanctuary! Possible projects include invasive species removal, trail clearing, light carpentry, painting, raking and mulching. You will be working alongside our property team for the duration of the project.

To sign up to volunteer, click the “Respond” button. You can then sign in using your existing volunteer account with Mass Audubon, or, if this is your first time using the volunteer system, you will be prompted to create a new account before signing up.

To express interest in this opportunity, click the "Respond" button. In the "Response Notes," say why you are interested in joining us - thanks!

With over 300 acres of woodland, fields, shrubby edges, and ponds Drumlin Farm is a beautiful sanctuary. With the help of volunteers, our staff maintain these habitats for the benefit of birds & animals and for the enjoyment of the visitors who walk our trails. 

It takes many hands to keep the property in tip-top shape. Join us for our Saturday morning habitat restoration sessions. You will meet like-minded people and learn about nature while you lend a hand cutting back overgrowth, pulling invasive plants, planting native plants, and other projects.

The sessions are held two to three Saturdays per month, year-round weather dependent. The position is physical and requires walking on uneven surfaces and using hand tools. 

Those involved in HIP (Habitat Intergenerational Program) come to know and believe that all ages working together can make a difference in helping our Earth to be a better place for future generations. 

Pulling Partners is a weekly program that brings together students of varied ages and adults to work outside helping to control the spread of invasive plants, maintain trails, and look after the sanctuary grounds.

Projects can include invasive removal, trail maintenance, raking, shoveling, sweeping, gardening, goat shepherding and much more!

Volunteers under the age of 14 MUST participate with a parent. Please do a group signup instead of an individual signup.

We meet at the top of the parking light. If you arrive late, head into the visitor center and ask them to radio us!

Volunteers are needed to participate in a clean-up of the Joppa Flats salt marsh! The tide will be low, so we can access the debris that has been brought in by recent storms. This is a wonderful opportunity to become involved in helping to protect one of the valuable natural resources here on the North Shore of Massachusetts.

Come to Joppa Flats Education Center to help us weed our native garden beds! We have coastal gardens around our building that need to be weeded to allow native coastal plants to thrive. Bring gloves, water and a kneeling pad if you have one.

To express interest for your group to volunteer with us, please fill out this form and the volunteer coordinator will get back to you.

The Boston Nature Center welcomes group volunteers to help maintain the sanctuaries natural areas by removing invasive plants, planting native species, maintaining children's play areas, and clearing the litter and debris from the property.

We welcome volunteer groups on Thursday mornings from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Accommodations can made for groups interested in volunteering multiple days.

Groups of any ability are welcome.

Visitor Services volunteers assist staff in welcoming visitors to Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary from our parking lot admissions gatehouse or our visitors' center and provide them with information for their visit. 

 Responsibilities include:

Training is provided. Preferred hours would be from 12-3 pm on either Saturdays or Sundays.

To express interest in this opportunity, click the "Respond" button. In the "Response Notes," share in a few sentences why you are interested and why you would be an excellent fit for this volunteer role. Please note that this step is only to express interest in this opportunity. A volunteer coordinator will follow up with you about the next steps, which will include a brief conversation and a background check before you begin volunteering.

Front Desk Volunteer

Front Desk Volunteers play an important role in welcoming visitors to Mass Audubon Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. As part of our Visitor Experiences Team, you will be the face of the sanctuary for newly arriving visitors. Front Desk Volunteers warmly welcome our visitors, provide excellent customer service, answer questions about the sanctuary and ensure an overall positive, enriching and enjoyable experience. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet people and share interests in nature. Our Front Desk Volunteers typically work one shift per week. We are currently looking to fill the Thursday AM shift, 9am to 1pm.

Responsibilities:

·         Welcome visitors and collect admission fees.

·         Describe sanctuary trails and facilities.

·         Promote and process memberships.

·         Handle gift shop sales using our POS system.

·         Answer questions.

Qualifications:

·         Dependable.

·         Excellent people skills, personable and communicative, ability to respond to a variety of visitors' needs and questions in a welcoming and inclusive manner.

·         Excellent verbal communication skills.

·         Busy shifts can require prolonged periods of standing.

·         Able to work cooperatively and independently as part of our Visitor Experiences Team.

Requirements:

·         Ability to pass CORI/SORI background check.

·         Must adhere to all policies in the Mass Audubon Volunteer Safety Handbook.

·         Must be 18+.

Benefits:

·         Volunteer ID cards are issued to volunteers who work 50 hours or more per year. The Volunteer ID card provides free admission, for yourself and immediate family, to all of Mass Audubon’s Wildlife Sanctuariesand a 15% discount at the Wellfleet Bay Gift Shop. It also allows you to take advantage of our Reciprocity Program which grants free or discounted access to participating area museums and attractions.

·         Occasional opportunities to attend education department programs. 

·         Gain broad exposure to many facets of Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary.

·         Excellent resume builder for careers focusing on customer service, education, science, conservation, and more.

·         Meet new people and share interests in nature.

·         Volunteering in a fun and energetic environment!

Visitor Center Volunteers welcome all visitors to Joppa Flats Education Center and answer questions they may have about what we do and about the surrounding area. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet people, share interests in nature, all while keeping our front desk running smoothly. Front desk shifts are 3.75 hours long and can be in the morning or afternoon, Tuesday - Saturday and occasional Monday holidays.

 Responsibilities include:

 Training is provided.

To express interest in this opportunity, click the "Respond" button. In the "Response Notes," share in a few sentences why you are interested and why you would be an excellent fit for this volunteer role. Please note that this step is only to express interest in this opportunity. A volunteer coordinator will follow up with you about the next steps, which will include a brief conversation and a background check before you begin volunteering.

To express interest in this volunteer position, please click the “Respond” button and in the Response Notes, include a few sentences about why you are interested in this role and why you’d be a great fit. Make sure to click the “Submit Opportunity Response” button at the end to complete the process. Our volunteer coordinator will reach out to share more about the program and next steps.

As a Trail Steward volunteer, you will monitor Oak Knoll's 3-mile trail system and report any issues, such as fallen trees or rough trail conditions, that you encounter. Oak Knoll's trails meander through freshwater wetlands, woodlands, and uplands, along boardwalks, and across beautiful landscapes. Volunteers will have the opportunity to get to know the sanctuary's trail system well and observe changes throughout the seasons.

Trail Stewards play a key role in helping Mass Audubon maintain safe, welcoming, and pleasant trails for visitors by alerting staff of priority areas to address along the trails. This volunteer position is a great fit for someone who loves spending time outdoors, hiking, and making trails and natural spaces both welcoming for visitors and protected for wildlife. It is also a great fit for someone looking for a flexible volunteer opportunity to do on their own schedule.

As a volunteer, you will be responsible for:

Hiking along trails on your own schedule when the sanctuary is open and submitting a report to staff with your findings

Clipping intrusive brush and branches, moving small-to-medium sticks and debris, and/or removing trash along trails as needed

Entering the hours you volunteered in our online volunteer portal with a phone or computer

Virtual training will be provided and required.

Submit and successfully clear CORI/SORI background check

Watch Trail Steward volunteer training

Be age 18 or older or always accompanied by parent/guardian when volunteering  

Commit to:

Hiking along at least one sanctuary trail at least once a month

Completing report form after each visit detailing what you found on the trails 

Responsibly using the provided Trail Steward equipment and alert Mass Audubon staff if any equipment needs replacing

Demonstrating and modeling responsible behavior on trails

Volunteers also agree to log their completed volunteer hours in our online volunteer portal. This can be done on a personal phone, computer, or tablet. Training on how to enter hours will be provided as part of volunteer orientation. 

Maintaining a safe work environment is a priority of Mass Audubon. Volunteers should dress in appropriate outdoor clothing for the weather and sturdy shoes and bring a snack and water if you plan to be out on the trails for an extended period of time. Additional safety will be covered in the training. 

Trail Stewards can volunteer by hiking the trails at any time the sanctuary is open; dawn to dusk. Volunteers are asked to walk the trails at least once a month.

Trail Stewards offers a flexible and independent volunteer experience, but there will also be the opportunity to collaborate with other Trail Stewards and schedule times to work together.

To express interest in this volunteer position, please click the “Respond” button and in the Response Notes, include a few sentences about why you are interested in this role and why you’d be a great fit. Make sure to click the “Submit Opportunity Response” button at the end to complete the process. Our volunteer coordinator will reach out to share more about the program and next steps.

To express interest in this volunteer position, please click the “Respond” button and in the Response Notes, include a few sentences about why you are interested in this role and why you’d be a great fit. Make sure to click the “Submit Opportunity Response” button at the end to complete the process. Our volunteer coordinator will reach out to share more about the program and next steps.

As a Trail Steward volunteer, you will monitor Attleboro Springs' 3-mile trail system and report any issues, such as fallen trees or rough trail conditions, that you encounter. Attleboro Springs' trails meander through freshwater streams, woodlands, and uplands, along boardwalks, and across beautiful landscapes. Volunteers will have the opportunity to get to know the sanctuary's trail system well and observe changes throughout the seasons.

Trail Stewards play a key role in helping Mass Audubon maintain safe, welcoming, and pleasant trails for visitors by alerting staff of priority areas to address along the trails. This volunteer position is a great fit for someone who loves spending time outdoors, hiking, and making trails and natural spaces both welcoming for visitors and protected for wildlife. It is also a great fit for someone looking for a flexible volunteer opportunity to do on their own schedule.

As a volunteer, you will be responsible for:

Hiking along trails on your own schedule when the sanctuary is open and submitting a report to staff with your findings

Clipping intrusive brush and branches, moving small-to-medium sticks and debris, and/or removing trash along trails as needed

Entering the hours you volunteered in our online volunteer portal with a phone or computer

Virtual training will be provided and required.

Submit and successfully clear CORI/SORI background check

Watch Trail Steward volunteer training

Be age 18 or older or always accompanied by parent/guardian when volunteering  

Commit to:

Hiking along at least one sanctuary trail at least once a month

Completing report form after each visit detailing what you found on the trails 

Responsibly using the provided Trail Steward equipment and alert Mass Audubon staff if any equipment needs replacing

Demonstrating and modeling responsible behavior on trails

Volunteers also agree to log their completed volunteer hours in our online volunteer portal. This can be done on a personal phone, computer, or tablet. Training on how to enter hours will be provided as part of volunteer orientation. 

Maintaining a safe work environment is a priority of Mass Audubon. Volunteers should dress in appropriate outdoor clothing for the weather and sturdy shoes and bring a snack and water if you plan to be out on the trails for an extended period of time. Additional safety will be covered in the training. 

Trail Stewards can volunteer by hiking the trails at any time the sanctuary is open; dawn to dusk. Volunteers are asked to walk the trails at least once a month.

Trail Stewards offers a flexible and independent volunteer experience, but there will also be the opportunity to collaborate with other Trail Stewards and schedule times to work together.

To express interest in this volunteer position, please click the “Respond” button and in the Response Notes, include a few sentences about why you are interested in this role and why you’d be a great fit. Make sure to click the “Submit Opportunity Response” button at the end to complete the process. Our volunteer coordinator will reach out to share more about the program and next steps

With over 107 Wildlife Sanctuaries to explore across the state, the South East region is home to over 4,000 acres of protected land within 22 wildlife sanctuaries, with 7 of those having trails accessible for public use. 

Unfortunately, our team does not have the means to assess every part of our trail systems each week, a total of 27 miles. Trail Stewards help provide our property team with valuable insight by having more eyes and ears on the ground on a regular basis. What better way to volunteer and assist with our efforts of conserving nature then by walking your favorite trail or visiting a new sanctuary all while lending our property team a helping hand.  

Trail stewards will assist with tasks such as cutting back overgrown vegetation, clearing trails of debris, picking up trash and litter, restocking trail maps at trail heads, and reporting any notable violations on the property.

Record what occurred during your shift through this Microsoft form: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=FL2s4J3Wqk6PAn7P8ogjLyT2kfwKmBtCisP6RTf5PxVUNjhVSk8yTzhSMUFHTVJSME9HT0ZXWjFNUCQlQCN0PWcu 

To express interest in this opportunity, click the "Respond" button. In the "Response Notes," share in a few sentences why you are interested, and a little about yourself. Our volunteer coordinator will be in touch to discuss the position details with you. 

Drumlin Farm is a working farm with cows, pigs, sheep, goats, and chickens which are raised for wool, egg, and meat production. Our livestock staff welcome volunteers to help with a variety of barn chores including feeding, sweeping, refilling water, egg collection, and mucking. Chores are in the morning. Volunteers join us for one morning per week for a minimum of three months but hopefully for much longer! Currently we are looking for volunteers for Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday mornings (7:00am to roughly 10:00am). 

The barns are unheated. The position is physical and includes walking on uneven surfaces, shoveling, lifting, and bending. In winter, there may be icy conditions. A background check is required for this position. 

Love Felix Neck & Mass Audubon? Love nature & people? Do you want to help staff welcome visitors? Visitor Services volunteering is a great opportunity for you to get involved in your local Mass Audubon wildlife sanctuary and local community by meeting, engaging, and getting people excited about Broadmoor and everything we have to offer here.
Responsibilities:  

To express interest in this opportunity, click the "Respond" button. In the "Response Notes," share in a few sentences why you are interested and why you would be an excellent fit for this volunteer role. Please note that this step is only to express interest in this opportunity. A volunteer coordinator will follow up with you about the next steps, which will include a brief conversation and a background check before you begin volunteering.

Education volunteers are trained to assist staff with school and visitor programs, family walks, field trips, family programs and events at Joppa Flats Education Center. Education Volunteers assist our team in many ways, from program preparation to photography, to sharing information about our local habitats such as the coast and Merrimack River plus bird ecology and more. 

The best way to get acquainted with the role of an Education Volunteer is to register for our Introduction to Education Volunteering classes in September, January, and April. Our fall and spring training themes include salt marsh ecology, rocky shore tide pools and bird banding science. Our winter training themes include raptors, winter wildlife and tracking and coastal erosion and beach grass planting. 

To express interest in this opportunity, click the "Respond" button. In the "Response Notes," share in a few sentences why you are interested and why you would be an excellent fit for this volunteer role. Please note that this step is only to express interest in this opportunity. A volunteer coordinator will follow up with you about the next steps, which will include a brief conversation and a background check before you begin volunteering.

Love Broadmoor & Mass Audubon? Love people? Do you want to help staff welcome visitors? Visitor Services volunteering is a great opportunity for you to get involved in your local Mass Audubon wildlife sanctuary and local community by meeting, engaging, and getting people excited about Broadmoor and everything we have to offer here.
Responsibilities:  

To express interest in this opportunity, click the "Respond" button. In the "Response Notes," share in a few sentences why you are interested and why you would be an excellent fit for this volunteer role. Please note that this step is only to express interest in this opportunity. A volunteer coordinator will follow up with you about the next steps, which will include a brief conversation and a background check before you begin volunteering.

Magazine Beach Eco-Volunteers are dedicated to protecting biodiversity and building ecological resilience at Magazine Beach Park in Cambridge, MA. This community-led group will participate in seasonal restoration projects like ecological monitoring, invasive species removal, and other conservation projects throughout the year. It is the perfect opportunity for adults and families with children older than 10 looking to protect the natural world alongside neighbors and friends. No experience necessary! During some sessions, you will learn how to use applications like iNaturalist to identify plant and animal species and record data.

Magazine Beach Eco-Volunteers are dedicated to protecting biodiversity and building ecological resilience at Magazine Beach Park in Cambridge, MA. This community-led group will participate in seasonal restoration projects like ecological monitoring, invasive species removal, BioBlitzes, and other conservation projects throughout the year. It is the perfect opportunity for adults and families with children older than 10 looking to protect the natural world alongside neighbors and friends. No experience necessary! During some sessions, you will learn how to use applications like iNaturalist to identify plant and animal species and record data.

Help care for the sanctuary and enjoy a couple hours of fresh air, fun, and fulfillment. Assist with a wide variety of property, maintenance, and ecological projects such as buildings and grounds work, trail clearing, gardening, and wildlife monitoring. 

To express interest in this opportunity, click the "Respond" button. In the "Response Notes," share in a few sentences why you are interested and why you would be an excellent fit for this volunteer role. Please note that this step is only to express interest in this opportunity. A volunteer coordinator will follow up with you about the next steps, which will include a brief conversation and a background check before you begin volunteering.

Volunteer Naturalists are our frontline volunteers who work to enhance visitor experience through basic conversational and interpretive interactions about nature, wildlife, and Mass Audubon’s mission and keeping our trails maintained and welcoming.

Specific tasks can include:

Visitor Center Volunteer

Opportunity Description

North River Wildlife Sanctuary Visitor Center Volunteers play an important role in welcoming visitors to Mass Audubon's North River Wildlife Sanctuaries. They assist staff in providing excellent customer service, supporting engagement operations, and ensuring an overall positive, enriching and enjoyable experience for members, visitors and program participants.

Specific tasks include:

Offering assistance with information about the sanctuary, visitor center, programs, events, the surrounding area, and Mass Audubon in general, making referrals as appropriate to the Mass Audubon webpage.

Distributing sanctuary maps, information, and trail suggestions.

Collecting and processing admission fees.

Checking membership status and recording visitation statistics.

Understanding and introducing visitors to the benefits of Mass Audubon membership. Processing new memberships and assisting with renewals.

Assisting in the gift shop and processing gift shop sales.

Using a Point-of-Sale system, cash register or credit card machine for sales and admissions.

Answering phone calls and providing information, guidance, and direction.

Answering general nature-related questions or making referrals for more information.

Helping to keep the visitor center, lobby, front desk, and shop neat and organized.

Helping to maintain displays and bulletin boards.

Assisting occasionally during peak periods such as holiday weekends or special events, such as working a greeting table outdoors, etc.

Assisting with other program support, where appropriate.

To express interest in this volunteer position, please click the “Respond” button and in the Response Notes, include a few sentences about why you are interested in this role and why you’d be a great fit. Make sure to click the “Submit Opportunity Response” button at the end to complete the process. Our volunteer coordinator will reach out to share more about the program and next steps.

As a Trail Steward volunteer, you will monitor North River's 2-mile trail system and report any issues, such as fallen trees or rough trail conditions, that you encounter. North River's trails meander through forests, woodlands, and uplands, along boardwalks, and across open meadows. Volunteers will have the opportunity to get to know the sanctuary's trail system well and observe changes throughout the seasons.

Trail Stewards play a key role in helping Mass Audubon maintain safe, welcoming, and pleasant trails for visitors by alerting staff of priority areas to address along the trails. This volunteer position is a great fit for someone who loves spending time outdoors, hiking, and making trails and natural spaces both welcoming for visitors and protected for wildlife. It is also a great fit for someone looking for a flexible volunteer opportunity to do on their own schedule.

As a volunteer, you will be responsible for:

Hiking along trails on your own schedule when the sanctuary is open and submitting a report to staff with your findings

Clipping intrusive brush and branches, moving small-to-medium sticks and debris, and/or removing trash along trails as needed

Entering the hours you volunteered in our online volunteer portal with a phone or computer

Virtual training will be provided and required.

Submit and successfully clear CORI/SORI background check

Watch Trail Steward volunteer training

Be age 18 or older or always accompanied by parent/guardian when volunteering  

Commit to:

Hiking along at least one sanctuary trail at least once a month

Completing report form after each visit detailing what you found on the trails 

Responsibly using the provided Trail Steward equipment and alert Mass Audubon staff if any equipment needs replacing

Demonstrating and modeling responsible behavior on trails

Volunteers also agree to log their completed volunteer hours in our online volunteer portal. This can be done on a personal phone, computer, or tablet. Training on how to enter hours will be provided as part of volunteer orientation. 

Maintaining a safe work environment is a priority of Mass Audubon. Volunteers should dress in appropriate outdoor clothing for the weather and sturdy shoes and bring a snack and water if you plan to be out on the trails for an extended period of time. Additional safety will be covered in the training. 

Trail Stewards can volunteer by hiking the trails at any time the sanctuary is open; dawn to dusk. Volunteers are asked to walk the trails at least once a month.

Trail Stewards offers a flexible and independent volunteer experience, but there will also be the opportunity to collaborate with other Trail Stewards and schedule times to work together.

To express interest in this volunteer position, please click the “Respond” button and in the Response Notes, include a few sentences about why you are interested in this role and why you’d be a great fit. Make sure to click the “Submit Opportunity Response” button at the end to complete the process. Our volunteer coordinator will reach out to share more about the program and next steps.

To express interest in this volunteer position, please click the “Respond” button and in the Response Notes, include a few sentences about why you are interested in this role and why you’d be a great fit. Make sure to click the “Submit Opportunity Response” button at the end to complete the process. Our volunteer coordinator will reach out to share more about the program and next steps.

As a Trail Steward volunteer, you will monitor Great Neck's 4-mile trail system and report any issues, such as fallen trees or rough trail conditions, that you encounter. Great Neck's trails meander through beachfront, woodlands, and uplands, along sandy trails, and across beautiful landscapes. Volunteers will have the opportunity to get to know the sanctuary's trail system well and observe changes throughout the seasons.

Trail Stewards play a key role in helping Mass Audubon maintain safe, welcoming, and pleasant trails for visitors by alerting staff of priority areas to address along the trails. This volunteer position is a great fit for someone who loves spending time outdoors, hiking, and making trails and natural spaces both welcoming for visitors and protected for wildlife. It is also a great fit for someone looking for a flexible volunteer opportunity to do on their own schedule.

As a volunteer, you will be responsible for:

Hiking along trails on your own schedule when the sanctuary is open and submitting a report to staff with your findings

Clipping intrusive brush and branches, moving small-to-medium sticks and debris, and/or removing trash along trails as needed

Entering the hours you volunteered in our online volunteer portal with a phone or computer

Virtual training will be provided and required.

Submit and successfully clear CORI/SORI background check

Watch Trail Steward volunteer training

Be age 18 or older or always accompanied by parent/guardian when volunteering  

Commit to:

Hiking along at least one sanctuary trail at least once a month

Completing report form after each visit detailing what you found on the trails 

Responsibly using the provided Trail Steward equipment and alert Mass Audubon staff if any equipment needs replacing

Demonstrating and modeling responsible behavior on trails

Volunteers also agree to log their completed volunteer hours in our online volunteer portal. This can be done on a personal phone, computer, or tablet. Training on how to enter hours will be provided as part of volunteer orientation. 

Maintaining a safe work environment is a priority of Mass Audubon. Volunteers should dress in appropriate outdoor clothing for the weather and sturdy shoes and bring a snack and water if you plan to be out on the trails for an extended period of time. Additional safety will be covered in the training. 

Trail Stewards can volunteer by hiking the trails at any time the sanctuary is open; dawn to dusk. Volunteers are asked to walk the trails at least once a month.

Trail Stewards offers a flexible and independent volunteer experience, but there will also be the opportunity to collaborate with other Trail Stewards and schedule times to work together.

To express interest in this volunteer position, please click the “Respond” button and in the Response Notes, include a few sentences about why you are interested in this role and why you’d be a great fit. Make sure to click the “Submit Opportunity Response” button at the end to complete the process. Our volunteer coordinator will reach out to share more about the program and next steps.

To express interest in this volunteer position, please click the “Respond” button and in the Response Notes, include a few sentences about why you are interested in this role and why you’d be a great fit. Make sure to click the “Submit Opportunity Response” button at the end to complete the process. Our volunteer coordinator will reach out to share more about the program and next steps.

As a Trail Steward volunteer, you will monitor Daniel Webster's 3-mile trail system and report any issues, such as fallen trees or rough trail conditions, that you encounter. Daniel Webster's trails meander through wetlands, woodlands, and uplands, along boardwalks, bridges, and across beautiful landscapes. Volunteers will have the opportunity to get to know the sanctuary's trail system well and observe changes throughout the seasons.

Trail Stewards play a key role in helping Mass Audubon maintain safe, welcoming, and pleasant trails for visitors by alerting staff of priority areas to address along the trails. This volunteer position is a great fit for someone who loves spending time outdoors, hiking, and making trails and natural spaces both welcoming for visitors and protected for wildlife. It is also a great fit for someone looking for a flexible volunteer opportunity to do on their own schedule.

As a volunteer, you will be responsible for:

Hiking along trails on your own schedule when the sanctuary is open and submitting a report to staff with your findings

Clipping intrusive brush and branches, moving small-to-medium sticks and debris, and/or removing trash along trails as needed

Entering the hours you volunteered in our online volunteer portal with a phone or computer

Virtual training will be provided and required.

Submit and successfully clear CORI/SORI background check

Watch Trail Steward volunteer training

Be age 18 or older or always accompanied by parent/guardian when volunteering  

Commit to:

Hiking along at least one sanctuary trail at least once a month

Completing report form after each visit detailing what you found on the trails 

Responsibly using the provided Trail Steward equipment and alert Mass Audubon staff if any equipment needs replacing

Demonstrating and modeling responsible behavior on trails

Volunteers also agree to log their completed volunteer hours in our online volunteer portal. This can be done on a personal phone, computer, or tablet. Training on how to enter hours will be provided as part of volunteer orientation. 

Maintaining a safe work environment is a priority of Mass Audubon. Volunteers should dress in appropriate outdoor clothing for the weather and sturdy shoes and bring a snack and water if you plan to be out on the trails for an extended period of time. Additional safety will be covered in the training. 

Trail Stewards can volunteer by hiking the trails at any time the sanctuary is open; dawn to dusk. Volunteers are asked to walk the trails at least once a month.

Trail Stewards offers a flexible and independent volunteer experience, but there will also be the opportunity to collaborate with other Trail Stewards and schedule times to work together.

To express interest in this volunteer position, please click the “Respond” button and in the Response Notes, include a few sentences about why you are interested in this role and why you’d be a great fit. Make sure to click the “Submit Opportunity Response” button at the end to complete the process. Our volunteer coordinator will reach out to share more about the program and next steps

To express interest in this volunteer position, please click the “Respond” button and in the Response Notes, include a few sentences about why you are interested in this role and why you’d be a great fit. Make sure to click the “Submit Opportunity Response” button at the end to complete the process. Our volunteer coordinator will reach out to share more about the program and next steps.

As a Trail Steward volunteer, you will monitor Allens Pond's 9-mile trail system and report any issues, such as fallen trees or rough trail conditions, that you encounter. Allens Pond's trails meander through wetlands, woodlands, and uplands, along boardwalks, and across beautiful landscapes. Volunteers will have the opportunity to get to know the sanctuary's trail system well and observe changes throughout the seasons.

Trail Stewards play a key role in helping Mass Audubon maintain safe, welcoming, and pleasant trails for visitors by alerting staff of priority areas to address along the trails. This volunteer position is a great fit for someone who loves spending time outdoors, hiking, and making trails and natural spaces both welcoming for visitors and protected for wildlife. It is also a great fit for someone looking for a flexible volunteer opportunity to do on their own schedule.

As a volunteer, you will be responsible for:

Hiking along trails on your own schedule when the sanctuary is open and submitting a report to staff with your findings

Clipping intrusive brush and branches, moving small-to-medium sticks and debris, and/or removing trash along trails as needed

Entering the hours you volunteered in our online volunteer portal with a phone or computer

Virtual training will be provided and required.

Submit and successfully clear CORI/SORI background check

Watch Trail Steward volunteer training

Be age 18 or older or always accompanied by parent/guardian when volunteering  

Commit to:

Hiking along at least one sanctuary trail at least once a month

Completing report form after each visit detailing what you found on the trails 

Responsibly using the provided Trail Steward equipment and alert Mass Audubon staff if any equipment needs replacing

Demonstrating and modeling responsible behavior on trails

Volunteers also agree to log their completed volunteer hours in our online volunteer portal. This can be done on a personal phone, computer, or tablet. Training on how to enter hours will be provided as part of volunteer orientation. 

Maintaining a safe work environment is a priority of Mass Audubon. Volunteers should dress in appropriate outdoor clothing for the weather and sturdy shoes and bring a snack and water if you plan to be out on the trails for an extended period of time. Additional safety will be covered in the training. 

Trail Stewards can volunteer by hiking the trails at any time the sanctuary is open; dawn to dusk. Volunteers are asked to walk the trails at least once a month.

Trail Stewards offers a flexible and independent volunteer experience, but there will also be the opportunity to collaborate with other Trail Stewards and schedule times to work together.

To express interest in this volunteer position, please click the “Respond” button and in the Response Notes, include a few sentences about why you are interested in this role and why you’d be a great fit. Make sure to click the “Submit Opportunity Response” button at the end to complete the process. Our volunteer coordinator will reach out to share more about the program and next steps.

Help Mass Audubon track the status and trends in the reproductive biology of breeding birds at our sanctuaries by participating in the nationwide community science research program Nest Watch. The Nest Watch program was developed and run by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and utilized by Mass Audubon statewide to engage volunteers in breeding bird biology through data collection. 

The Nest Watch Volunteer will be trained and responsible for collecting reproductive data on breeding birds by monitoring nest boxes at Felix Neck. Volunteers will learn to identify several local breeding bird species by sight and by nest structures. Common bird species to be monitored include Eastern Bluebird, Tree Swallow, House Wren, and Black-capped Chickadee. Volunteers will be responsible for collecting and recording accurate written and online data.  

This volunteer opportunity will span the bird breeding season from early spring to midsummer. Weekly requirements include visiting nest box sites at least once per week with an estimated commitment of 2-3 hours per week. Volunteers will be required to track their volunteer hours on the Mass Audubon Volunteer Platform. Volunteers do need access to a smart phone or computer to record volunteer hours. Data entry will have a digital option that can be completed by smart phone in field.  

This position requires walking on sometimes uneven terrain and through tall grass. Walking distance can be 1-2 miles but varies by location. 

The Volunteer Opportunity will consist of in-person activities from mid-March to early-August (the end date may vary based on bird nesting). Volunteer dates are flexible, but volunteers should be available mid-morning or early afternoon. Training will be provided. A CORI/SORI background check will be required.

Potential Safety Risks: Poison Ivy, walking injuries, ticks, wasps/bees, heat exhaustion, swooping birds 

To express interest in this opportunity, click the "Respond" button. In the "Response Notes," share in a few sentences why you are interested and why you would be an excellent fit for this volunteer role. Please note that this step is only to express interest in this opportunity. A volunteer coordinator will follow up with you about the next steps, which will include a brief conversation and a background check before you begin volunteering.

To express interest in this volunteer position, please click the “Respond” button and in the Response Notes, include a few sentences about why you are interested in this role and why you’d be a great fit. Make sure to click the “Submit Opportunity Response” button at the end to complete the process. Training will take place in Fall 2025. Our volunteer coordinator will reach out in September to share more about the program and next steps.

As a Nature Guide volunteer, you will enhance our visitor experience through natural history interpretation on our busy visitation days. With over 31,000 people visiting Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary each year, Nature Guides play a key role in welcoming visitors and teaching them about the history and nature of the place they are visiting.

This volunteer position is a great fit for someone who is excited about and committed to learn more about nature and share their knowledge with children, adults, and families who visit our wildlife sanctuary. It is also a great fit for someone who has a background in education and enjoys interacting with the public.

Training for new Nature Guides will take place in Fall 2025. Please follow the instructions above to express interest in this opportunity and our volunteer coordinator will reach out around then to share more information.

As a volunteer, you will be responsible for:

Gathering education materials, setting up a station inside or outside of Nature Center or along a busy trail, and speaking to public about your chosen topic

Interacting enthusiastically with a diverse range of visitors who have various levels of knowledge about the natural world; catering amount of information and delivery based on visitor interest

Assisting visitors by checking in on their visit, providing information and answers to general site-based questions and ways to further engage with Mass Audubon, and communicating with staff when additional support is needed

Helping with special events as needed

In-person training will be provided and required.

Be age 18 or older

Complete short interview process

Submit and successfully clear CORI/SORI background check

Attend an in-person Nature Guide training session at Ipswich River

Ability to:

come prepared to work outdoors in varying weather conditions. This work will take place rain or shine, but never during storms or dangerous weather

reliably read and respond to email communications with staff supervisors

interact with guests of all ages and abilities

Commit to:

one 3-hour shift in either the morning or afternoon at least once every three months

volunteering for at least one year

Volunteers also agree to log their completed volunteer hours in our online volunteer portal. This can be done on a personal phone, computer, or tablet. Training on how to enter hours will be provided as part of volunteer orientation. 

Maintaining a safe work environment is a priority of Mass Audubon. Volunteers should dress in appropriate outdoor clothing for the weather and sturdy shoes, and bring a snack and water if you plan to be outside for an extended period of time. Additional safety will be covered in the training. 

Nature Guides sign up for one 3-hour shift, at least once every three months, in the morning or afternoon. While most shifts will take place Saturdays or Sundays, there will also be opportunities for weekday shifts, especially in the summer.

Nature Guides are also asked to occasionally support with special events, which generally occur on Friday or Saturday evenings a few times per year.

To express interest in this volunteer position, please click the “Respond” button and in the Response Notes, include a few sentences about why you are interested in this role and why you’d be a great fit. Make sure to click the “Submit Opportunity Response” button at the end to complete the process. Training will take place in Fall 2025.

To express interest in this volunteer position, please click the “Respond” button and in the Response Notes, include a few sentences about why you are interested in this role and why you’d be a great fit. Make sure to click the “Submit Opportunity Response” button at the end to complete the process. Our volunteer coordinator will reach out in May/June to share more about the program and next steps.

As a Trail Steward volunteer, you will monitor Boston Nature Center's 2-mile trail and boardwalk system, pick up trash along Canterbury Brook that runs through the property, and report any issues - such as fallen trees or rough trail conditions - that you encounter. Trail Stewards play a key role in helping Boston Nature Center maintain safe, welcoming, and pleasant trails for visitors and the surrounding community.

This volunteer position is a great fit for someone who loves spending time outdoors, giving back to nature and the community, and making natural spaces welcoming for visitors and protected for wildlife. It is also a great fit for someone looking for a flexible volunteer opportunity to do on their own schedule. As a Trail Steward volunteer, you will have the opportunity to get to know the sanctuary well, observe and note seasonal changes and cycles at the sanctuary, and be a key part of our team effort to clean and maintain our trails. 

The Trail Steward volunteer program will be starting up in Summer 2025. If you are interested in volunteering as a Trail Steward, please follow the instructions above to express interest, and we will reach out to you when training sessions are scheduled.

As a volunteer, you will be responsible for: 

Walking along trails on your own schedule when the sanctuary is open, picking up trash at key locations, and submitting a report to staff on a phone or computer with your findings

Removing trash along the trail with trash grabbers and bags, clipping intrusive brush and branches, and moving small-to-medium sticks and debris

Greeting visitors along the trails and being a welcoming ambassador and representative of Mass Audubon

Entering the hours you volunteered in our online volunteer portal with a phone or computer

Training will be required and provided. 

Complete our volunteer onboarding process, which includes undergoing a CORI/SORI background check

Attend an in-person Trail Steward orientation and training at Boston Nature Center

Be age 18 or older or always accompanied by parent/guardian when volunteering 

Commit to:

Volunteering as a Trail Steward at least once a month

Completing online report form after each visit via computer or mobile device

Responsibly using the provided Trail Steward equipment and alert Mass Audubon staff if any equipment needs replacing

Demonstrating and modeling responsible behavior on trails

Greeting every visitor met along the trail to welcome them to the sanctuary

Volunteers also agree to log their completed volunteer hours in our online volunteer portal. This can be done on a personal phone, computer, or tablet. Training on how to enter hours will be provided as part of volunteer orientation. 

Maintaining a safe work environment is a priority of Mass Audubon. Volunteers should dress in appropriate outdoor clothing for the weather and sturdy shoes, and bring a snack and water if you plan to be out on the trails for an extended period of time. Additional safety will be covered in the training. 

Trail Stewards can volunteer on the trails any time the sanctuary is open, M-F 9am-5pm and weekends/holidays 10am-4pm. While weekly monitoring is the most helpful to staff, we ask that as a Trail Steward, you plan to volunteer at least once every month. 

Trail Stewards offers a flexible and independent volunteer experience, but there will also be the opportunity to collaborate with other Trail Stewards and schedule times to work together. 

Directions to Boston Nature Center, including our recommendations about using public transportation or biking to get here, can be found at https://www.massaudubon.org/places-to-explore/wildlife-sanctuaries/boston-nature-center/directions.

To express interest in this volunteer position, please click the “Respond” button and in the Response Notes, include a few sentences about why you are interested in this role and why you’d be a great fit. Make sure to click the “Submit Opportunity Response” button at the end to complete the process. Our volunteer coordinator will reach out in May/June to share more about the program and next steps.

Share your skills or learn new ones in our beautiful butterfly garden. Work alongside knowledgeable staff and volunteers.

Become a Climate and Nature Champion – Sign up here! 

Mass Audubon’s Climate and Nature Champions is a grassroots advocacy program that mobilizes individuals across Massachusetts to speak with one voice on the most pressing environmental issues of our time. 

Whether you have been an advocate before or are new to policy work, you can help Mass Audubon fight for land and wildlife protections; clean air and water; and climate and energy policy that will keep us on track to net zero emissions by 2050.   

Levels of participation vary from emailing your representative on a priority issue to organizing a local community around a specific campaign. 

Become an Advocate 

Join our grassroots advocacy network and be the first to know when and how you can get involved. Advocates have the opportunity to attend virtual meetings and trainings with Mass Audubon legislative leaders and experts as well as receive the tools they need to organize on their own.  

Sign up here!

To express interest and apply for this volunteer position, please complete this form.

The Bobolink Project provides funding and technical support to farmers and landowners to protect breeding grassland birds. Grassland birds like Bobolinks, Savannah Sparrows, and Eastern Meadowlarks breed in hayfields and pastures in New England, and their populations have declined in recent decades as farms were abandoned and haying practices intensified on remaining agricultural lands. The Bobolink Project works closely with regional partners to understand and mitigate the challenges that farmers face when trying to adopt best management practices on their farms, to strike a balance between production and wildlife conservation. As the program expands in five states, we need volunteers to help with landowner outreach, field vetting, field monitoring, and ongoing tasks.

The Bobolink Project operates in every corner of Massachusetts, as well as in New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, and Maine. Volunteers can be in any of these states, preferably in or near agricultural areas. As we expand our outreach and enrollment in western Massachusetts, volunteers who are based in Worchester, Franklin, Hampshire, Hampden, and Berkshire counties can help to identify and monitor fields.

Landowner Outreach and Field Vetting: ongoing, with a higher importance and intensity until March 31, 2025. The goal of this phase of the project is to identify priority fields (large hayfields, or fields that are known to have birds) and encourage landowners to apply to the Bobolink Project.

Volunteer Tasks:

Requirements:

Field Monitoring: last two weeks of June. The goal of this phase of the project is to visit each field in the program once per season to count the number of breeding females.

Volunteer Tasks:

Requirements:

Ongoing tasks: year-round. This project seeks volunteers for ongoing support for behind-the-scenes tasks.

Volunteer Tasks:

Requirements:

To express interest and apply for this volunteer position, please complete this form.

Drop in on the third Saturday of the month and help care for the sanctuary. Work is outdoors and may include gardening, trail maintenance, tidying, and caring for bird feeders. Ability to work without supervision is required. Children under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Drop in on the first Saturday of the month, help care for the sanctuary and enjoy a few hours of fresh air, fun and fulfillment.  Walk the trails, put up signs and markers, look for wildlife tracks, pick up branches, and fill the bird feeders. Ability to work without supervision required. 

Help take care of the beds in the community garden, Nature by the Yard, Preschool, Butterfly Garden, and Gardens behind the Visitor Center.

To express interest in this opportunity, please complete this form and our volunteer coordinator will get back to you with more information.

Join our core group of dedicated individual volunteers on Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. to support seasonal property stewardship at the Boston Nature Center. Volunteers will help with litter pick-up, invasive plant removal, trail maintenance and other stewardship projects under the direction of the Property Manager. 

This opportunity takes place on Wednesdays only.

Interested volunteers will be asked to familiarize themselves with Mass Audubon's invasive plant guide. The guide is available for download. 

To express interest in this opportunity, please fill out this form.

The Boston Nature Center Sanctuary Committee aims to promote, advise, and assist the Boston Nature Center Sanctuary located in Mattapan, Massachusetts. Sanctuary Committee Volunteers advise and support the Sanctuary Director in all areas of Sanctuary operations, including finance, development, planning, programs, property management, and recruitment.

Sanctuary Committee Volunteers: 

Help care for the sanctuary and enjoy a few hours of fresh air, fun and fulfillment. Come once or every week and become part of our growing group of sanctuary volunteers. Together with Mass Audubon staff, put up signs and markers, look for wildlife tracks, pick up branches, and fill the bird feeders. Projects are primarily outside. Some tasks may require heavy lifting. Ability to work without supervision required. Carpentry skills welcome. Nature lovers appreciated.

Help care for the sanctuary and enjoy a few hours of fresh air, fun, and fulfillment. Assist with a wide variety of property, maintenance, and ecological projects such as buildings and grounds work, trail clearing, gardening, and wildlife monitoring.