Opportunities From: Mass Audubon

Volunteer: Prepare the Community Gardens for Spring

It's almost garden season. Help lay out community garden plots in preparation for the garden opening in early May. Clean out the accessible raised beds and weed and prepare shared herb garden. Volunteers under 16 need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Unaccompanied volunteers 16-18 must provide written permission from a parent or guardian. You'll enjoy the company of friends and meet new community gardeners!

Place: Canoe Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary

It's almost garden season. Help lay out community garden plots in preparation for the garden opening in early May. Clean out the accessible raised beds and weed and prepare shared herb garden. Volunteers under 16 need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Unaccompanied volunteers 16-18 must provide written permission from a parent or guardian. You'll enjoy the company of friends and meet new community gardeners!

Place: Canoe Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Happens On May 7, 2026

Zip Code: 01201

Allow Groups: Yes

Volunteer: Arcadia Wildlife Monitoring Volunteers

Volunteers contribute to conservation research by monitoring wildlife, including nest box monitoring for raptors and songbirds and coverboard surveys for amphibians. 

2026 Wildlife Monitoring Opportunities

Amphibian Coverboard Surveys:

Work with one other volunteer to monitor coverboards by turning boards over, identifying what species of frogs and salamanders are found underneath, carefully replacing the boards, and taking notes.Submit your data after each visit.You'll make three visits in May and three visits in September, with each visit taking approximately two hours each, for a total commitment of 12 hours over the season.You will be trained by a conservation biologist and will make an initial site visit to locate the coverboards before you and your monitoring teammate begin monitoring independently.

Nest Box Monitoring for American Kestrels:

Work independently or in teams of twos to monitor a small group of assigned nesting boxes around Arcadia's grasslands.You'll monitor your assigned boxes for the duration of the monitoring season, conducting visits 1-2 times a week from late April through early August.

Early and Late Season Nest Box Monitoring for Songbirds:

Work independently or in teams of twos to monitor a small group of assigned nesting boxes around Arcadia's grasslands.Nest boxes host species like American Bluebirds and Tree Swallows.You'll monitor your assigned boxes for the beginning and end of the monitoring season, conducting visits 1-2 times a week from late April through late May, and again in mid-July through early August.

Responsibilities

Conduct field visits according to the specific timing of your monitoring projectCollect data using approved methods (training to be provided)Keep track of your hours and enter your monitoring data

Qualifications

No experience in wildlife monitoring is required, but must be able to independently motivate to accomplish tasks in the fieldAble to follow protocol and enter data

Requirements

Must be comfortable working in the field in variable weather conditionsMust be able to hike several miles on uneven terrain up to twice a weekMust be able to commit to regular monitoring for the duration of the seasonReliably respond to communications with Sanctuary staffAdhere to all policies in the Mass Audubon Volunteer Safety HandbookBe able to pass a CORI/SORI background checkMust be 18+, or 16+ with parental supervision 

Benefits

Exclusive online education programs are offered to volunteers who contribute 25 hours or more per year. 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 and a 15% discount at all Mass Audubon gift shops (excluding online). It also allows you to take advantage of our Reciprocity Program which grants free or discounted access to participating area museums and attractions. Meet new people and share interests in nature.Volunteering in a fun and energetic environment!

To express interest in this volunteer position, please click the “Respond” button. In the Response Notes, please indicate which opportunity you're interested in, and 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.

Place: Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary

Volunteers contribute to conservation research by monitoring wildlife, including nest box monitoring for raptors and songbirds and coverboard surveys for amphibians. 

2026 Wildlife Monitoring Opportunities

Amphibian Coverboard Surveys:

Work with one other volunteer to monitor coverboards by turning boards over, identifying what species of frogs and salamanders are found underneath, carefully replacing the boards, and taking notes.Submit your data after each visit.You'll make three visits in May and three visits in September, with each visit taking approximately two hours each, for a total commitment of 12 hours over the season.You will be trained by a conservation biologist and will make an initial site visit to locate the coverboards before you and your monitoring teammate begin monitoring independently.

Nest Box Monitoring for American Kestrels:

Work independently or in teams of twos to monitor a small group of assigned nesting boxes around Arcadia's grasslands.You'll monitor your assigned boxes for the duration of the monitoring season, conducting visits 1-2 times a week from late April through early August.

Early and Late Season Nest Box Monitoring for Songbirds:

Work independently or in teams of twos to monitor a small group of assigned nesting boxes around Arcadia's grasslands.Nest boxes host species like American Bluebirds and Tree Swallows.You'll monitor your assigned boxes for the beginning and end of the monitoring season, conducting visits 1-2 times a week from late April through late May, and again in mid-July through early August.

Responsibilities

Conduct field visits according to the specific timing of your monitoring projectCollect data using approved methods (training to be provided)Keep track of your hours and enter your monitoring data

Qualifications

No experience in wildlife monitoring is required, but must be able to independently motivate to accomplish tasks in the fieldAble to follow protocol and enter data

Requirements

Must be comfortable working in the field in variable weather conditionsMust be able to hike several miles on uneven terrain up to twice a weekMust be able to commit to regular monitoring for the duration of the seasonReliably respond to communications with Sanctuary staffAdhere to all policies in the Mass Audubon Volunteer Safety HandbookBe able to pass a CORI/SORI background checkMust be 18+, or 16+ with parental supervision 

Benefits

Exclusive online education programs are offered to volunteers who contribute 25 hours or more per year. 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 and a 15% discount at all Mass Audubon gift shops (excluding online). It also allows you to take advantage of our Reciprocity Program which grants free or discounted access to participating area museums and attractions. Meet new people and share interests in nature.Volunteering in a fun and energetic environment!

To express interest in this volunteer position, please click the “Respond” button. In the Response Notes, please indicate which opportunity you're interested in, and 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.

Place: Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Flexible

Zip Code: 01027

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Arcadia Art House Volunteers

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.

May through October, visitors may step inside to find readily available art supplies and instructions and ideas for short and accessible (30-45 minute) nature-inspired art projects including drawing, painting, sculpture, journaling, printmaking, and collage. 

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.

The Art House is open every Saturday from 1-4pm.

Responsibilities

Open and close the Art House, greet visitors, and provide information about the SanctuaryRun art-related activitiesCheck in with Front Desk staff to ensure a safe experience for everyone

Qualifications

Must be good with kids and enjoy speaking with people about art and natureNo artistic experience is required, but please be comfortable leading people through an activityMust be able to volunteer on at least two Saturdays from early May through mid-October

Requirements

Be able to walk the short (~300ft) section of nature trail and climb a few short steps to access the Art HouseBe prepared to be in nature without heat or electricityReliably respond to communications with Sanctuary staffAdhere to all policies in the Mass Audubon Volunteer Safety HandbookBe able to pass a CORI/SORI background checkMust be 18+

Benefits

Exclusive online education programs are offered to volunteers who contribute 25 hours or more per year. 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 and a 15% discount at all Mass Audubon gift shops (excluding online). It also allows you to take advantage of our Reciprocity Program which grants free or discounted access to participating area museums and attractions. Meet new people and share interests in nature.Volunteering in a fun and energetic environment!

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.


Place: Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary

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.

May through October, visitors may step inside to find readily available art supplies and instructions and ideas for short and accessible (30-45 minute) nature-inspired art projects including drawing, painting, sculpture, journaling, printmaking, and collage. 

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.

The Art House is open every Saturday from 1-4pm.

Responsibilities

Open and close the Art House, greet visitors, and provide information about the SanctuaryRun art-related activitiesCheck in with Front Desk staff to ensure a safe experience for everyone

Qualifications

Must be good with kids and enjoy speaking with people about art and natureNo artistic experience is required, but please be comfortable leading people through an activityMust be able to volunteer on at least two Saturdays from early May through mid-October

Requirements

Be able to walk the short (~300ft) section of nature trail and climb a few short steps to access the Art HouseBe prepared to be in nature without heat or electricityReliably respond to communications with Sanctuary staffAdhere to all policies in the Mass Audubon Volunteer Safety HandbookBe able to pass a CORI/SORI background checkMust be 18+

Benefits

Exclusive online education programs are offered to volunteers who contribute 25 hours or more per year. 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 and a 15% discount at all Mass Audubon gift shops (excluding online). It also allows you to take advantage of our Reciprocity Program which grants free or discounted access to participating area museums and attractions. Meet new people and share interests in nature.Volunteering in a fun and energetic environment!

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.


Place: Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Flexible

Zip Code: 01027

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: April Second Saturday Volunteer Day 2026

We’ll be working together to paint and refresh our nature play area, weed along trails and in garden areas, and remove invasive plant species to support native wildlife. This is a great opportunity to get outdoors, meet fellow community members, and make a lasting impact on the sanctuary. All tools and materials will be provided.

Dress for the weather and working outside. Bring your favorite work gloves and water bottle/beverage. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.

This program is part of Mass Audubon's Second Saturday Volunteer Series. Volunteers help support Berkshires Wildlife Sanctuaries through a variety of stewardship and property-related tasks.

 

 

Place: Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary

We’ll be working together to paint and refresh our nature play area, weed along trails and in garden areas, and remove invasive plant species to support native wildlife. This is a great opportunity to get outdoors, meet fellow community members, and make a lasting impact on the sanctuary. All tools and materials will be provided.

Dress for the weather and working outside. Bring your favorite work gloves and water bottle/beverage. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.

This program is part of Mass Audubon's Second Saturday Volunteer Series. Volunteers help support Berkshires Wildlife Sanctuaries through a variety of stewardship and property-related tasks.

 

 

Place: Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Happens On Apr 11, 2026

Zip Code: 01240

Allow Groups: Yes

Volunteer: Program Assistant

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.

Place: Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary

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.

Place: Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Flexible

Zip Code: 01240

Allow Groups: No

Volunteer: Program Assistant

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.

Place: Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary

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.

Place: Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Flexible

Zip Code: 01027

Allow Groups: No