Volunteers

Volunteers Are Vital to Elachee!

Elachee's strength is truly shown in the tremendous effort and time contributed by our volunteers. They perform a variety of tasks: leading school children on hikes, helping with special events, working on our trails, serving as Trail Stewards, and assisting with administrative tasks. If you are interested in helping out, please complete the Volunteer Application, email elachee@elachee.org or call for more information.

Volunteer Procedures

Please fill out a volunteer application form and return to Elachee by mail, fax, or email. We will consider your availability and skills in matching you with our current needs for placement. Some positions may require a background check, especially those working with children.

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer Naturalist

Volunteer naturalists assist in teaching visiting school children about nature. Most walk on the trails with a small group of 10-15, pointing out natural features, identifying plant and animal life, and reinforcing concepts learned during classroom sessions. The low-key and informative training session teaches you the basics of field interpretation, identification of wildflowers, shrubs and trees, and how to sample aquatic life. This is a great way to learn about nature, get some exercise in a beautiful setting, and help children learn more about nature. Call for training opportunities.

Visitor Information and Nature Shop Assistant

Greet and orient visitors to the Center and handle sales in the Nature Shop. May also assist with gift shop booth at community festivals.

Public Family Programs

Assist with public programs geared toward a variety of natural history topics like environmental education, nocturnal animals, and reptiles. Events include Earth Day, Snake Day and our Family Fall Festival. Help with activities, children's crafts, refreshments, etc.

Preschool Camp

Assist pre-school camp counselors with summer day camp activities for a week at a time Monday through Friday from 9am-noon.

Teaching Programs in Your Area of Expertise

Offer programs to the public and our members in your special area of expertise on a periodic or special request basis.

Wildlife Care

Assist in maintenance of live animals. Feed, clean, and assist in programming.

Volunteer Trail Crew

Assist in trail building and maintenance on a regular basis or on our trail clean-up days. If this option interests you please contact our Natural Resource Manager at preserve@elachee.org.

Trail Stewards

Hike the trails each week on your own schedule providing information to visitors, monitoring trails and collecting data. For more information please contact our Natural Resource Manager at preserve@elachee.org.

Weed Warriors

Help to eliminate invasive species from the Preserve. This is great for groups wanting to schedule a specific time for a volunteer activity. For more information please contact our Natural Resource Manager at preserve@elachee.org.

Gardeners

Help maintain the natural gardens surrounding the Center.

Fundraising Events

Safari Auction: This fall fundraising event requires many volunteer hands and hours to make it successful. Your help with donations, decorations, set-up and even administrative tasks is sincerely appreciated.

Flights of Fancy: This spring fundraising event features an auction of birdhouses and unique yard art. Donations are needed for the auction as well as volunteers for the event.

Trillium Trek Trail Run: A springtime trail race through the Chicopee Woods. Volunteers are needed for event setup and the day of the race.

Plant Sale: Spring and Fall sales with a pre-order format. Assistance is needed with delivery, organization, and plant pick-up day.