Volunteer with the Ecology Center

Volunteers are very valuable in supporting the work that the Ecology Center does. Volunteer opportunities vary by season depending on upcoming events and availability of outdoor work at our Farmette and parks.

Please fill out our Ecology Center Volunteer Form if you are interested in volunteering with us and we will get back to you with upcoming opportunities that best match your interest.

Special Events

Special Events at the Ecology Center include the Arboretum Egg Hunt and Earth Day Celebration in the spring and Bug A Boo and Zombie Scramble in the fall. Each event has its own special character. At these events, Evanston residents enjoy unique ways to engage with the Ecology Center and arboretum. Volunteers fill many essential roles at our seasonal special events.

Program Support

Volunteers are actively involved in helping our staff to fulfil programming needs. Program Support volunteers help on a wide variety of tasks from craft projects and props for children’s programs to summer camp supply preparation.

Farmette Garden

Volunteers are needed seasonally to help with regular maintenance and special projects in our demonstration vegetable garden as well as in the garden areas around the Ecology Center. Maintenance may include but is not limited to weeding, spreading woodchips, planting, and harvesting. Workdays in the Farmette demonstration garden will be held monthly.

Stewardship

The Conservation and Outdoors Division is grateful to have dedicated groups of stewards who help to maintain the native landscape in natural areas around Evanston. We will work to connect you with a group and location that aligns with your volunteer interest.

Scout Services

Ecology Center staff work with Scouts as they pursue the Eagle Scout achievement and the Girl Scout Gold Award. Staff will meet with scouts to discuss how their project interests may align with Ecology Center opportunities.

Adopt-a-Park

To enhance the quality, usability, and lovability of our parks, the City of Evanston is seeking volunteer groups to assist with litter pickup, preservation, and maintenance of our parks.

All community members are welcome to participate in this program. Participants often include volunteers from civic organizations, social clubs, neighborhood associations, individual families, faith organizations, school groups or work groups.

Read more about the Adopt a Park Program including a list of adoptable parks.

Interest Form

Please fill the Ecology Center Volunteer Form if you are interested in volunteering with us and we will get back to you with upcoming opportunities that best match your interest.