Connect people with nature, history, and community at Rock Springs Nature Center. These volunteer roles support both the daily operations of the building and the meaningful experiences visitors have while they’re here.

Opportunities include:

Acoustic Jam Session
Share toe-tapping tunes with fellow musicians and help create a welcoming, community-centered atmosphere through music.

Hummingbird Care
Prepare nectar, fill feeders, and keep them clean throughout the season to support these amazing migratory visitors.

Nature Center Greeter
Welcome guests, answer questions, share resources, and help visitors discover all the Nature Center has to offer.

Nature Center Librarian
Organize and maintain books, field guides, and educational materials so visitors can easily explore topics in nature, conservation, and local history.

Photography
Capture programs, events, and behind-the-scenes moments to share for marketing, literature, and social media.

Special Projects
Assist with a variety of behind-the-scenes projects such as scanning and archiving slides, building bird houses, preparing program materials, assembling mailings, and more.

Join us in protecting and restoring the natural landscapes of Macon County. Conservation Support volunteers play a vital role in hands-on stewardship, wildlife monitoring, and habitat improvement across our conservation areas. Whether you prefer working outdoors, collecting data, or helping lead others, there’s a place for you.

Opportunities include:

Invasive Plant Removal Crew
Remove non-native plants that threaten native ecosystems, helping prairies, woodlands, and wetlands thrive.

Native Garden Crew
Maintain demonstration gardens that highlight native plants, provide pollinator habitat, and inspire visitors to plant local species at home. This is offered in partnership with the local Master Naturalist program.

Nest Box Monitor
Track bird nesting activity and report findings that inform habitat management and wildlife conservation.

Prescribed Fire Crew
Assist trained staff with controlled burns that promote healthy prairies and woodlands and support natural ecological processes.

Roots & Shoots Crew
Plant trees and native vegetation to expand habitat, improve biodiversity, and support wildlife.

Seed Collection
Collect locally sourced native seeds used in prairie and woodland restoration projects.

Seed Scattering
Help establish native plant communities through direct seeding in restoration areas.

Trail Monitor
Walk assigned trails to observe conditions, report maintenance needs, and help keep sites safe and welcoming for visitors.

Volunteer Steward
Serve as a restoration leader by coordinating workdays, mentoring volunteers, and caring for priority natural areas.

Wildlife Monitor
Contribute to citizen science efforts by helping inventory birds, mammals, amphibians, and other species across District sites.

Bring nature and conservation to life for thousands of schoolchildren and families! All roles include training, so no prior experience is required.

Opportunities include:

Astronomy Program Helper
Assist staff with telescopes and the StarLab Portable Planetarium while guiding visitors and ensuring a safe, engaging astronomy experience for all.

Canoeing Assistant
Help visitors safely enjoy the water by fitting life jackets and paddles, assisting with canoe and kayak entry and exit, and occasionally joining staff on the water.

Community Outreach
Engage with staff at community tables and share your knowledge and enthusiasm for nature. Inspire visitors to explore and care for our conservation areas.

Fishing Assistant
Teach basic fishing skills, help with equipment, and encourage good sportsmanship to create a fun and safe experience for all participants.

Summer Camp Helper
Support camp counselors with activities, nature hikes, and the daily coordination of day campers.

Volunteer Naturalist
Guide groups of students and adults on nature walks and environmental education programs, helping participants connect with the natural world.

Step back in time and help bring Macon County’s history to life! Engage visitors at historic sites and events through hands-on experiences.

Opportunities include:

Archaeology
Assist in excavations at the Homestead Prairie Farm, sifting soil to uncover artifacts and learn about 19th-century life.

Dulcimer Club
Learn to play the dulcimer or other acoustic instruments, with loaner instruments available.

Carpenter
Contribute to hands-on preservation projects such as rebuilding rose cages, painting historic structures, and completing other repairs that help maintain the authenticity and integrity of our historic sites. 

Heirloom Gardener
Care for historic plant varieties in the heirloom garden, showcasing everyday life in the 1860s. This is offered in partnership with the local Master Gardener program.

Historic Sites Tour Guide
Lead visitors through Homestead Prairie Farm with engaging tours, educational programs, open houses, and special events.

Historic Textile Arts
Hand-quilt, crochet, knit, and sew historical garments, blankets, and curtains that support interpretation at our historic sites, helping visitors experience daily life in the 19th century.

Vintage Base Ball Player
Participate in historic base ball games, demonstrating how the sport was played in the 1860s. Travel to games with the team.

Woodshop Docent
Demonstrate historic woodworking techniques, explain antique tools, and show how everyday items were made in the 19th century.

Engage the community, celebrate nature, and make lasting memories! Seasonal roles include helping at festivals, fundraising events, and recreational activities.

Opportunities include:

Concession Stand
Support events by selling prepackaged snacks and refreshments to visitors.

Cross Country Ski Rental
Assist visitors with equipment rentals, provide basic instruction, and welcome them to winter adventures at Rock Springs.

Special Events
Help make events like the Astronomy Jamboree, Candlelight Tour, Fall Harvest Festival, Festival of Spring, Independence Day 1860, and Treat Trail engaging and fun for all.

Foundation Events
Support the Macon County Conservation Foundation through volunteer efforts at events like the Prairie Pedal.

Families and teens can make a big impact!

Family Volunteers (Families with Children ages 12 and under)
Participate together in historic site programs, seed collection, special projects, trail monitoring, and special events.

Teen Volunteers (Youth ages 13-17)
Join staff-led programs, special events, and summer camps to gain skills, experience, and community connections.

Bring your team, club, or class together to make a lasting impact on Macon County’s natural and cultural resources! Group volunteering is a great way to strengthen teamwork, give back to the community, and demonstrate your organization’s commitment to conservation and history.

We can accommodate groups of any size and tailor projects to meet your team’s goals and skills—whether it’s conservation workdays, historic site upkeep, or special event support. Whether your group is interested in a single service day or an ongoing partnership, we’ll work with you to create a meaningful and rewarding volunteer experience.

We welcome partnerships with colleges, universities, and professional scientific and historical organizations to expand our understanding of the flora, fauna, geology, and cultural history of our conservation areas. These opportunities are intended for individuals and groups conducting formal research who can share methods, data, and findings with our staff to support resource management and interpretation.

Potential research areas include:

• Ecological studies: Wildlife and plant inventories, monitoring, and population research
• Geological studies: Soil analysis and landform research
• Historical and archaeological research: Archaeology, ground-penetrating radar, and archival investigations

All projects require prior coordination and approval to ensure they align with site management goals and preservation standards.

Interested researchers should contact the Volunteer Coordinator to begin the proposal process and get connected with the appropriate staff for project planning.