No matter your passion, the Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center can connect you with a chance to explore that as a nature center volunteer.

The center has options for high school students looking for service hours, projects for scouts, and jobs like tending our gardens and taking care of our animals that everyone can enjoy. For more information, check out the volunteer positions listed below.

In addition to individuals, the nature center also has more extensive group opportunities for classrooms or businesses. Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age. Individuals in a group volunteer project may be younger but must have adult supervision at all times. To volunteer, fill out the form below, call 586-323-2478 or email shadbush@shelbytwp.org.

Animal Care Volunteers – At least once a week, 4-hour shift. Wednesdays-Sundays.
We are looking for volunteers to help provide our animals' daily care to be happy and healthy. Duties include but are not limited to prepping diets, washing dishes, cleaning feces and other waste, feeding animals, and providing enrichment. This position is a dirty but gratifying job. If you are an animal lover, this is the role for you, but while you will get to form close bonds with our animal ambassadors, there is no "cuddling" or "kissing" of animals.

Garden Volunteers – At least once a month, flexible shifts. Wednesdays and second Saturdays.
Do you have a green thumb and a love of being outdoors? Then join our team of talented and knowledgeable garden volunteers. Our Teaching Gardens educate the community on creating wildlife-friendly gardens at home. You can volunteer as an individual or as a family. We provide tools and training, although you are welcome to bring your own.

Special Event Volunteers – At least one special event each year. Shifts and dates are dependent on event.
We provide seasonal community events, such as the Haunted Nature Center and Pioneer Christmas, throughout the year. These events are fun and educational and are an excellent way for families to connect with nature. We need volunteers to run games and activities, check-in guests and set up and take down decorations. If you are looking for a flexible volunteer schedule and enjoy creating an exciting atmosphere for others, especially children, then this is the job for you.

Youth Programs Volunteer – At least once a month, shifts and dates are dependent on program.
Do you enjoy working with children? Are you interested in being a teacher? Then consider being a Youth Programs Volunteer. The nature center has many programs targeting our local youth, connecting them to nature with engaging and immersive experiences. Programs include summer academies, birthday parties, Nature Tales, Saturday Storytime, and more. As a volunteer, you would assist in program setup and takedown, supervise children to ensure our commitment to safety, and assist in preparing teaching materials.

Group Volunteer Projects – Flexible.
Do you have a scout, youth, church or corporate group looking for a way to give back to the community? We have numerous projects at the nature center that require many hands. We can customize your experience to meet the needs of your group and are flexible on dates and times.

Other
If you are looking for something specific, let us know what you are passionate about and your time commitment, and we will find something just right for you.