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Every year, we are joined by community
members who volunteer
their time in support of Durango Nature Studies programs. The
Independent Sector, a national organization
that tracks the value of volunteer time, estimated that in
2006,
volunteers
were worth $18.77 per hour. In 2004 alone, Durango Nature
Studies volunteers donated more than 2,864 hours of volunteer
time,
an in-kind contribution of $50,236.
Without volunteers, we couldn't serve as many children as
we do.
Current Volunteer Opportunities
If you love children and the out-of-doors, why not become a naturalist guide
for kindergarten through eighth grade children involved in our school programs?
Our award winning volunteer
program requires new volunteers
to attend a 2-3 day training
program
prior to guiding school
children on nature walks
or snowshoe hikes. During
the training volunteers learn
all that they need
to know in order to be
successful naturalist guides.
Volunteers also receive a
comprehensive training manual.
Training
Schedule
During the summer, we offer week-long children's daycamps for children ages
8-12. Camps focus on outdoor, hands-on learning
at our
nature center or other beautiful local areas such as Spud and Haviland
Lakes. Because these camps are staff or contractor led, no special training
is required. Assistants follow the lead of the naturalist and help
with
hikes, games and art projects. Information about daily activities
is provided before hand, along with child development and child management
information if requested. Call about current opportunities.
Throughout the year, Durango Nature Studies puts on fundraisers, hosts nature films, or participates in area events. We always need volunteers for these, so please call for upcoming events and find out how you can help.
Our office is a busy place and we can always use help with administrative tasks like preparing materials for classroom presentations, membership and program mailings, and distribution of promotional material.
If you don’t mind some physical labor and like the idea of getting some dirt under your fingernails, join us at the 140-acre Durango Nature Center. Various projects are scheduled each spring and fal. We can alsodevelop service learning projects for civic groups and students.
It takes a lot of work to keep our organization running smoothly. If you have a special skill or trade (graphic design, construction or film making, for example) that might benefit Durango Nature Studies, we'd love to hear from you.
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