Opportunities From: Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation

Volunteer: GARDEN HELPERS at Quest - August 4, 2026

Help to maintain the native plant gardens at Quest - Lots of weeding, mulching, watering (if needed) and pruning to make the landscape look great! Please wear weather appropriate clothing (long pants, garden boots) and bring a pair of gardening gloves if you have them - No experience is necessary! Please bring a refillable water bottle!

QUESTIONS? Contact Leo Hoffman at leo.hoffman@MeckNC.gov or 980-314-7878 (Quest main line)

Program: Nature Centers

Help to maintain the native plant gardens at Quest - Lots of weeding, mulching, watering (if needed) and pruning to make the landscape look great! Please wear weather appropriate clothing (long pants, garden boots) and bring a pair of gardening gloves if you have them - No experience is necessary! Please bring a refillable water bottle!

QUESTIONS? Contact Leo Hoffman at leo.hoffman@MeckNC.gov or 980-314-7878 (Quest main line)

Program: Nature Centers

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Happens On Aug 4, 2026

Zip Code: 28078

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: GARDEN HELPERS at Quest - August 20, 2026

Help to maintain the native plant gardens at Quest - Lots of weeding, mulching, watering (if needed) and pruning to make the landscape look great! Please wear weather appropriate clothing (long pants, garden boots) and bring a pair of gardening gloves if you have them - No experience is necessary! Please bring a refillable water bottle!

Note that anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent/adult, who must also register. 

QUESTIONS? Contact Eva Kinney at Eva.Kinney@MeckNC.gov or 980-314-7878 (Quest main line)

Program: Nature Centers

Help to maintain the native plant gardens at Quest - Lots of weeding, mulching, watering (if needed) and pruning to make the landscape look great! Please wear weather appropriate clothing (long pants, garden boots) and bring a pair of gardening gloves if you have them - No experience is necessary! Please bring a refillable water bottle!

Note that anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent/adult, who must also register. 

QUESTIONS? Contact Eva Kinney at Eva.Kinney@MeckNC.gov or 980-314-7878 (Quest main line)

Program: Nature Centers

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Happens On Aug 20, 2026

Zip Code: 28078

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: GARDEN HELPERS at Quest - August 28, 2026

Help to maintain the native plant gardens at Quest - Lots of weeding, mulching, watering (if needed) and pruning to make the landscape look great! Please wear weather appropriate clothing (long pants, garden boots) and bring a pair of gardening gloves if you have them - No experience is necessary! Please bring a refillable water bottle!

QUESTIONS? Contact Kerri Hable at kerri.hable@MeckNC.gov or 980-314-7878 (Quest main line)

Program: Nature Centers

Help to maintain the native plant gardens at Quest - Lots of weeding, mulching, watering (if needed) and pruning to make the landscape look great! Please wear weather appropriate clothing (long pants, garden boots) and bring a pair of gardening gloves if you have them - No experience is necessary! Please bring a refillable water bottle!

QUESTIONS? Contact Kerri Hable at kerri.hable@MeckNC.gov or 980-314-7878 (Quest main line)

Program: Nature Centers

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Happens On Aug 28, 2026

Zip Code: 28078

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: NATURE AT NIGHT FESTIVAL 2026 at McDowell Nature Center

Celebrate all things nocturnal during McDowell Nature Center's 17th Annual NATURE AT NIGHT FESTIVAL! This fun-filled, educational event shines a spotlight on what nature has to offer after the sun goes down! The evening includes live animals, crafts, night hikes, wagon rides, s’mores, interactive booths and much more! Food Trucks will be on site for meals to purchase separately. This event is rain or shine. Please dress in layers to be outdoors during Fall weather. Goodie bags, snacks and water will be provided for all Volunteers. PLEASE CHOOSE 1 SHIFT ONLY WHEN SIGNING UP!

Day/Setup shift – 10AM-2PM: Set up of tables/chairs, tents, exhibits, etc.

Evening/Event shift – 3PM-9PM: Assist Park & Recreation/Nature Center staff with live animal stations, crafts, games, information tables, wagon ride, hikes, etc.

Volunteers must be at least age 16 for this event. TEAMS registering must enter all Volunteers' names and email addresses!

QUESTIONS? Contact Melissa.Olenick@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or 980-722-2245 (mobile)

 

Program: Nature Centers

Celebrate all things nocturnal during McDowell Nature Center's 17th Annual NATURE AT NIGHT FESTIVAL! This fun-filled, educational event shines a spotlight on what nature has to offer after the sun goes down! The evening includes live animals, crafts, night hikes, wagon rides, s’mores, interactive booths and much more! Food Trucks will be on site for meals to purchase separately. This event is rain or shine. Please dress in layers to be outdoors during Fall weather. Goodie bags, snacks and water will be provided for all Volunteers. PLEASE CHOOSE 1 SHIFT ONLY WHEN SIGNING UP!

Day/Setup shift – 10AM-2PM: Set up of tables/chairs, tents, exhibits, etc.

Evening/Event shift – 3PM-9PM: Assist Park & Recreation/Nature Center staff with live animal stations, crafts, games, information tables, wagon ride, hikes, etc.

Volunteers must be at least age 16 for this event. TEAMS registering must enter all Volunteers' names and email addresses!

QUESTIONS? Contact Melissa.Olenick@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov or 980-722-2245 (mobile)

 

Program: Nature Centers

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Multiple Shifts Available

Zip Code: 28278

Allow Groups: Yes


Volunteer: Nature Center Assistant/Docent - QUEST

Volunteers who register as Nature Center Assistants may assist in any or all of the following capacities: Animal Care Basic Animal Care (daily) (can be 14+) Water change and/or mist Remove old food & waste Advanced Animal care (1-3 times/week) (must be 18, or have been a prior Basic AC Volunteer for 1 year) Water change, mist, remove old food & waste Animal diet preparation Animal feeding Deep cleaning tanks  Visitor Services (must be 18) Greeting visitors Collecting surveys Maintaining nature center exhibits Maintain loaner program items (fishing poles, backpacks, etc)  Administrative (must be 18) Answer phones/greet visitors during staff meetings Print flyers, make copies  Grounds (can be under 18 with accompanying parent/guardian) Walking trails to remove trash Maintain outdoor play area Maintain gardens Maintain compost bins Refill/clean bird feeders Check/refill kiosks  Docent (weekends & special events) (must be 18) Trained in animal handling and interpretation Impromptu interpretation in & around nature center Campground visits Campfire programs Special events PR tables  Docent (weekdays) (must be 18) Trained in animal handling, school curriculum and interpretation Campground visits Assistance with: School programming at nature center Campfire programs Special events PR tables

Program: Nature Centers

Volunteers who register as Nature Center Assistants may assist in any or all of the following capacities: Animal Care Basic Animal Care (daily) (can be 14+) Water change and/or mist Remove old food & waste Advanced Animal care (1-3 times/week) (must be 18, or have been a prior Basic AC Volunteer for 1 year) Water change, mist, remove old food & waste Animal diet preparation Animal feeding Deep cleaning tanks  Visitor Services (must be 18) Greeting visitors Collecting surveys Maintaining nature center exhibits Maintain loaner program items (fishing poles, backpacks, etc)  Administrative (must be 18) Answer phones/greet visitors during staff meetings Print flyers, make copies  Grounds (can be under 18 with accompanying parent/guardian) Walking trails to remove trash Maintain outdoor play area Maintain gardens Maintain compost bins Refill/clean bird feeders Check/refill kiosks  Docent (weekends & special events) (must be 18) Trained in animal handling and interpretation Impromptu interpretation in & around nature center Campground visits Campfire programs Special events PR tables  Docent (weekdays) (must be 18) Trained in animal handling, school curriculum and interpretation Campground visits Assistance with: School programming at nature center Campfire programs Special events PR tables

Program: Nature Centers

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Flexible

Zip Code: 28078

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Nature Center Assistant/Docent - McDowell

Volunteers who register as Nature Center Assistants may assist in any or all of the following capacities: Animal Care Basic Animal Care (daily) (can be 14+) Water change and/or mist Remove old food & waste Advanced Animal care (1-3 times/week) (must be 18, or have been a prior Basic AC Volunteer for 1 year) Water change, mist, remove old food & waste Animal diet preparation Animal feeding Deep cleaning tanks  Visitor Services (must be 18) Greeting visitors Collecting surveys Maintaining nature center exhibits Maintain loaner program items (fishing poles, backpacks, etc)  Administrative (must be 18) Answer phones/greet visitors during staff meetings Print flyers, make copies  Grounds (can be under 18 with accompanying parent/guardian) Walking trails to remove trash Maintain outdoor play area Maintain gardens Maintain compost bins Refill/clean bird feeders Check/refill kiosks  Docent (weekends & special events) (must be 18) Trained in animal handling and interpretation Impromptu interpretation in & around nature center Campground visits Campfire programs Special events PR tables  Docent (weekdays) (must be 18) Trained in animal handling, school curriculum and interpretation Campground visits Assistance with: School programming at nature center Campfire programs Special events PR tables

Program: Nature Centers

Volunteers who register as Nature Center Assistants may assist in any or all of the following capacities: Animal Care Basic Animal Care (daily) (can be 14+) Water change and/or mist Remove old food & waste Advanced Animal care (1-3 times/week) (must be 18, or have been a prior Basic AC Volunteer for 1 year) Water change, mist, remove old food & waste Animal diet preparation Animal feeding Deep cleaning tanks  Visitor Services (must be 18) Greeting visitors Collecting surveys Maintaining nature center exhibits Maintain loaner program items (fishing poles, backpacks, etc)  Administrative (must be 18) Answer phones/greet visitors during staff meetings Print flyers, make copies  Grounds (can be under 18 with accompanying parent/guardian) Walking trails to remove trash Maintain outdoor play area Maintain gardens Maintain compost bins Refill/clean bird feeders Check/refill kiosks  Docent (weekends & special events) (must be 18) Trained in animal handling and interpretation Impromptu interpretation in & around nature center Campground visits Campfire programs Special events PR tables  Docent (weekdays) (must be 18) Trained in animal handling, school curriculum and interpretation Campground visits Assistance with: School programming at nature center Campfire programs Special events PR tables

Program: Nature Centers

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Flexible

Zip Code: 28278

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Nature Center Assistant/Docent - Stevens Creek

Volunteers who register as Nature Center Assistants may assist in any or all of the following capacities: Animal Care Basic Animal Care (daily) (can be 14+) Water change and/or mist Remove old food & waste Advanced Animal care (1-3 times/week) (must be 18, or have been a prior Basic AC Volunteer for 1 year) Water change, mist, remove old food & waste Animal diet preparation Animal feeding Deep cleaning tanks  Visitor Services (must be 18) Greeting visitors Collecting surveys Maintaining nature center exhibits Maintain loaner program items (fishing poles, backpacks, etc)  Administrative (must be 18) Answer phones/greet visitors during staff meetings Print flyers, make copies  Grounds (can be under 18 with accompanying parent/guardian) Walking trails to remove trash Maintain outdoor play area Maintain gardens Maintain compost bins Refill/clean bird feeders Check/refill kiosks  Docent (weekends & special events) (must be 18) Trained in animal handling and interpretation Impromptu interpretation in & around nature center Campground visits Campfire programs Special events PR tables  Docent (weekdays) (must be 18) Trained in animal handling, school curriculum and interpretation Campground visits Assistance with: School programming at nature center Campfire programs Special events PR tables

Program: Nature Centers

Volunteers who register as Nature Center Assistants may assist in any or all of the following capacities: Animal Care Basic Animal Care (daily) (can be 14+) Water change and/or mist Remove old food & waste Advanced Animal care (1-3 times/week) (must be 18, or have been a prior Basic AC Volunteer for 1 year) Water change, mist, remove old food & waste Animal diet preparation Animal feeding Deep cleaning tanks  Visitor Services (must be 18) Greeting visitors Collecting surveys Maintaining nature center exhibits Maintain loaner program items (fishing poles, backpacks, etc)  Administrative (must be 18) Answer phones/greet visitors during staff meetings Print flyers, make copies  Grounds (can be under 18 with accompanying parent/guardian) Walking trails to remove trash Maintain outdoor play area Maintain gardens Maintain compost bins Refill/clean bird feeders Check/refill kiosks  Docent (weekends & special events) (must be 18) Trained in animal handling and interpretation Impromptu interpretation in & around nature center Campground visits Campfire programs Special events PR tables  Docent (weekdays) (must be 18) Trained in animal handling, school curriculum and interpretation Campground visits Assistance with: School programming at nature center Campfire programs Special events PR tables

Program: Nature Centers

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Flexible

Zip Code: 28227

Allow Groups: No


Volunteer: Nature Center Assistant/Docent - Reedy Creek & Eastway

Volunteers who register as Nature Center Assistants may assist in any or all of the following capacities: Animal Care Basic Animal Care (daily) (can be 14+) Water change and/or mist Remove old food & waste Advanced Animal care (1-3 times/week) (must be 18, or have been a prior Basic AC Volunteer for 1 year) Water change, mist, remove old food & waste Animal diet preparation Animal feeding Deep cleaning tanks  Visitor Services (must be 18) Greeting visitors Collecting surveys Maintaining nature center exhibits Maintain loaner program items (fishing poles, backpacks, etc)  Administrative (must be 18) Answer phones/greet visitors during staff meetings Print flyers, make copies  Grounds (can be under 18 with accompanying parent/guardian) Walking trails to remove trash Maintain outdoor play area Maintain gardens Maintain compost bins Refill/clean bird feeders Check/refill kiosks  Docent (weekends & special events) (must be 18) Trained in animal handling and interpretation Impromptu interpretation in & around nature center Campground visits Campfire programs Special events PR tables  Docent (weekdays) (must be 18) Trained in animal handling, school curriculum and interpretation Campground visits Assistance with: School programming at nature center Campfire programs Special events PR tables

Program: Nature Centers

Volunteers who register as Nature Center Assistants may assist in any or all of the following capacities: Animal Care Basic Animal Care (daily) (can be 14+) Water change and/or mist Remove old food & waste Advanced Animal care (1-3 times/week) (must be 18, or have been a prior Basic AC Volunteer for 1 year) Water change, mist, remove old food & waste Animal diet preparation Animal feeding Deep cleaning tanks  Visitor Services (must be 18) Greeting visitors Collecting surveys Maintaining nature center exhibits Maintain loaner program items (fishing poles, backpacks, etc)  Administrative (must be 18) Answer phones/greet visitors during staff meetings Print flyers, make copies  Grounds (can be under 18 with accompanying parent/guardian) Walking trails to remove trash Maintain outdoor play area Maintain gardens Maintain compost bins Refill/clean bird feeders Check/refill kiosks  Docent (weekends & special events) (must be 18) Trained in animal handling and interpretation Impromptu interpretation in & around nature center Campground visits Campfire programs Special events PR tables  Docent (weekdays) (must be 18) Trained in animal handling, school curriculum and interpretation Campground visits Assistance with: School programming at nature center Campfire programs Special events PR tables

Program: Nature Centers

Opportunity Type: Volunteer

Date: Flexible

Zip Code: 28215

Allow Groups: No