Opportunities From: Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation

Join us for "WAKE UP" Walk In The Park cleanups - we start early in the day during June, July and August to beat the heat! Help keep your favorite park clean and healthy by picking up litter - a great way to spend an hour FIRST THING IN THE MORNING by getting outdoors and helping in your community. 

Park and meet at Five Points Park, at the address listed here - this is a walk-up park with street parking only. Carpooling is strongly suggested! Look for Park & Recreation signs and staff. 

Thank you for choosing to Volunteer with Park & Recreation! Below are a few tips and reminders for a SAFE & PRODUCTIVE Volunteer experience:

Wear long pants or leggings for protection from scratches. Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes – REQUIRED, NO Crocs, sandals or flip-flops. Wear OLDER shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty, wet or muddy. Bring your own heavy-duty work gloves – extras will be available; litter pickers and trash bags are provided. Wear a hat and sunscreen for protection from sun exposure; and bring your preferred bug spray. Bring your own water in a large, refillable water bottle; to stay hydrated, avoid the need to refill, and to protect the environment from single-use plastic bottles. A water cooler for refilling will be available. 

If you have questions, or if you have a group who would like to help on a different day, please contact the Park & Recreation Volunteer Coordinator at Karen.Howard@MeckNC.gov or 980-314-1046 (office).

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 Joli Reynolds at Anjoli.Reynolds@MeckNC.gov or 980-314-7878 (Quest main line)

Come help with the FUN - it's time for the SUMMER season of BINGO! Programs for Seniors at the Northern Regional Recreation & Senior Center are always a big hit, and we LOVE having Volunteer help! Volunteers should be at least 16 years old - please dress in comfortable clothing (no tank tops, please) and wear closed-toe shoes.

BINGO Volunteers will assist with calling numbers and/or checking winning cards.

*Volunteers may register for any or all listed dates/shifts! 

If you have questions or if your plans change, please contact Elise.White@mecklenburgcountync.gov or call 980-314-1479

Volunteers support and supplement the work of our dedicated Park Maintenance staff by completing projects that may include spreading mulch, trimming limbs, weeding, painting, litter cleanup, planting/landscaping and other maintenance tasks to enhance the beauty and safety of our Parks, Nature Preserves and Greenways.

*On this date, Central Carolinas Master Naturalists and the North Carolina Wildlife Stewards Charlotte Chapter will hold a volunteer workday at the Veteran's Park Pollinator Pitstop, located just down from the Carolina Panthers Fitness Court. We will remove Bermuda grass and other weeds from the pollinator garden and a few other projects. Please bring your favorite pair of gardening gloves and, if you have one, your favorite weeding tool - some tools may be available. 

PARKING: Enter Veterans Park at 2136 Central Avenue, 28205 - continue straight into the parking lot and park wherever there is space. The project will take place *across* the park, not far from the fitness area - look for signage and workers. Overflow parking may be available along McClintock Road.

THANK YOU for choosing to Volunteer with Park & Recreation! Below are a few tips and reminders for a SAFE & PRODUCTIVE Volunteer experience:

Wear long pants for protection from scratches. Leggings or lightweight athletic pants are fine - dress for the weather.  Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes – REQUIRED, NO sandals, Crocs or flip-flops. Wear OLDER shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty, wet or muddy. Wear heavy-duty work/gardening gloves - bring your own gloves if you have them. Extras will be available.  Wear a hat and sunscreen for protection from sun exposure; and your preferred bug spray,Bring a large, refillable water bottle (in a backpack, if possible), to stay hydrated, avoid the need to refill, and to protect the environment from single-use plastic bottles. Restrooms and water fountains are available at the park!

QUESTIONS? Contact Karen.Howard@MeckNC.gov or 980-314-1046 OR Jane Tanner at jandreatanner@gmail.com or 704-999-5412 

Join us on Mondays to explore a different location each month while you connect with people and nature, while making a positive difference in Mecklenburg County's green spaces by removing litter! Volunteers will be equipped with litter pick-up sticks and/or gloves. Be aware that trash will be located off trail over uneven and muddy ground. We may walk a cumulative 1-2 miles over uneven terrains. Anyone under the age of 16 MUST be accompanied by a parent/ adult. Pre-registration is required, no walk-ups will be accepted!

Wear long pants and sleeves; closed-toe shoes are required! Dress appropriately for the weather; and bring a water bottle and snacks.

QUESTIONS? Contact Jolene.Gale@mecklenburgcountync.gov

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 Natalie Maves at Natalie.Maves@MeckNC.gov or 980-314-7878 (Quest main line)

Join us for "WAKE UP" Walk In The Park cleanups - we start early in the day during June, July and August to beat the heat! Help keep your favorite park clean and healthy by picking up litter - a great way to spend an hour FIRST THING IN THE MORNING by getting outdoors and helping in your community. 

Park and meet at Eastover Park, at the address listed here - after turning into the Mint Museum Plaza from Randolph Road, immediately turn left and park close to the Briar Creek Greenway entrance. Look for Park & Recreation signs and staff. 

Thank you for choosing to Volunteer with Park & Recreation! Below are a few tips and reminders for a SAFE & PRODUCTIVE Volunteer experience:

Wear long pants or leggings for protection from scratches. Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes – REQUIRED, NO Crocs, sandals or flip-flops. Wear OLDER shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty, wet or muddy. Bring your own heavy-duty work gloves – extras will be available; litter pickers and trash bags are provided. Wear a hat and sunscreen for protection from sun exposure; and bring your preferred bug spray. Bring your own water in a large, refillable water bottle; to stay hydrated, avoid the need to refill, and to protect the environment from single-use plastic bottles. A water cooler for refilling will be available. 

If you have questions, or if you have a group who would like to help on a different day, please contact the Park & Recreation Volunteer Coordinator at Karen.Howard@MeckNC.gov or 980-314-1046 (office).

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)

Project Captain Dylan McCready gathers energetic Volunteers on one Saturday each month at 9616 Radner Lane, Charlotte, 28277, to trim trees and weeds; pick up trash; and clear branches and debris from the Four Mile Creek Greenway path.

The listed address will provide directions to the Radner Lane entrance - a full map of Four Mile Creek Greenway can be downloaded from Park-Greenway-Brochure.pdf  > Look for #28 – Four Mile Creek Greenway

Volunteers must be at least age 12. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a parent/adult. Wear long pants and sturdy, closed-toe shoes for safety.Must provide your own WORK gloves and hand pruners/loppers - electric string trimmers or hedge clippers are allowed! Bring a refillable water bottle, sunscreen, bug spray and a hat.

QUESTIONS? Contact Karen Howard at 980-314-1046 or Karen.Howard@MeckNC.gov 

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)

Enjoy getting out in the fresh morning air by spending 2 hours tending plants at one of East Charlotte’s most active gardens! The garden should be in full swing and experienced garden leaders are happy to answer your questions as you help us keep things growing at the height of summer. We will provide a cooler of water - please bring a refillable water bottle.Kids age 10-15 are welcome - please bring a parent!Please bring your own work gloves and hand tools if you have them - We'll have some equipment on hand. Wear long pants, long sleeves (optional); and closed-toe shoes are REQUIRED! *Be warned: No restroom facilities at or close to this site.

PARKING: Use the listed address for GPS - 3105 Winterfield Place, 28205 - the Garden is on the right directly across from Winterfield Elementary School. Park on the street in front of the Garden's main entrance, or in the school parking lot. 

QUESTIONS? Contact Carla Vitez at winterfieldgarden821@gmail.com 

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)

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)

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

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

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

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