Volunteer with Seven Ponds!
Seven Ponds Nature Center is always looking for dedicated volunteers to help out in a variety activities throughout the year. Adult, college and high school volunteers who are willing to lend a hand are welcome. We appreciate any time you can give us no matter how big or how small. Please complete the Volunteer Interest Form or contact Amy Sadler at asadler@sevenponds.org if you can lend a hand in any of the areas described below. You can also call the nature center at (810) 796-3200 for more information.
Current Volunteer Opportunities
Please click on the day you are interested in participating to be taken to the application page.
Education
Adult (ASNAT) Classes
Do you love teaching people about our natural world? Does working with kids excite you? You might be interested in becoming one of our dedicated Assistant Naturalists (ASNATs for short.) ASNATs help in leading groups of all ages but focus mainly on children visitors. ASNAT classes are given once a month to better prepare for interpreting the world around you to our inquisitive guests. Come strengthen your skills and inspire people for years to come.
These adult classes are held on the third Thursday of the month and start at 3:00 PM. Classes are open to Assistant Naturalists only. If you would like to become a part of this rewarding program, please fill out and submit an interest form.
TRIVIA!
Thursday, January 16, 2025 3:00
Put on your thinking cap and join us for a round of nature trivia!
WINTER BUDS
Thursday, February 20, 2025 3:00
It can be challenging to identify plants during the winter months, so we'll teach you how!
WONDERFUL WETLANDS
Thursday, March 20, 2025 3:00
Wetlands are wild and wonderful! Let's learn about them and explore on our own!
Land Stewardship
With almost 500 acres to call our own, many hands make light work. We are always looking for people who enjoy being in the middle of it all at Seven Ponds. Nest box monitoring and maintenance, invasive plant removal, seasonal prairie burn, tree planting, demonstration and wildflower garden maintenance, and general habitat restoration are some of the many tasks that can keep our land beautiful.
Nest Box Monitors
We are again looking for dedicated volunteers to monitor our songbird nest boxes this year. This very important opportunity helps us to keep track of not only bluebirds, but also wrens, swallows, chickadees, and other small birds that use these boxes. Please contact Naturalist Madison Christol mchristol@sevenponds.org.
Maintenance - Buildings & Grounds
If you like repairing and building projects, then helping in the maintenance department might just be the thing for you. With almost 500 acres and four buildings to take care of our small but dedicated maintenance staff is always hard at work. If you like working with your hands by chipping trails, clearing fallen trees, mowing, building a wide variety of projects, machinery repair, and more, you will find fulfillment in this area.
Garden Volunteers
Volunteers are also needed to join the Herb and Garden Groups in caring for the beautiful gardens at Seven Ponds. These gardens are a beautiful focal point during the summer months for teaching and reflection. If you are interested in doing general garden maintenance for the Butterfly Garden or the Herb Garden, please submit a Volunteer Interest Form.
Special Events
Seven Ponds holds several special events throughout the year to celebrate or raise money for the nature center. Volunteers are always needed for Holiday Auction, Winterfest, Party at the Ponds, Eco Days/The Native Plant Sale, and Enchanted Woodland. If you thrive around a lot of people and activity, we would love to have you. Please contact Amy Sadler at asadler@sevenponds.org or (810) 796-3200 if you wish to learn more about each event.
Friends of Seven Ponds
One of our most active and vital volunteer organizations is the Friends of Seven Ponds, also known as “The Stingers.” If you would like to help out with the Bake Sales, Book Sale, Rummage Sale, Resale Shoppe, and the Holiday Auction, The Stingers would love to have you.
The Stingers meet at 10:00 AM on the first Tuesday of each month, April through October. Some like to stay after and enjoy a brown-bag lunch or visit a local restaurant. To join, complete the Volunteer Interest form or contact the nature center at 810-796-3200 for more information.
Animal Care
Seven Ponds has several live animal displays we refer to as 'Critter Corner.' We are looking for one or several dedicated volunteers who can come to the nature center on a routine basis and care for the critters. Care involves feeding, the cleaning of their tanks/habitats, and also fresh water aquarium maintenance.