Are you thinking of volunteering?
Consider your passions and capabilities and match them with the task led by Open Space staff or qualified volunteer leaders. Volunteer by clicking here.
Volunteers who represent the county will be required to obtain Wilderness First Aid Training (for those who work in the backcountry) as well as complete a background check. Other training will be offered for specific projects or work areas at field sites, indoor classes, or workshops.
Become the friendly, welcoming face of Douglas County Open Space – greeting visitors and providing them with advice and information to ensure they have a great outdoor experience while also protecting our land and resources. Working in a group of two to four volunteers at the trailhead or on the trail you will share information about and exhibit good trail etiquette while also providing friendly reminders to hikers, bikers and riders about how they can best respect the Open Space.
Group hikes and field trips are often led and assisted by volunteers with great knowledge of natural history and/or local history. On-site ambassadors for open space help to introduce our citizens to the outdoors and enhance their appreciation and understanding of the land’s conservation values.
Volunteers provide off-site presentations at festivals, fairs, schools, club or homeowners association meetings, or any other venue where we can share the wonders of the open space properties to the public. This could also include research and creating photo or written displays to enlighten and delight our audiences about wildlife, current issues, and outdoor opportunities. These presentations could also be set up at trailheads to reach our visitors.
If you like to exercise your muscles and give back to the land, you might enjoy maintaining trails, going after weeds, fixing or removing fences, or gathering litter that has blown onto the properties. Monitoring open space properties and trail conditions, and inventory of plants and wildlife.
Young people can participate when part of a school or service organization, or supervised by a guardian or adult leader with a signed release and waiver of liability for minors. Work projects, when available, may be arranged with our office at 303-660-7495.
