Native Plant Gardeners maintain the established plantings around the Nature Center, including the wetland, meadow, and serenity gardens. Gardeners will be responsible for weeding, watering, and general maintenance of the native species in our gardens. These volunteers will also have the opportunity to participate in the Nature Center Garden Club.
Vernal Pools are ephemeral wetlands that fill with water in the spring and usually dry out by late summer. They are critical breeding habitat for many rare animals, including fairy shrimp and several species of amphibians and reptiles. Vernal Pool Monitors have the opportunity to contribute to an integral part of the GRNA Natural Resources…
Maple Sugaring Volunteers run our maple sugaring program, usually during February and March. Volunteers prep equipment, tap trees, collect sap, split wood, and run the maple syrup evaporator to make maple syrup. Volunteers may provide demonstrations to the public during public events. At the end of the season they assist in clean up and storage…
Parcel Monitors have the opportunity to contribute to an integral part of the GRNA Natural Resources Management Plan, as volunteer-led efforts to monitor the health of the natural area is a key priority. Parcel Monitors work in small teams of volunteers to walk GRNA’s almost 70 parcels, collecting data on an iPad in the ArcGIS…
Stream Monitors have the opportunity to contribute to an integral part of the GRNA Natural Resources Management Plan, as volunteer-led efforts to sustain and monitor the health of our streams is a key component of the management plan. Stream Monitors take part in two stream sampling events each year, one in the spring and one…
Outreach volunteers serve as ambassadors to GRNA, Inc. by sharing information about who we are and what we do with the public. By being present at regional events and festivals, outreach volunteers share their knowledge of Grass River’s ecology and history with the public. Outreach volunteers also serve as the face of GRNA in many…
Education Program Aides assist with large educational programs, including school field trips, home school programs, public programs, family festivals, and events. Volunteers provide support and assistance to Naturalists while they lead classes or events for children or adults. Assistance during field trips may include preparation of programs, distributing supplies, supervising groups of children, answering questions,…
Committees support the work of both the Board and the staff by focusing their efforts on tasks and projects related to a specific area of focus.
Office volunteers help with various office jobs as needed. This work includes but is not limited to data entry, note writing, help with mailings, and filing.
Events Volunteers plan and execute several family-friendly events held at GRNA throughout the year, including Winterfest and the Grass River Shiver in January, Maplefest in March, Summer Kick-off in June, Autumnfest in October, and Holiday Crafts for Kids in December. Planning takes place within the Events Committee, which meets about once a month, depending on…