what you can do

Volunteer With Us

Join passionate neighbors creating lasting conservation impact in Missaukee County. Your time and skills help protect the land we all love while building community connections that matter.

How to become a volunteer

1

Apply

Review the volunteer opportunities that interest you and complete the volunteer application form below

2

Review

We'll review your application and our team will reach out to discuss opportunities that match your interests.

3

Volunteer

Sign up for upcoming opportunities through our volunteer portal. We provide training for all roles.

Volunteer Opportunities

Stream Monitoring

Join our citizen science team collecting water quality data twice yearly. Learn to identify aquatic bugs while contributing to watershed research that's been tracking county stream health since 2017.

  • When: Spring and fall events, 2-3 hours each

  • What you'll do: Collect macro-invertebrates, learn identification, record data

  • Perfect for: Families, science enthusiasts, anyone wanting hands-on learning

  • Experience gained: Citizen science skills, aquatic ecology knowledge, data collection methods

  • Training provided: Bug identification, data collection protocols, equipment use

  • Helpful skills: Attention to detail, interest in nature, comfort working outdoors

Education & Workshops Support

Help make conservation education engaging for students and community members during workshops, school visits, and library programs. Background check is required.

  • When: Flexible scheduling around events and programs

  • What you'll do: Run activity stations, assist with demonstrations, manage groups, document programs

  • Perfect for: People who enjoy teaching, working with kids, or supporting adult learning

  • Experience gained: Educational facilitation skills, conservation knowledge, group management

  • Training provided: Program content, activity facilitation, age-appropriate teaching methods

  • Helpful skills: Patience with groups, communication, enthusiasm for sharing knowledge

Land & Habitat Projects

Get involved with trail installation and maintenance on MCD's 80-acre property off M-66 south of Falmouth Road. You can also help with native garden upkeep at Lake City Schools, participate in invasive species removal workdays, and report invasive species through the MISIN system. Training and tools are provided as needed for all habitat restoration work.

  • When: Seasonal workdays, typically 2-4 hours

  • What you'll do: Trail maintenance, invasive species removal, native plant installation, habitat restoration

  • Perfect for: People who enjoy outdoor physical work and seeing tangible results

  • Experience gained: Plant identification skills, habitat restoration techniques, conservation practices

  • Training provided: Plant identification, proper tool use, safety protocols, restoration methods

  • Helpful skills: Physical stamina, willingness to work outdoors in various weather

Leadership Opportunities

Take on greater responsibility to help shape MCD's direction and mentor other volunteers in conservation efforts.

  • When: Monthly meetings plus project time

  • What you'll do: Serve on board, lead initiatives, mentor volunteers, represent MCD at events

  • Perfect for: Volunteers ready to deepen commitment and influence county-wide conservation

  • Experience gained: Leadership skills, strategic planning, community representation, mentoring abilities

  • Training provided: Board governance, meeting facilitation, volunteer management, public speaking

  • Helpful skills: Communication, organization, previous leadership or volunteer coordination experience

Communications & Fundraising Support

Use your creativity and communication skills to expand MCD's reach and secure resources for conservation programs.

  • When: Flexible, project-based work (remote options available)

  • What you'll do: Create social content, photograph events, write newsletters, research grants, donor outreach

  • Perfect for: Creative types, writers, photographers, people with marketing/fundraising experience

  • Experience gained: Nonprofit communications, grant writing, social media strategy, donor relations

  • Training provided: MCD messaging guidelines, grant databases, photography techniques, donor communication

  • Helpful skills: Writing, photography, social media, marketing, research abilities

Program Coordination & Administration

Provide essential behind-the-scenes support that ensures smooth operation of all conservation programs and community services.

  • When: Flexible office and remote work options

  • What you'll do: Prepare education kits, manage databases, coordinate logistics, handle registration, track outcomes

  • Perfect for: Detail-oriented people who enjoy organization and ensuring quality programming

  • Experience gained: Program management, database skills, event coordination, administrative systems

  • Training provided: Database software, kit preparation procedures, registration systems, inventory tracking

  • Helpful skills: Attention to detail, computer proficiency, organization, communication

Who should volunteer with us?

We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and experience levels who share our passion for protecting our natural resources.

  • You want to learn from conservation professionals - Whether you're curious about local ecosystems, interested in sustainable practices, or eager to develop hands-on environmental skills, our expert staff will teach you everything you need to know.

  • You care about your community and want visible results - You'll see the direct impact of your work through cleaner streams, restored habitats, and educated neighbors who become better land stewards.

  • You enjoy meeting like-minded neighbors - Connect with passionate community members who share your values about caring for the land and build lasting friendships through meaningful conservation work.

  • You want to make a difference but aren't sure how - We'll help you discover your power to create positive environmental change and give you the confidence to be an effective steward in your daily life.

  • You are looking to grow personally or professionally - Gain valuable experience in project coordination, leadership, data collection, and community engagement that benefits all areas of your life.

  • You have a busy or unpredictable schedule but still want to contribute - Choose from flexible opportunities that range from one-time events to ongoing projects, with full support and no pressure to overcommit.

Apply now! We accept applications year-round.

Volunteer Application Form

After you apply, we'll contact you within one week. Once we confirm you as a volunteer, you'll be sent a liability waiver to sign before you can start volunteering. Background checks may be required for some positions. Then we'll give you access to the volunteer portal where you can start signing up to volunteer opportunities.

Select an option

STILL NOT SURE?

Frequently Asked Questions

We understand you might have some questions before you complete the application form. Below are answers to common questions we get, but if you have more questions, please feel free to call us at (231) 839-7193 or email [email protected]. We're happy to discuss opportunities and answer any concerns.

Question: Do I need conservation experience to volunteer?

Not at all. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and provide comprehensive training for every role. Whether you're a retired teacher, college student, or someone who simply cares about the environment, we'll teach you everything you need to know. Many of our most dedicated volunteers started with no conservation background but plenty of enthusiasm to learn.

Question: How much time do I need to commit?

There's no minimum time commitment required. Some volunteers participate in one seasonal event per year, while others contribute several hours monthly. Stream monitoring happens twice yearly for 2-3 hours each time. Education support can be as little as helping with one workshop. You choose your level of involvement, and you can always adjust as your schedule changes.

Question: What if my availability changes after I apply?

Volunteer schedules are completely flexible. Life happens, and we understand that priorities and availability change. You can increase or decrease your involvement at any time, take breaks when needed, or try different types of volunteer opportunities. Just let us know what works for you - there's no pressure to maintain a specific schedule.

Question: What are the requirements to volunteer?

All volunteers complete a brief application and liability waiver. A background check may be required for positions working with students or in leadership roles. We provide all necessary training and equipment. The most important requirements are enthusiasm for conservation and willingness to work as part of a team. Transportation to volunteer sites is helpful but we can often arrange carpooling.

Get Involved

Volunteer

Join hands-on conservation work that makes a visible difference in our community.

Attend

Join your neighbors at our various upcoming conservation workshops and events.

Partner

Connect your business or organization with conservation-minded residents while supporting meaningful local work.

Donate

Make conservation accessible for everyone. Ensure free expert help for all neighbors regardless of income.