Each year, Urbana Park District volunteers record thousands of hours leading programs and helping out in district parks and facilities.
Urbana Park District volunteers make it possible to provide the level of service we do by helping staff maximize the number of residents we can serve through recreation programs and by ensuring high-quality parks through stewardship efforts.
Community Program and Engagement Coordinator, Jacob Johnston, can help you find a volunteer opportunity that matches your skills and schedule. Call 217-367-1544 (ext. 311) or email jrjohnston@urbanaparks.org.
Complete A Volunteer Application
Fill out this volunteer application and consent for criminal background check to get started. Email completed application to jrjohnston@urbanaparks.org.
Current and Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities
FRESH Crew Teen Volunteer Stewardship Days
*T-Shirts will be provided*
Responsibilities: Assist in invasive plant removal, planting native plants, community garden maintenance, harvesting, park clean ups and more in local areas and parks.
Time Commitment: Wednesdays throughout June and July from either 9am to 10:30am or 3pm to 4:30pm depending on location. Please contact us for a full list of opportunities!
Skills Needed: None required but this is a great opportunities for teens to get involved in the community, gain new skills, and obtain professional references
Getting Involved: To claim the position or for any questions, Contact Chelsea Prahl at 217-384-4062 or email ckprahl@urbanaparks.org.
Fall SPLASH Afterschool Leader or Supervisor
*Paid positions also available*
SPLASH stands for Students Playing and Learning After School Hours. To learn more about the SPLASH program, follow this link: https://usd116.org/grantbasedprograms/.
Responsibilities: Help students develop and strengthen academic, physical, and social skills by planning and running fun programs. Assist with the development of recreational and educational programs for children.
Time Commitment: Hours may vary. Monday through Thursday between 9:30am and 3pm
Numbers Needed: 4-6
Skills Needed: An ability to work with groups of children. Will be responsible for arriving on site.
Getting Involved: To claim the position or for any questions, Contact Matthew Lewis at 217-357-1544, ext. 276 or email mvlewis@urbanaparks.org.
Trailcam Footage Volunteer
Responsibilities: Under the supervision of the full-time nature center staff, the Trailcam Footage Volunteer assists with the collecting, viewing, and sorting of footage collected from the Habitat Garden’s trail camera. This position is based at the Anita Purves Nature Center. Minimum age requirement: 17 years.
Time Commitment: Minimum 4 hours per month, up to 20 hours per week. Monday-Friday between 8am-5pm or Saturdays between 9am-4pm.
Numbers Needed: 2-3
Skills Needed: Knowledge of or willingness to learn how to transfer, view, & rename MP4 video files. Knowledge of or willingness to learn native wildlife identification. All equipment is supplied.
Getting Involved: To apply, email a completed UPD volunteer application including background check to jrjohnston@urbanaparks.org Contact Nicole Hilberg with any questions at 217-384-4062, ext. 355 or email nahilberg@urbanaparks.org.
Environmental Services Volunteer
Responsibilities: Under the supervision of the full-time nature center staff, the Environmental Services Volunteer assists with the interpretation of environmental and nature-based artifacts, resources, natural areas, and wildlife. This position is based at the Anita Purves Nature Center but may have the opportunity to work offsite in district parks and natural areas. Minimum age requirement: 18 years.
Time Commitment: Minimum 4 hours per month, up to 20 hours per week. Saturdays and Sundays between 9am-4pm.
Numbers Needed: 1-3
Skills Needed: Knowledge of or willingness to learn about Nature Center exhibits. Good customer service skills. Willingness to support equal opportunities for visitors of diverse abilities and backgrounds. Comfort around many different animals is recommended.
Getting Involved: To claim the position or for any questions, contact David Subers at 217-384-4062, ext. 361 or email dasubers@urbanaparks.org.
School Tour Volunteer
Hone your natural history knowledge and leadership shills, and make a difference to thousands of children who engage in environmental education programs each year. Share the excitement of teaching while exploring Busey Woods, Weaver park, and Meadowbrook Park's Spomer Prairie. Volunteers learn to guide many fun and easy nature activities as they lead tours at these sites. You must be available on a weekday morning or afternoon. You can get a volunteer application and arrange a training time by calling Chelsea Prahl at 217-384-4062 or email ckprahl@urbanaparks.org.
Pop-up Stewardship Days
Sometimes stewardship needs pop up! Upcoming opportunities at different natural areas will be announced on social media one week before each date. Check us out at https://www.facebook.com/APnaturecenter. During these two-hour sessions you can collect seed, remove honeysuckle, and pick up trash as needed.
Wednesday Workdays
Locations are announced weekly – Follow the Urbana Park District on social media. During these two-hour sessions you might plant trees or flowers, collect or scatter seed, remove nuisance plants, maintain trails, and pick up trash as needed.