Nature Center Volunteer Program
Volunteers help support the El Paso County Nature Centers through various roles at our two locations, soon to be three! There’s something for everyone; see available volunteer roles below. Active volunteers complete orientation and role-specific training. Volunteers are invited to participate in continuing education and social events throughout the year.
Learn more about volunteer opportunities and apply by contacting Kelly Ann Blanchard, Volunteer Coordinator, at 719-520-6387 or bcfcvolunteers@gmail.com
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers assist the nature centers throughout the year at a variety of special events including Winter Fun at Fox Run, Bear Creek by Candlelight, Jack-O-Lantern Trail, Chocolate Bunny Egg Hunt, the Bear Run, and more. Special Events volunteers help with check-in, guided hikes, arts and crafts, refreshments, animal pelts, and more!
Nature center volunteers at the front desk are the first to greet new visitors and make them feel welcome! Front Desk volunteers guide visitors around the exhibit room, talk to visitors about nature, answer phone calls, and have great customer service.
Field trips to our nature centers enable children to learn and explore their natural environment. Environmental Education volunteers serve as guides on field trip hikes, leading small groups of 10-15 children on interpretive walks while reinforcing interpretive educational themes aligned with Colorado State Standards.
Trailability volunteers accompany program participants on hikes at Bear Creek and Fountain Creek Nature Centers; providing community members with the opportunity to explore the outdoors, no matter their physical ability. Find more information about the Trailability Program and how to get involved here.
Outreach volunteers assist nature center staff at off-site events such as scout meetings, local festivals, STEM events, and more. Help children make a craft, look at microorganisms through a microscope, and interact with interpretive animal pelts and tracks.
The Restoration Crew at Bear Creek Nature Center encourages stewardship of our park through invasive species removal, trail work, fire mitigation, and more. With once per quarter workdays and a variety of activities, there’s a project for everyone. To be added to the Restoration Crew emailing list for future projects, please contact Kylee Taylor at kyleetaylor2@elpasoco.com.
About the Friends of El Paso County Nature Centers
The Friends of El Paso County Nature Centers is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit whose mission is to support Bear Creek and Fountain Creek Nature Centers. The organization is comprised of an executive board of elected officers and a general membership governed by official Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation as a 501-c-3 nonprofit organization.
For more than 30 years the Friends organization has provided volunteer hours and funds to support outstanding interpretive programs and services to El Paso County residents. When you become a volunteer, you also become a member of the El Paso County Nature Centers Friends organization. Members play an important role in ensuring a strong future for the nature centers. Your membership will provide advocacy for stewardship, education, and outdoor recreation and you will receive special member benefits.
Teen Volunteer Program
Teens who are looking for volunteer opportunities can find several volunteer positions at the nature centers. Some volunteer opportunities have flexible time commitments while others are very specific. Opportunities include junior camp counselor, program assistant, trail maintenance, and more! Contact the Nature Center Supervisors to find out more!
Fountain Creek Supervisor, Jessica Miller – JessicaMiller@elpasoco.com.
Fountain Creek Teen Volunteer Application
Bear Creek Supervisor, Mary Jo Lewis – maryjolewis@elpasoco.com
Volunteer Testimonials- Why we volunteer with the El Paso County Nature Centers.
