Volunteer

People of all ages—from high school students to retired seniors—and from a variety of backgrounds volunteer at Mass Audubon. 

Our volunteers include people who enjoy nature, care about the environment, and like giving back to their community. For example:

• Individuals, families, and corporate or community groups
• Students, parents, professionals, and retirees
• Seasonal, weekly, occasional, or one-time volunteers

Depending on their interests, experience, and the time they have available, volunteers contribute to Mass Audubon in a variety of meaningful ways—welcoming visitors to the sanctuaries, maintaining trails, tending gardens, submitting wildlife observations, educating people of all ages, assisting with ecological management projects.

Volunteer positions are available from A to Z: Advocacy, Building and construction, Conservation, Design, Education, Front desk and visitor services, Gardening ... and more! 

Whether you only have one Saturday morning to commit or are available one afternoon each week, you can make a difference at Mass Audubon.

For people who can make an ongoing commitment to a few hours each week, there are many opportunities—as front desk or gift shop volunteers, volunteer educators, property crew volunteers, or wildlife care volunteers.

Some volunteer positions are seasonal in nature, requiring a short-term commitment of several months. These include nest box monitors and other community science positions. 

Special events and special projects—such as beach cleanups, fall festivals, and Earth Month volunteer days—provide one-day opportunities for volunteers with busy schedules.

As a Mass Audubon volunteer, you’ll develop new skills and knowledge, meet people who share your interests, and explore new possibilities while enjoying the natural beauty of our wildlife sanctuaries. 

Students have the opportunity to accrue community service credit. Plus, you’ll have the satisfaction of supporting our mission of protecting the nature of Massachusetts—something to feel good about at the end of the day.

Volunteers who give 50 hours a year or more of service are eligible for a Volunteer I.D. card, which allows: 

• Free admission to all Mass Audubon wildlife sanctuaries
• Free or discounted access to participating area museums and attractions
• Other benefits may be awarded by the sanctuary or department where the individual volunteers.

Generally, volunteers must be at least 16 years old, unless accompanied by a parent or guardian, although the minimum age varies with the specific position. Training is required and provided for some positions; some positions require a minimum time commitment. For many positions, a CORI/SORI background check is required. See the specific position description for these and other special requirements.

Visit the Mass Audubon Volunteer Portal where you can learn more and respond to posted opportunities.

Wildlife sanctuaries around the state welcome groups of volunteers to help with various projects. 

We host corporate groups, school and alumni groups, scout troops, and community groups for fun, meaningful, and team-building experiences.

Service projects range from property maintenance to farm chores to ecological management to small construction. Volunteer groups have:

• Planted butterfly gardens
• Repaired boardwalks
• Installed fencing
• Helped control invasive plants
• Created nature play areas
• Maintained trails
• Built turtle gardens
• Made decorations for special events

Most projects are designed for 2 hours to a half-day, but multi-day projects can also be arranged.

Depending on the size of your group (from 5 to 50, or more), the ages of your volunteers, and your schedule, we can help you find a suitable project and a convenient location. The busiest months are May through September, so we encourage you to schedule several weeks in advance.

Fill out our group volunteer form to inquire about planning group volunteer opportunities.