Douglas-Hart Nature Center

We are excited that you are interested in joining the Douglas-Hart Nature Center team of staff and volunteers. Volunteers are essential to everything we do. We would love to help you find a way to share your time and talent with us. Our goal is to match one of our volunteer needs with your volunteer interests. We like to start by asking “what do you imagine yourself doing here?”

Below are descriptions of some of the common roles volunteers play, as found in our Volunteer Brochure. If you have a unique talent or idea, be sure to share it with us as we are always interested in new approaches to our goals of environmental restoration and education.

Signing up to volunteer does not commit you to anything, but rather adds you to a monthly volunteer newsletter from which you can pick and choose opportunities that work with your schedule. Print and return a Volunteer Application, or contact the volunteer coordinator at 217-235-4644 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Youths are encouraged to get involved and volunteer, but must be 13 years old before they can work without an adult partner. High school students ages 13-18 are encouraged to participate in our Summer Youth Volunteer Programs: the Conservation Crew & the Junior Counselor Internship.

Community Service workers are welcome, upon approval of a Community Service Volunteer Application.
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•  Weekend Host - Volunteers serve as a greeter in our Visitor Center on Saturdays from 10:00am-4:00 pm and Sundays from 1:00pm-4:00pm. In order to be a weekend host you must meet with a staff member and attend an orientation.
• Volunteer Naturalist - These volunteers work closely with the education staff. They volunteer to help with nature programs, field trips, and summer camps. These can take place Sunday through Saturday during regular Visitor Center hours.
• Special Events Volunteers - Volunteers help with our many festivals and fund-raising events.
• Visitor Center Volunteers - Volunteers help with general upkeep of the visitors center. Task range from answering phones at the front desk to helping us clean the building.
• Conservation Volunteers - Volunteers work closely with our Site Manager. Trail maintenance, removing invasive species, and up keeping our gardens are just a few jobs that are done.
• Youth Volunteers - This summer we are looking for responsible young adults to help with summer camps or held around the grounds and visitor center. Check out the flyer for more information.

"No Act of Kindness No Matter How Small, Is Ever Wasted." - unknown