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Currently Looking for Help With:

Although Fallfest and Haunted Hike were cancelled due to safety reasons, we have figured out how to have a safe Winter Wonderland Walk. Although we will not need volunteers at the event itself, we could still use help setting up all of our Christmas scenes, hanging lights, decorating Christmas trees, and more (while social distancing)! 

Hot Chocolate and snacks will be provided, of course! ​Space is limited so register early.

Festivals Through the Year (these are subject to change)

Honey Harvest- Summer

Did you know that we have two beehives on the Nature Center property? During our honey harvest patrons can watch or take place in the honey harvesting process! Help out with this free event by managing the front desk, help with the harvesting process, or maybe even trying on a bee costume for the kids.

Earth Day- April 24, 2021

For obvious reasons, Earth Day is a big deal for The Douglas-Hart Foundation. Help plant native prairie plants in our prairie, run games, assist with crafts, serve food, talk about nature-based programs or help run any of our other stations. There are many places to get involved to help make a difference!

Fallfest- October

Fallfest is our "give back to the community" event. As the leaves change and the smell of bonfires fill the air, fall has a certain loveliness to it. Help us celebrate that with this event. The best part? Everything at Fallfest is free to the public! From caramel apples to face painting to games to pumpkin decorating, there is so much for families to do and we need a lot of hands to help accomplish it all.

Haunted Hike- October

Haunted Hike is our biggest event of the year. For two nights our trails change from peaceful and serene to haunting and spooky. Help create decorations, set up, run sound effects, direct traffic, run the campfire, or yes, even help us scare a few people. Whatever your comfort level, we have a spot with your name on it. 

Winterfest- December

​As the year winds down we want to celebrate the charm that the winter season brings. With a Christmas light walk, chestnuts roasting over an open fire, games, cookie decorating, and a whole lot more, there are many ways our volunteers can help out. 

Conservation Events

Conservation Saturdays

Ever month we have a Conservation Saturday that happens at both the Whiteside Garden and at The Douglas-Hart Nature Center. Although what you may be doing depends on the season, there is always a way to make a big impact. 

MLK Day of Service- January 18, 2021

MLK day is a day off for most schools and businesses. Instead of taking the day off, the federal government has designated it as a "day of service" and encourages Americans to go out to the community and make a difference. Help us work on our conservation work to prepare for the coming spring!

Prairie Burns- As Needed

Although they do not happen often, occasionally we have prescribed burns in one of our prairies. This allows new growth to happen in the prairie. Volunteers are extremely helpful to have for these to make sure everything is as controlled as possible. To participate in the burn, volunteers have to complete the required (free) training.