Please note that The Douglas-Hart Nature Center is currently closed to the public. Because of this, our weekend hosting opportunities have been postponed until our reopening.
What is Weekend Hosting? Weekend Hosts are our most trusted volunteers who are trained to staff the nature center on the weekends while staff is gone. Volunteering as a weekend host is a great opportunity make a difference while relaxing by the bird viewing window or working on a hobby such as scrap booking, crocheting, or reading. Weekend hosts can volunteer for as many or a few shifts as they would like.
When do Weekend Hosts volunteer? Time slots for weekend hosting are: Saturdays: 10-1 or 1-4 pm Sundays: 1-4 pm (Memorial Day-Thanksgiving)
What do Weekend Hosts do? Open and close the nature center Take care of tasks such as: -Greet patrons in a friendly manner -Answer phones and leave notes for staff if needed -Fill bird feeders in our bird garden -Keep Dexter (the nature center's cat) company- if you're allergic you can keep him in the back
This opportunity is great for students and families as well! Volunteer as a family and let the kids play in the Discovery Den. Students can study for classes while getting volunteer hours!
Weekend Hosting vs Desk Helpers Weekend hosts are those who watch the Nature Center while staff is away. Desk helpers, however, do not need the special training and run the desk while a staff member is onsite but unavailable, such as when they are running a program.
Interested in Weekend Hosting? Feel free to email volunteer@dhnature.org or call 217-235-4644 to be connected with the volunteer coordinator. They will help you set up training and show you how to sign up for the time slots that you want.
