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Volunteer Stewards

HABITAT CLEAN UP DAYS

Give back to nature by participating in one of our Habitat Clean Up Days! Removing trash from open spaces and waterways is essential for healthy communities, water and environments.

All ages are welcome and groups are encouraged! Volunteers ages 15 & under must be accompanied by an adult. 
Please register each individual separately for planning purposes. If you plan to bring children under the age of 15 email Fendi Despres at [email protected] with the number of youth coming.

Directions and information about the clean ups will be sent to the email you register with the week of the clean up.

Monday, June 12, 8-10 a.m. at Sand Creek Park 
Tuesday June 20, 8-10:30 a.m. at Pronghorn Natural Area
Saturday July 26, 8-10:30 a.m. at Sand Creek Park
Tuesday August 15, 8-10:30 a.m. at Centre Hills Park 






WEED WARRIOR WORKDAYS

Help combat one of its greatest ecological threats - the spread of invasive plants species! Enjoy a couple of hours working in nature and learning alongside staff and fellow volunteers while immersing yourself in the beauty of Aurora's natural areas.

Receive training in the proper identification of troublesome weeds and the best methods of control techniques for individual species including cutting seed heads, splicing tap roots, and/or hand pulling. Work gloves and hand tools will be provided. Please bring a water bottle and be sure to wear long pants, closed toed shoes, and sun protection.

Tuesday June 6, 8-10 a.m. at Ponderosa Preserve
Tuesday July 11, 8-10 a.m. at Coal Senac Open Space
Tuesday August 22, 8-10 a.m. at Quincy Reservoir






MONARCH TAGGING COMMUNITY SCIENCE PROJECT

The monarch butterfly's migration is still as mysterious as it is amazing to scientists and butterfly fans alike. These beautiful butterflies need our help, and one way to do this is by joining us in the Monarch Watch project. This is a community science program run across the country to track the monarch migration. Learn about monarchs before going out into the field to catch, tag, and release them. All ages. No experience required.

Monday August 28, 2-4 p.m. at the Plains Conservation Center

monarch

Open Space and Natural Resources (OSNR) Volunteer Program Mission and Vision:
Our mission is to preserve open spaces that connect people with nature, today and in the future, through effective stewardship practices.  
We envision a community connected with nature where wildlife thrives, and everyone can be an effective steward.  

If being a steward for nature sounds appealing and you can align with the mission and vision, you are in the right place to volunteer!

 OSNR Volunteer Opportunities include:
Trail Stewardship
Adopt-a-Natural Area
Habitat Restoration
Volunteer Naturalist
Special Projects
Wildlife Monitoring
Event Support



OSNR Volunteer Benefits:

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    • Opportunities to work with and learn from talented and experienced OSNR staff
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    • Milestone service awards based on years of service
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    • Volunteer appreciation events 
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    • Social and networking opportunities
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    • Interact with people that have similar interests
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    • Letters of reference and job training provided upon request
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    • Exclusive continuing education opportunities
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    • Newsletter spotlights
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    • Assisting people to connect with nature through understanding and appreciation 
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    • Sense of purpose and giving back to nature 
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    • OSNR volunteer exclusive outings and tours   
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    • Free Aurora and Quincy reservoir passes with 20 hours of service; award given at beginning of year for previous years’ service.






Requirements to be an OSNR volunteer:

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    • Fill out an application and make a profile 
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    • Sign the volunteer agreement and liability waiver
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    • Pass a background check every two years (paid for by us)
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    • Be committed to the mission
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    • Represent the City of Aurora in a positive manner
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    • Wear the required uniform while volunteering
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    • Not volunteer under the influence of drugs or alcohol
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    • Successfully complete any required trainings
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    • Can work outdoors under varying weather conditions and on natural surface terrain
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    • Actively participate (read and respond to newsletters, notify if you can’t fulfill a commitment, etc.)
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    • Log your volunteer hours

Want to know more?

To find out more about how you can get involved, contact Fendi Despres at [email protected] or call 303.326.8380

Accreditations

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