Volunteer Conservationists

Conservationists primarily assist ranger staff in the maintenance of buildings and grounds. Conservationists can also serve as trail hosts, conduct plant surveys or monitor wildlife populations in designated natural areas. As a representative of the Department of Natural Resources, a conservationist:

• Helps build accessible cabins, picnic shelters and other facilities.
• Helps to maintain and improve existing buildings and structures.
• Assists in restoring prairies, improving wildlife habitat, plantings and litter pick-up.
• Maintains existing trails and helps create new trails, signs, shelters, observation platforms and boardwalks.
• Serves as trail host by answering questions, selling trail passes, handing out maps and promoting safe use.
• Assists with the upkeep of lawns, campgrounds, picnic areas, recreation areas and beaches.
• Is alert to visitor's needs, comments, complaints, etc.

Conservationists are selected based on familiarity with the state park, forest or trail system and conservation experience, interests or studies of the surrounding area. If you're interested in becoming one, send a volunteer application to the park or forest where you'd like to work.