Volunteer

The many projects and programs of the Austin Parks Foundation can use your help! Volunteers of all skills and interests are always needed. Sign up for our volunteer list to receive notice of special projects and time-sensitive volunteer openings.

Upcoming Events

Saturday, July 11, 8:30 AM to 11:00 AM
Invasives Removal With EcoTexas at Zilker Nature Preserve
A typical workday consists of removing various invasive species, including Nandina, Japanese Privet, and Chinaberry among other species. Once the species are removed using the respective removal methods, the City of Austin will help with planting native species to restore Zilker to its natural state. We will meet in the parking lot near the Nature Center Preserve, which is located underneath the Mopac overpass. If you would like to attend a workday, please RSVP to getinvolved@ecotx.org.

Saturday, July 11, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Help Complete the Great Lawn at Zilker Metropolitan Park
Want to get a sneak peak of the revamped Zilker Park? Help us with mulching many trees, picking up cut sod strips and cleaning up gutters and sidewalks. We need lots of volunteers to help us get the Zilker Soccer Fields open. We'll provide tools, materials and jugs of water Sign up here

Saturday, July 11, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Monthly Gardening Project at Mayfield Park and Preserve
Enjoy beautiful Mayfield Park and help keep the gardens in tip-top shape at monthly volunteer days. Bring a trowel, gloves and garden clippers if you have them. Contact Barbara Watt at 477-6031 or prskid3@aol.com if you have questions.

Invasive plant removal projects in the preserve are also available. Contact Nadene at ntmorning@hotmail.com if you'd like to schedule a group.

Saturday, July 18, 8:30 AM to 11:00 AM
Invasives Removal With EcoTexas at Zilker Nature Preserve
A typical workday consists of removing various invasive species, including Nandina, Japanese Privet, and Chinaberry among other species. Once the species are removed using the respective removal methods, the City of Austin will help with planting native species to restore Zilker to its natural state. We will meet in the parking lot near the Nature Center Preserve, which is located underneath the Mopac overpass. If you would like to attend a workday, please RSVP to getinvolved@ecotx.org.

Saturday, July 18, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Help Complete the Great Lawn at Zilker Metropolitan Park
Help us with mulching many trees, picking up cut sod strips and cleaning up gutters and sidewalks. We need lots of volunteers to help us get the Zilker Soccer Fields open. We'll provide tools, materials and jugs of water Sign up here

Saturday, July 25, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Help Complete the Great Lawn at Zilker Metropolitan Park
Want to get a sneak peak of the revamped Zilker Park? Help us with mulching many trees, picking up cut sod strips and cleaning up gutters and sidewalks. We need lots of volunteers to help us get the Zilker Soccer Fields open. We'll provide tools, materials and jugs of water Sign up here

Saturday, July 25, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Ecological Literacy Day at Hornsby Bend Bird Observatory
Combining volunteer work with learning about local ecology, the day begins with several hours of outdoor work - ranging from trail maintenance to habitat restoration to work in the native plant nursery - and ends with at least an hour of learning about local ecology - birds, bugs, and more! Wear boots and work clothing, and be sure to bring your binoculars. This event repeats last Saturdays of every month. For more information visit www.hornsbybend.org.

Saturday, August 8, 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Monthly Gardening Project at Mayfield Park and Preserve
Enjoy beautiful Mayfield Park and help keep the gardens in tip-top shape at monthly volunteer days. Bring a trowel, gloves and garden clippers if you have them. Contact Barbara Watt at 477-6031 or prskid3@aol.com if you have questions.

Invasive plant removal projects in the preserve are also available. Contact Nadene at ntmorning@hotmail.com if you'd like to schedule a group.

Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities and Events

Escape from Your Desk (and See Your Boss Sweat)

Did you know Austin Parks Foundation offers park volunteer days for corporate and civic groups? Give us a call and we'll set up a weekday or weekend workday for you and your ~~closest friends~~ coworkers. Ask for Rosie or Charlie at 477-1566. Get some fresh air and make a difference for Austin's parks. Weekday events are available October through December. Call early for best availability!

Be a Park Superhero!

Want to be a superhero? You don't have to be bitten by a radioactive spider to get started! We're looking for individuals with the skills and motivation to:

Adopt one of Austin's 209 parks
Provide on-site guidance to neighborhood or community groups working on their neighborhood parks

Ready to get started ? Call us at 477-1566 to talk park power.

Preserve Preserves!

Volunteer opportunities at 15 different preserve areas include: ecological restoration, construction of trails, invasive species research and suppression, educational programs, biodiversity research, wildlife and habitat monitoring, native plant propagation and native plant rescues. To learn more, contact Rene Barrera or visit www.ci.austin.tx.us/cepreserves/vol_opty.htm

Volunteer at Texas State Parks

A list of upcoming volunteer opportunities at State Parks can be found on the Texas Parks and Wildlife website.

Support Farmers at the Austin Farmers' Market

Volunteers are needed for a wide variety of Market tasks on Saturdays. Visit www.austinfarmersmarket.org for more information.

Make a Move for Giant Chess

Knee-High Chess is available for public use at Wooldridge Square on Saturdays, from 12:30pm-3:30pm(subject to availability of the park). Volunteers are needed for set-up and monitoring on an ongoing basis (chess skills not required, but welcome!). To volunteer or find out more, contact Scott Johnson (447 - 4595) or Chris Riley

Be a Land Manager - or Just Look Like One!

If you or a group you belong to would like to volunteer on Balcones Canyon Land Preserve or Water Quality Protection Lands (Prop2 lands) e-mail Gail McGlamery, Austin Water Utility's Wildland Conservation Division volunteer coordinator, or call 263-6437.

Get to Know the Animals at Austin Nature and Science Center

Volunteers are needed year round for the Austin Nature and Science Center. Volunteer Opportunities at the ANSC include working with the horticulturist on the ANSC's 15 acre site and assisting with care and feeding of the animals. Call or email Kathy Maddox at 327-8181 to sign up. Visit the City of Austin Parks & Recreation Department's Austin Nature and Science Center home page for more information.

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Austin Parks Foundation is supported by individuals like you. Members are our life blood and for $35 and up, you can become a member for a full year. Sign up now!