Love being on the water and sharing in outdoor adventures? Join us as a volunteer paddling guide and help lead guided canoe/kayak tours in the West Fork of the Trinity River here on the Nature Center’s grounds. Volunteers assist staff with loading equipment, helping participants launch safely, and providing on-the-water support during tours. Water safety is our top priority, and guides play a key role in ensuring a fun and secure experience for all.

Aquatic programs are typically held on weekend mornings, though programs occur throughout the year at various times, including our special monthly “Moonlight Paddle” tours at night. Volunteers must be able to swim, lift 50 pounds, and have some experience paddling a canoe or kayak.

If you enjoy paddling, working with people, and promoting outdoor recreation, we’d love to have you on the team! Join us and help others explore nature from the water!

Do you love sharing your passion for nature with others? Join our team as a Nature Center Docent! Docents lead fun and engaging guided hikes with school-aged children, serve as interpreters and naturalists, and participate in community outreach events, helping the public connect with the wonders of the natural world.

Our docents will also receive periodic training to better prepare them as interpreters and guides. If you enjoy being outdoors, teaching others, and inspiring curiosity, this is the perfect opportunity for you. Come make a difference!

Are you passionate about native plants and conservation? Become a greenhouse volunteer and help us grow and plant Texas native species that will thrive on the Refuge’s grounds! Volunteers will have the opportunity to study, grow, and plant native plants, contributing directly to habitat restoration and biodiversity efforts. This is a hands-on, outdoor role where you’ll work alongside our dedicated Natural Resources team to nurture and plant a variety of species.

All tools and materials will be provided, just bring outdoor clothes, a water source, and a passion for plants! The group meets every Wednesday morning from 9-12. If you love working outdoors and want to make a lasting impact on the environment, join our Greenhouse team and “give it a grow!”

Field Ecology & Park Improvement Projects.
Join the Natural Guard – get your hands dirty for conservation!

Love working outdoors to make a real impact? Become a part of Natural Guard, our hands-on volunteer team dedicated to preserving and enhancing the Nature Center. Work alongside our Natural Resources team on vital fieldwork projects, including trail maintenance, invasive species removal, wildlife care, and more!

Natural guard meets twice a week on a regular schedule (you can come either day)- Thursdays and Saturday mornings from 9-12. All tools, equipment, and training will be provided. Come prepared with outdoor clothes & a water source.

Whether you’re passionate about conservation or just love working with your hands, this is a great way to give back, stay active, and be a steward of the land. Join us to make a difference!

Observe, learn, and share daily nature observations with Nature Center guests by becoming a Roving Naturalist. Volunteers will greet park visitors in high-use areas throughout the Refuge and provide one-on-one natural history interpretation while enjoying the outdoors. Training is required and offered quarterly.

Throughout the year, we have several volunteer opportunities for special events that support the park. Volunteers are needed to plan, coordinate, decorate, set-up/clean-up, and to provide general assistance. Annual events include NatureCon, Trails & Treats/Monster Bash, and Summer Natural History Adventures (nature camp).

Love animals and want to make a difference? Join our wildlife ambassador care team and help care for the amazing educational animals at the Hardwicke Interpretive Center! Volunteers provide essential care for a variety of species, including reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and birds. Responsibilities include feeding the animals according to a prescribed diet and ensuring that they have comfortable, clean, and well-maintained enclosures.

Volunteers commit to a regular weekly shift, usually lasting 1-2 hours. This is a unique opportunity to work closely with animals, gain hands-on experience, and help educate the public about native wildlife. Join us to be a voice for our animal ambassadors!