Volunteers
Protecting the Oak Openings is a big task, but, if everyone brings their time and skills to the table, we will be able to reconnect our human communities with our natural communities. With your help we can continue to preserve, enhance and restore this unique natural wonder.
There are many ways to contribute. Contact us today for more information or to let us know that you are ready to join!
Outdoor Stewardship-Immerse yourself in the Oak Openings and get hands on experience restoring Oak Openings habitats. Land Stewards are needed to collect native seeds for propagation, control invasive species, join the prescribed burn crew, or monitor restoration progress. Want a project that is yours to take pride in? Consider joining the Adopt-A-Natural Area program.
Table Events– Help raise awareness about the the beautiful and unique Oak Openings and the work that is being done to protect them by volunteering to table at local events, such as farmer’s markets and community events.
Social Media– Got a knack for getting “likes”? Help keep people engaged and reach new audiences on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Content Writer– We have a powerful story to tell and need the help of a creative writer to help share the collaborative efforts of GRI partners. These articles may appear on the GRI website or in newsletters.
Social Scientist (College Student)- An analysis of social trends and human behavior within and surrounding the Oak Openings region is important for how we market to our audience and can make our efforts more targeted based on the results received.
Photographer– Get out and capture the best of the Oak Openings, both people and nature!
Host an Event- Some people need help on figuring out how to tackle problem areas in their yards, while other have discovered tricks to solving those problems. By volunteering to host a Landowner workshop, not only do they get some help with their property, but they also get a local network of people, each with resources, who are trying to restore the Oak Openings and can then help one another rather than attempting to do it by themselves.
Student Internships– The Nature Conservancy offers internship opportunities to undergraduate students that would like to contribute to collaborative projects in the Oak Openings Region. An Education and Outreach Internship is available in the Spring and Restoration and Monitoring internships are available in the Summer and Fall. Click here for current opportunities.
Volunteer opportunities are also available through these partner agencies:
MICHIGAN
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Southeast Michigan Land Conservancy
OHIO
Ohio Department of Natural Resources