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Would you like to help care for Saint Paul's parks and natural areas?  We have a variety of volunteer opportunities in gardening, habitat restoration, environmental education and park maintenance.

Volunteers greatly enhance our ability to improve Saint Paul's natural environment, educate the community and keep our park system beautiful and safe.  Volunteers compliment the abilities and work of Parks staff by significantly expanding the reach and impact of our programs.  



Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities - Groups and Individuals

Eco Stewards help preserve, protect and restore Saint Paul’s natural areas by assisting with habitat restoration and conservation within Saint Paul's park system; both one-time and ongoing volunteer opportunities are available.   

Garden Stewards  assist in the planting, care and ongoing maintenance of gardens throughout Saint Paul's park system. In 2012, 48% of Parks’ gardens were maintained with the help of volunteers (49 of 102 Parks garden sites).

Park Stewards help maintain clean, beautiful and safe parks and trails throughout Saint Paul by picking up litter, weeding and reporting vandalism or maintenance issues to Parks staff.

One Time Volunteer Events - Groups and Individuals

Community events: Our Natural Resources team hosts volunteer events from April through October that are open to the public.  We also co-host events with partner organizations including the National Park Service, Friends of the Mississippi River, Conservation Corps Minnesota and Great River Greening.  These events engage community members to restore and improve the natural environment in Saint Paul.  Activities include habitat restoration, planting native species, removal of invasive species, buckthorn removal, mulching, litter clean-up, planting raingardens and special projects in natural areas. Participation at an event only requires an interest in improving your local natural areas and a willingness to get a little dirty.  Please see the calendar below for upcoming volunteer events.

View 2013 Community Volunteer Events

Private group events:  We can also host a private group volunteer event for your company, club or organization (for 20 to 150+ people).  Activities include habitat restoration, planting native species, removal of invasive species, buckthorn removal, mulching, litter clean-up, planting raingardens and special projects in natural areas. Training and education, tools, gloves and plenty of ice water will be provided. 

Group Event Information (PDF file) 

Contact: 
Andy Rodriguez, Volunteer Coordinator
651-632-2411