Volunteering

*** This page is for long-term volunteers and service learning students, NOT parents volunteering during their child’s program. If you are a parent volunteer, please go to the “Programs” tab and select the program for which you are volunteering. ***

Photo of volunteers in different activities volunteering

Volunteer today and make a difference! Volunteers are essential to fulfilling our mission: To empower students of all ages through environmental and outdoor experiences that connect them with the natural world and equip them with the knowledge, skills, and motivation to make and act upon responsible environmental decisions. See below for opportunities ranging from environmental education to horticulture!

Benefits of Volunteering:

  • Join a dynamic and supportive team that wants to see you succeed

  • Foster environmental stewardship

  • Instill confidence in youth

  • Gain training and experience related to various skills and techniques

  • Network and meet like-minded people

  • Spend time outdoors

  • Restore natural ecosystems

  • Access potential for leadership roles, such as training other volunteers

  • Access potential for academic credit

  • Receive monthly volunteer opportunities newsletter

  • Enjoy volunteer appreciation social event

Opportunities

Training is provided for all volunteer assignments.

Land Steward

  • Duties: Maintain the native gardens and plant nursery. Manage invasive plant species. Assist with restoration projects. 

  • Time: 1-4 hours/day

  • Location: Arlington Echo Outdoor Education Center, 975 Indian Landing Rd, Millersville, MD 21108

Kindergarten Activity Leader (K)

  • Duties: Run a learning station to investigate the life cycle of a tree, forest ecology, or lead a tree-planting activity with small groups of students. 

  • Time: 4-5 hours/day

  • Location: Downs Park, 8311 John Downs Loop, Pasadena, MD 21122

4th Grade Activity Leader (4th)

  • Duties: Run a learning station to investigate the human impact on the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed.

  • Time: 4-8 hours/day

  • Location: Arlington Echo Outdoor Education Center, 975 Indian Landing Rd, Millersville, MD 21108

Aquatic Aid: Water Ready with Drownproofing (5th)

  • Duties: Support students during the water safety program, with special attention given to those with minimal experience swimming. Assistance may be needed inside or outside the water, depending on the school.

  • Time: 2-5 hours/day

  • Location:

    • October-May: Arundel Olympic Swim Center, 2690 Riva Rd, Annapolis, MD 21401

    • September, May, and June: Arlington Echo Outdoor Education Center, 975 Indian Landing Rd, Millersville, MD 21108

Field Assistant or Activity Leader: Chesapeake Connections (6th)

  • Duties: Aid in planting, macroinvertebrate collection, and water quality testing during the student’s field experiences, or lead an activity with students about water quality testing.

  • Time: 3-6 hours/day

  • Location: Site locations are throughout Anne Arundel County

Eco-Buddies

  • Duties: Maintain first grade monarch gardens and care for new trees planted by the kindergarten students

  • Time: Flexible throughout the year; some school gardens require entry during the school day

  • Location: Elementary schools throughout the county

Additional Opportunities

There are none at this time. Please email us or 410-222-3822 if you have a specific interest!

Getting Started

To get started, please fill out our volunteer application.

Please note: All volunteers are required to attend an orientation at Arlington Echo Outdoor Education Center. All positions are contingent upon completion of a successful background check.

Contact Information:

Please email our Volunteer Coordinator or 410-222-3822 if you have any questions.