Volunteers are the heart of our work.
Volunteers play a vital role in protecting Delaware’s natural heritage. From restoring habitats to supporting events and community programs, your time and energy help safeguard our land, water, and wildlife for generations to come.
Join our growing community of environmental volunteers and make a lasting impact in your local community.
Ways to Volunteer
Environmental Stewardship
Help care for natural lands by planting trees, removing invasive species, and improving habitats for native wildlife. These hands-on projects directly support clean water and healthy ecosystems across Delaware.
Featured Project: Middle Run Tree Planting
Volunteer for one of Delaware’s longest-running community reforestation projects. Since 1991, DelNature has coordinated reforestation at Middle Run Valley Reforestation project, planting over 55,000 trees to support birds, butterflies, and other wildlife while improving local watersheds. Individuals, families, scouts troops, and community groups are needed to help plant, cage, and water trees.
Who Can Join: Individuals, families, scouts, and community groups (children welcome with adults)
Site Specific Volunteering
Volunteer for a specific role at one of our nature centers. Find the right fit for you!
DuPont Environmental Education Center
Outreach Support
Love what DEEC has to offer? Help us reach out to others by attending outreach events in and around Wilmington, or distribute our information to local businesses and community.
Greeter/Interpreter
Love nature and meeting new people? Each week, DuPont Environmental Education Center sees hundreds of people of all ages visiting the Wilmington Riverfront. We need your help to help share the wonders of the outdoors and make them feel welcome! Training provided.
Volunteer Guide
Love the outdoors? Share it with children! Each year, DelNature introduces thousands of children to the wonders of our natural environment. Volunteer Guides lead groups of school children in a variety of outdoor learning experiences at DuPont Environmental Education Center. Be a part of the diverse group of adult volunteers that helps us make this happen! Training provided.
Abbott’s Mill Nature Center
Horseshoe Crab Spawning Surveyor
The Delaware Bay Horseshoe Crab Spawning Survey is conducted on 31 beaches in Delaware and New Jersey every May and June during the new and full moon evening high tides. Abbott’s Mill Nature Center administers the annual survey at Slaughter Beach, meeting at the Marvel Drive beach access road, across the street from our Marvel Saltmarsh Preserve and Boardwalk. New volunteer training is held in mid-April, and official survey dates/times are released in February on our Activities Calendar.
Ashland Nature Center
Animal Care Volunteer
Ashland Nature Center is home to over 25 different educational Animal Ambassadors. Animal Ambassadors are non-releasable individuals that live permanently under Delaware Nature Society’s care and are used to educate the public about animal husbandry, species specific characteristics, and ecosystems. Ideal animal care volunteers have a passion for animal care and are comfortable feeding, cleaning, and completing other general care tasks for various types of reptiles and amphibians. Volunteers are typically asked to volunteer on Mondays, Wednesday, and Fridays, with opportunities on other days of the week.
Coverdale Farm Preserve
Education and Engagement Volunteer
This volunteer Education and Engagement Assistant position is ideal for someone who enjoys interacting with people of all ages. The role offers opportunities to assist, teach, and lead a variety of educational programs and events, engaging with individuals ranging from preschoolers to adults and families. Responsibilities may include supporting events, assisting with activities such as reading stories or working at craft tables, and providing on-site interaction and interpretation for visitors. With opportunities available on weekends, weekdays, and during seasonal events, this role offers a flexible and rewarding way to contribute to the community and enhance overall visitor experience.
Education Support Volunteer
This flexible volunteer education support position offers behind-the-scenes assistance to instructors and education staff. The role provides a variety of opportunities, from prepping craft and activity materials to supporting site events, maintaining educational spaces, managing inventory, and helping to care for our children’s garden. Some tasks, such as gardening, are weekly, while others, like event support, are seasonal. This position offers valuable opportunities to contribute to education and community engagement in a flexible and meaningful way.
Vegetable Production Volunteer
Get your hands dirty working 3.5 acres of land in Coverdale Farm’s Vegetable Production garden. Do you have an interest in or passion for vegetable farming, growing plants, or regenerative agriculture? We want you to join our farm team (beginners welcome)! The Vegetable Production Volunteers play a key role in our work, bringing applicable knowledge and passion to achieve our vision of building an economically robust enterprise that models farming with environmental integrity.
Community Events
Bring people and nature together at our seasonal celebrations. Volunteers help with setup, guest engagement, and educational activities that make every event special.
Music at the Mill – Abbott’s Mill Nature Center
Fill summer evenings with live music, food trucks, and family fun. Volunteers assist with setup, check-in, and community outreach.
Summer Solstice Celebration – DuPont Environmental Education Center
Guide families through nature walks and hands-on learning while celebrating the migration of monarch butterflies.
Native Plant Sale Support
Our Spring and Fall Native Plant Sales are volunteer-powered. Help visitors select plants, restock displays, and share tips on gardening for water and wildlife.
All proceeds directly support our mission to protect the environment through education, conservation, and advocacy.
Locations:
- Abbott’s Mill Nature Center (Milford, DE)
- Coverdale Farm Preserve (Greenville, DE)
Volunteer FAQs
Most opportunities are open to all ages. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
No, training and materials are provided. Just bring your enthusiasm for nature.
Yes! We offer customized group opportunities throughout the year.
Group Volunteering
Looking for a team-building activity that gives back? We welcome corporate, school, and community groups to volunteer together. Projects include tree planting, trail work, and educational outreach – customized to your group’s goals.