Volunteer!
Current Needs | Ongoing Opportunities | Special Events | Photo Galleries
Join a dedicated corps of volunteers who are helping ANS fulfill its mission to preserve our region’s natural resources and increase public understanding of natural history. Founded and run by volunteers for many years, the Audubon Naturalist Society continues to rely on volunteers in many ways.
Volunteer opportunities are available through the ANS headquarters at Woodend in Chevy Chase, MD and at the Rust Sanctuary in Leesburg, VA. Minimum age of 14 required; training is provided as needed.
Benefits include opportunities to participate in hikes, lectures, and social events organized exclusively for volunteers.
Application (18 years and older) (PDF)
Student Application (ages 14–17) (PDF)
For questions, contact us by email: volunteer@audubonnaturalist.org, or by phone, 301-652-9188 x30
Current Needs
Autumn Lights Auction & Reception, Saturday, November 21, 6-9 p.m.
A few opportunities still available. Help support this festive event and be admitted at no charge. New this year: magic, harp music and mystery boxes.
Junk Mail Warrior Help ANS reduce junk mail received by staff. Contact sources by email or phone to remove ANS from their lists. Work can be done at home or at Woodend. A few hours a month; flexible scheduling.
Ongoing and Other Opportunities
Grounds Assistants
Help with the stewardship of ANS sanctuaries at Woodend in Chevy Chase MD or the Rust Sanctuary in Leesburg, VA. Assist with trail upkeep, tree work, and general maintenance. Flexible weekday hours; occasional opportunities to work on weekends.
Weed Whacking
Help maintain biodiversity at ANS sanctuaries by removing invasive non-native plants, weed in landscaped beds, or tend the compost bins.
Water Quality Monitoring
Monitor the health of our region's streams with a team of volunteers. Free workshops and classes are offered to prospective monitors. Monitors commit to a half-day of monitoring 3-4 times per year.
Audubon Sanctuary Shop
Assist customers in a congenial atmosphere, stock shelves, answer the phone, and perform other tasks as needed. Volunteers commit to 3 ½-hour shifts once a week, or twice monthly, Mondays through Fridays, or once a month on Saturdays. Training is provided.
Summer Nature Camps
Great opportunity for teens who enjoy working with children and spending time outdoors to earn community service hours! Nine week camp runs mid-June through mid- August. Volunteers commit to a minimum of one full camp week. Students must be entering 9th grade or above in the fall.
Office Assistants
Help with data entry, filing, mailings, and a variety of office tasks. Flexible hours.
Outreach
Varies opportunities, including information fairs and other events with flexible scheduling weekday or weekends. Birders and wildflower enthusiasts, see ANS Bloomin’ Birdathon below under Special Events for this important and fun spring opportunity.
Volunteer at Special Events
Audubon Nature Fair
Join more than 80 volunteers who help make this festive event happen the first Sunday in May at Woodend. Opportunities include working with children on nature programs and crafts as well as admissions, crafter support, traffic, set-up, and more.
ANS Bloomin' Birdathon
Birders or Wildflower Enthusiasts, join our annual fundraising event from mid-April to mid-May. Identify as many species as you can in a 24-hour period and solicit pledges for the number of species you find, or sponsor other birders or bloomers.
ANS Auction and Reception
Request items for this important fall fundraiser for ANS conservation programs. Help with set-up the week prior or assist the night of the gala.
