Locations

The George W. Mead Wildlife Area has an ongoing need for volunteers to assist with educational programming. Volunteers will be responsible for teaching one lesson; the lesson is scripted and all materials will be out and ready upon arrival. Lesson topics include survival strategies, nature hikes, foraging, birding, orienteering, fly tying, and much more. Most lessons are taught outdoors. Groups range in ages, from kindergarten to senior. Contact sandra.deroche@wisconsin.gov for more information.

Volunteers serving in the Greeter position will be the initial contact person for visitors and phone calls to the center. Greeters are expected to proactively engage all customers and visitors while responding accurately to all questions posed, in‐person and on the phone. Greeters distribute maps along with other information regarding various property uses, department rules, and guidance. They record visitor numbers and contact information in logbooks. Greeters may assist customers with purchases of merchandise from the Friends of the Mead/McMillan. On occasion, greeters may accept packages shipped to the facility. Experienced Greeters may provide tours of the facility and adjacent grounds or accept additional projects. Additionally, they may be asked to assist with visitor center coverage for times of staff training, mandatory meetings, staff emergencies or illness.

Volunteers serving in the Education Assistant position will assist Mead staff facilitation of educational programming. Educational programming targets a variety of audiences and may include in‐person as well as virtual program support. Education Assistants may be involved in a variety of tasks including activity set up and tear down, facilitation of education activity, leading interpretive walks, hikes, or snowshoe events, presentation of area of interest, workshop host, and virtual meeting host or moderator.

Volunteers serving in the Facilities and Grounds Maintenance position will assist Mead staff with general maintenance of the facility and adjacent grounds. Activities may include but not limited to lawn mowing, weeding, managing the bird feeding station, cleaning of windows and doors, staining and painting, cutting firewood, snow removal, and trash, recycling, liter removal. Facilities and Grounds Maintenance volunteers may be asked assist with large event set up, tear down and parking management.

Individuals in this position assist in tasks related to a variety of events. Some events are designed to involve families or school age children. Other events require help such as seasonal cleaning or event facilitation. Check out the events page to see where we are looking for extra help.

The Mead Kite Festival is an excellent opportunity for those with Wisconsin Bat Ambassador training to reach hundreds of people of all ages that are curious about Wisconsin bats. The Bat Ambassadors will run a table or two with hands-on engaging educational activities. Materials can be provided by the WI Bat Ambassador program, lunch, beverages, and snacks will be provided the day of the program. Located at George W. Mead Wildlife Area, Stanton W. Mead Education and Visitor Center, 201517 Cty Hwy S, Milladore, WI; 20 minutes from WI Rapids, 25 minutes from Stevens Point, and 30 minutes from Wausau. August 22nd, 2026 10:30 am - 3:30 pm. Contact sandra.deroche@wisconsin.gov for more information.