Organizations

Beaver Creek Reserve is home to 9 miles of trails and more than 400 acres of diverse habitat including upland woods, river bottom forests, wetlands, and savannah areas, as well as a multitude of flora and fauna. Explore the rich, natural diversity of Wisconsin's Chippewa Valley at Beaver Creek Reserve through visiting the Wise Nature Center, seasonal Butterfly House, Hobbs Observatory, Citizen Science Center, Youth Camp, and more! Volunteer opportunities are offered year-round, and change with the seasons. From checking in visitors at the Nature Center, to maintaining native gardens & trail systems, bird banding and bird monitoring, controlling aquatic invasive species, guiding visitors around our Butterfly House or volunteering in our Caterpillar Lab, helping with summer camps, and more. There are endless opportunities to volunteer with Beaver Creek Reserve for people with various interests and skill levels.

The mission of the Cable Natural History Museum is to connect people to Northwoods nature through educational experiences that inspire wonder, discovery, and responsibility. We envision a community where everyone considers themselves a naturalist, living life actively engaged in meaningful connections with nature. Volunteers are needed in many aspects of the Museum, and are essential to the achievement of our mission. Get involved by assisting with (or teaching) educational programs, exhibits, collections, participating in community science, staffing the front desk, gardening, fundraising events, and so much more!

Nestled at the confluence of the St. Croix and Mississippi Rivers near Hastings, and located only thirty minutes from the metro, Carpenter St. Croix Valley Nature Center provides a unique opportunity to learn and explore the outdoors. We preserve wildlife habitats while providing educational experiences for community families. To ensure people of all economic backgrounds can connect to nature, admission is completely free. Carpenter Nature Center plays a vital role in the hands-on education of more than 7,000 K-12 students and 50,000 visitors annually. The diverse ecosystems found on 725 acres of protected habitat minutes from a major metropolitan area make Carpenter a destination for teachers and families alike. With campuses on both sides of the river in Hastings, MN and Hudson, WI Carpenter Nature Center shows students the importance of working in harmony with the natural world and gives them the science skills and experiences they need to begin to understand and solve our future global environmental problems.

The mission of the Door County Land Trust is to protect Door County's exceptional lands and waters forever. Since 1986, we have worked with landowners, partners, and community members to permanently protect the forests, wetlands, shorelines, and farmlands that make Door County unlike anywhere else. We are not a government agency. We are a local nonprofit, supported by neighbors who believe this place is worth protecting. Join us in protecting and stewarding these special places.

Our mission: To restore, protect and promote the Pheasant Branch Conservancy and watershed for today and tomorrow. This drives our programs and decisions as we advocate for the Conservancy, and do our physical, informational and educational work. We have volunteer opportunities in land restoration, citizen science/monitoring, and education, located in Middleton, WI. Join us to provide public Conservancy Day programs, lead walks, serve as a naturalist for our school field trips and service learning days, manage invasive species, collect seeds, tend to our prairie plant propogation garden, advocate for conservation policies and land protection, support responsible recreational activities, monitor bird and other species populations on Conservancy land, maintain water quality testing, staff events, help with our publications and outreach, and so much more! 500+ acres of high quality prairie, oak savanna, wetland, spring complexes, and trails in the heart of the city.

The Friends of the St. Croix WMD is an all-volunteer, non-profit 501(c)3 organization dedicated to supporting the mission of the St. Croix Wetland Management District to restore prairie, wetlands and oak savanna historically found within west-central Wisconsin and engage communities, volunteers, partners, etc. Vision: Promote healthy wetlands and prairies to foster resilient habitat for wildlife and people. Mission: In partnership with USFWS and others, the Friends of SCWMD conserve and protect lands, waters and wildlife while providing opportunities for connection to wild places and outdoor spaces for present and future generations.

Our mission: Hope for Earth creates a hopeful, ecologically sustainable future for the River Falls area through action, advocacy, collaboration, and education. Programs include Sustainibility Presentation Series, River Falls EarthFest, and the Climate Action & Resiliency Iniative.

Hunt Hill Nature Center is a nature preserve and learning center, open to all, dedicated to fostering understanding, appreciation, and protection of the environment. Hunt Hill protects nearly 600 acres of Wisconsin land and waters and has over seven miles of hiking trails open to the public.

One of the world's most popular nature apps, iNaturalist helps you identify the plants and animals around you. Get connected with a community of over 750,000 scientists and naturalists who can help you learn more about nature! What's more, by recording and sharing your observations, you'll create research quality data for scientists working to better understand and protect nature. Join the "Wisconsin Master Naturalists" project to see observations from other Master Naturalists in our state.

This is a group of landowners and others interested in collectively increasing capacity for benefiical fire in the Iowa County area. We are building community, connections, experience, and learning exchanges and welcome more members anytime, as well as volunteers to help us get fire on the ground. Questions welcome if you have 'em!

The Southern Unit covers more than 22,000 acres of prairie, forest, springs, campgrounds and trails. Visit to experience many types of ecosystems and recreational activities.

Kinnickinnic River Land Trust works with the community to conserve and protect the beauty and health of the Kinnickinnic River and its watershed.

Kishwauketoe Nature Conservancy encompasses 231 acres of diverse ecosystems within the Village of Williams Bay, Wisconsin. Protected from commercial development by the Village in 1990, KNC is one of the region’s most important ecological and community assets. It functions as the largest intact natural water filtration system on the shores of Geneva Lake, where Harris and Southwick Creeks flow through the property and help cleanse more than 500,000,000 gallons of freshwater annually before it reaches the lake. The goals of Kishwauketoe Nature Conservancy are to preserve, restore or establish native ecological communities typical of the region, to ensure public access and to promote recreation, education and research opportunities, with an emphasis on our natural ecological environment, including the importance of dark sky quality as part of the natural environment. The conservancy protects an extraordinary range of ecosystems, including wetlands, prairie, oak woods, kettle, meadow, deciduous forest, an arboretum, and two creeks, all within a single, carefully preserved landscape.

Located in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, Kohler-Andrae State Park staff and volunteers offer nature-based interpretive, creative and educational programs for campers, families and day visitors in the park. Volunteers serve as hosts at the Sanderling Nature Center from May 1 - October 31. Volunteers also host at the nature center during our Cabin Fever Series which occurs on the 3rd Saturday of the months of December-April. Volunteers also make up the Kohler-Andrae Conservation Team which meets on Friday mornings from 8:30-noon from Labor Day to Memorial Day. The Conservation Team helps with land management, invasive species management, facilities maintenance, sign installation and much more.

The Land Restoration School, founded in 2021, launches the careers of ambitious and dedicated ecological restorationists, with diverse representation to create new approaches and ways to work within community. We strive to attain excellence within the conservation field and to be a model for change in the world, with an accessible career alternative that is paid, collaborative, and transformative. This academic program teaches the principles, practice and planning of ecological restoration for lands that need healing — an educational immersion in land restoration.

Madison FUN Friends of Urban Nature is a volunteer led partnership of Parks, Environmental, Educational and Friends of Parks organizations. Our mission is to Connect Madison area communities and kids with nearby urban nature. Together we co-sponsor 120 regularly scheduled free family friendly educational naturalist guided Bird and Nature Adventures every year with 2 or 3 every weekend in local parks and natural areas, an annual Bird and Nature Festival, and the annual Madison Parks FUN Wisconsin Master Naturalist Class helping to generate and engage new nature education and activity leaders. Madison FUN volunteers also help lead, facilitate, make connections, help engage adults and kids and provide shared resources for urban area nature restoration initiatives, new Frirnds of Parks groups, and Citizen Science opportunities including Bird counts, Bluebird trails, Martin houses, Bat houses, Bee monitoring, Frog monitoting, and Water monitoring. We welcome volunteer leaders and help engage the public in activities.

MNP is a 510-acre active ecosystem restoration site and outdoor laboratory at the edge of urban/rural northwest Milwaukee. Our land includes an education center, six miles of ADA-accessible trails, two observation towers, a nature play space, and restoration agricultural plots. MNP is free and open to the public 365 days a year from sunrise to sunset, welcoming 50,000 annual visitors. As the largest protected green space in Southeast Wisconsin, MNP serves as a model for land restoration, green infrastructure, outdoor education, and regenerative agriculture.

Located just outside of New London in the bend of the Wolf River, Mosquito Hill Nature Center is your next stop for outdoor adventure and environmental education. Open year round, the nature center features educational displays, public programming for all ages, school field trips, and more. Trails on the property offer beautiful views of lowland forests, prairies, and upland forests.

Since 1986, The Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin (NRF) has protected Wisconsin’s lands, waters, and wildlife by providing funding, leading partnerships, and connecting all people with nature.

The NGLVC helps people connect with the natural resources of the Northern Great Lakes Region (as well as history and culture) through educational programs and customer-based information and services. We provide free public programming for people of all ages including seasonal field trips for area schools. Common topics include habitats, natural resources, ecosystems, and wetlands.

The North Lakeland Discovery Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit environmental education and nature center in Manitowish Waters, Wisconsin. Our mission is to enrich lives and inspire an ethic of care for Wisconsin’s Northwoods through the facilitation of connections among people, nature, and community. We provide lifelong learning for all ages including environmental education programs, monitoring and research projects, drop-in activities, and much more. We also offer a variety of diverse volunteer opportunities, including environmental stewardship activities, nature center docent trainings, special events, and youth/adult program activities.

Restoring Lands is an accredited Land Trust. Our mission is to protect, connect, and restore Southeast Wisconsin’s lands and waters for the benefit of all. We envision a living landscape of restored lands and waters, where nature and community connect, and the promise of open spaces endures for generations to come. Restoring Lands manages over 7,000 acres of land in the Milwaukee River Basin and beyond, including over 50 conservation easements and 35+ preserves that are free and open to the public year-round from dawn until dusk. We offer weekly volunteer opportunities throughout the year, from community science opportunities to invasive species removal and native seed, plug, whip, shrub and tree planting.

Retzer Nature Center, part of the Waukesha County Park System, is an approximately 483 acre community resource for inquiry-based environmental education for people of all ages and abilities and provides opportunities for all to connect, explore, and engage in nature and develop meaningful connections that foster lifelong environmental stewardship. Retzer features exhibit halls highlighting the "Unseen World" with live animals, a prairie underground display and 700-gallon freshwater aquarium as well as hands-on recycling, composting and water resource exhibits. Retzer Garden, Discovery Trail and boardwalk trail offer fully accessible opportunities to connect, explore and engage outdoors. The School District of Waukesha, state-of-the-art Horwitz-DeRemer Planetarium and exhibit hall are also located within Retzer Nature Center. Volunteer opportunities at Retzer Nature Center include: * Teaching Naturalists that facilitate environmental education programs for all ages * Natural Land Management Volunteers that assist with invasive species removal and tree and shrub planting * Gardener Volunteers that care for the Retzer Garden, rain gardens, pollinator garden, and homestead shade garden * Special Event Volunteers that assist with Apple Harvest Festival, Wild Winter Night, Winter Janboree, and more

Once designated to be a jet fighter base, Richard Bong State Recreation Area is named after Major Richard I. Bong, a Poplar, WI native who was America's leading air ace during World War II. The air base was abandoned three days before concrete was to be poured for a 12,500-foot runway. Local citizens had the foresight to protect this open space for future generations. Now this land is a place for all to recreate and connect with Earth. We offer many different recreation activities, including hiking, biking, boating, fishing, ATV trails, and a Nature Explore Classroom for inquisitive minds of all ages.

River Bend Nature Center is located in Racine and is dedicated to resource conservation and environmental education. At nearly 80 acres, River Bend is a natural jewel that sits just outside the city limits and welcomes thousands of guests and learners each year. Their Habitat Healers group is comprised of volunteers committed to the stewardship of River Bend's upland and lowland forests, ponds, marshes, and riverine habitat in order to support and conserve the organisms that inhabit these special places. Habitat Healers meet every Wednesday and Saturday morning from 9a-noon to tackle restoration projects on the property and welcome anyone with an interest and desire to help care for the land, regardless of the level of experience!

The River Doc Nature Conservancy is a place to connect, engage, and explore. With 2+ miles of hiking trails and two bridges through prairie, woodland, and wetland, the RDNC is an essential learning environment along the NE shores of Lake Desair. Over 3,500 visitors every year include classes early childhood through high school and public nature-based learning opportunities. The Friends of the RDNC have worked on projects such as stream-bank restoration, implementation of retention ponds, tree plantings, prairie plantings, trail maintenance, sign development, and assisting the hands-on, minds-on learning of the many class field trips. The "River Doc" namesake and donor Dr. Rod and Carol Olson have generously donated the beautiful shoreline acreage to the Rice Lake Area School District with the mission to continue the legacy of excellent stewardship.

The Sauk Prairie Conservation Alliance promotes the ecological healing of the former grounds of the Badger Army Ammunition Plant. We use our limited resources to promote citizen science projects, educational outreach programming, and hands-on conservation efforts. Our role is facilitating collaborative conservation between the various parcel owners and the general public. We’re proud of our historical partnerships with the Wisconsin Department of Resources, the Ho-Chunk Nation, and the USDA Dairy Forage Research Center.

Once a farm for the Schlitz Brewery draft horses, Schlitz Audubon Nature Center is Milwaukee’s comprehensive nature center. We offer six miles of trails that take visitors through 185 acres of forests, wetlands, restored prairies, ravines, bluffs, and Lake Michigan shoreline.

Superior Rivers Watershed Association is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization based in Ashland, Wisconsin. Founded in 2002 as the Bad River Watershed Association and expanded in 2015 to include Wisconsin’s Lake Superior Basin, we engage the community as stewards of our watersheds through citizen science, restoration work, and environmental place-based education. Mission: to promote and protect clean water resources in Wisconsin’s Lake Superior basin. Vision: a future where citizens are stewards of their watershed. Values: expanding scientific understanding, engaging the community, informed decision-making, and collaborative efforts

Founded by conservationist and landscape architect, Jens Jensen, in 1935, The Clearing Folk School offers classes for adults in natural sciences, fine arts, skilled crafts and humanities.

The Prairie Enthusiasts is a regional, volunteer-driven conservation organization that seeks to ensure the perpetuation and recovery of prairies, oak savannas, and related fire-dependent natural communities of the Upper Midwest. We do so through land protection, hands-on restoration and management, and education, and strive to work openly and collaboratively with private landowners, public agencies and other conservation groups.

Founded in 1937 in Baileys Harbor, Door County, The Ridges Sanctuary is Wisconsin’s first land trust, protecting over 1,700 acres of some of the most biologically diverse landscapes in the state. Our mission is to protect the Sanctuary and inspire stewardship of natural areas through education, outreach, and research. Home to unique ridge-and-swale formations, coastal boreal forests, wetlands, and rare plant and animal species, The Ridges offers people of all ages opportunities to connect with nature. Through year-round educational programs, guided hikes, ecological research, and conservation initiatives, we work to foster an appreciation for the natural world. Volunteers play an essential role in fulfilling our mission, supporting everything from citizen science and habitat restoration to trail maintenance, native plant gardening, and educational programming. Through these efforts, we strive to preserve the Sanctuary's natural heritage and inspire future generations of environmental stewards.

Upham Woods is a residential, year-round, outdoor learning center for youth and adults, operating under the Natural Resources Institute of the University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension. We offer environmental education and outdoor recreation programs, 4-H and other youth camps, professional development workshops, and conferences and retreats. Through our programs, we aim to ignite curiosity, cultivate leadership, and create a lasting impact on the natural world and the communities we serve.

The Urban Ecology Center is a Nature Based Community Center. We have three locations found in Milwaukee Parks. Our mission is that we connect people in Milwaukee to nature and each other. We offer volunteer opportunities in Land Restoration and Research throughout the year.

Working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.

The UW-Madison Arboretum offers year-round educational programming for all ages and a variety of short- and longer-term volunteer opportunities. The Arboretum's mission is to conserve and restore Arboretum lands, advance restoration ecology, and foster the land ethic.

Water Action Volunteers (WAV) is Wisconsin's statewide volunteer stream monitoring program. WAV is an ongoing partnership between the University of Wisconsin–Madison Division of Extension and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, in collaboration with over 50 local groups and organizations.

The Horicon Marsh Education and Visitor hosts over 200 events, programs, groups, bus tours, etc. throughout the calendar year. With limited budget and staff, volunteers play a vital role in presenting quality nature-based education programs to many of these groups or the general public. Volunteer naturalists are trained by DNR staff in the numerous programs offered to school groups based on experience and comfort level. They then team teach with DNR staff or seasoned volunteers until comfortable teaching on their own. Volunteers have also developed their own drop in programs or specialty events to be offered at the education center to the general public. We also host many special community events each year, such as the Candlelight Hike, Horicon Marsh Bird Festival, Horicon Marsh Paddle, Starry Night on the Marsh and Hike or Treat. Each event has an educational aspect or focus on recreational opportunities in nature where volunteers are needed. We also have volunteers that assist with planning, coordinating, theme development and more of these events!

Weed Out! Racine is a small, all volunteer non-profit {501(c)(3)} with the purpose of restoring ecosystems. We remove invasive plants and install native ones, aiming to restore functional ecosystems that support the critters that live there AND create a natural experience for people. Currently our work is in Colonial Park, Racine, a recovering flood plain forest that was upended by the emerald ash borer; we lost 40% of the canopy. We work from late March through early November.

Located within Whitnall Park in Franklin, Wisconsin, Wehr Nature Center is Milwaukee County Parks’ award-winning environmental education center, encompassing 220 acres of diverse natural habitats. With more than five miles of trails winding through woodlands, wetlands, tallgrass prairies, oak savannas, and around Mallard Lake, Wehr provides an outdoor classroom where people of all ages can discover, explore, and develop a deeper connection with the natural world. At Wehr, nature-based learning is at the heart of everything we do. Through hands-on environmental education, naturalist-led programs, school field trips, community events, and interpretive experiences, we inspire curiosity, encourage exploration, and foster an appreciation for the plants, animals, and ecosystems that make southeastern Wisconsin unique. Our programs invite participants to become active observers and learners, building an understanding of ecological relationships, biodiversity, conservation, and the importance of caring for the natural world. Volunteers are an essential part of bringing this mission to life. By sharing their time, talents, knowledge, and enthusiasm, volunteers help create meaningful experiences for visitors while supporting environmental education, conservation, and community engagement. Opportunities may include assisting with educational programs and special events, engaging visitors in nature-based activities, supporting habitat restoration and land stewardship efforts, maintaining trails and gardens, and helping with projects that connect people with the outdoors. Whether helping a child discover their first insect, introducing visitors to the wonders of native plants and wildlife, or lending a hand in restoring natural habitats, volunteers make a lasting difference. Every contribution helps cultivate curiosity, strengthen connections to nature, and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards. Wehr Nature Center welcomes people with diverse interests, backgrounds, abilities, and experiences who share a passion for nature and a desire to make a difference. Together, we create opportunities for everyone to experience the wonder of the natural world and discover how they can help protect it. Join us in inspiring people to explore, learn about, and care for the natural world!

Wild Ones promotes native landscapes through education, advocacy, and collaborative action.

The Wisconsin Academy is a place where people can connect with experts and learn from each other. Our programs are made for people who are curious abut the world and proud of Wisconsin ideas.

A Leader for Environmental Education The Wisconsin Association for Environmental Education is a member-based, professional community of individuals and organizations with diverse backgrounds that promotes responsible environmental action, elevates voices for environmental justice, and celebrates excellence in environmental education. Three pillars frame our work: Advocacy, Networking, and Recognition. WAEE is part of the NAAEE Affiliate Network.

The Wisconsin Bat Conservation Network was established in 2026 to support Wisconsin bat conservation. WBCN is comprised of Wisconsin Bat Ambassadors and other volunteers who work in cooperation with and under the guidance from Wisconsin DNR Natural Heritage staff to support bat conservation efforts state-wide. Volunteer opportunities focused around education/outreach, conservation, and stewardship will be available.

Volunteers are an integral part of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources approach to monitoring hundreds of species and habitats in forests, grasslands, wetlands, lakes, rivers and streams throughout the state. This public involvement leads to high-quality scientific data, offers rewarding and educational outdoor opportunities for volunteers and promotes information sharing and collaborations between members of the public and the DNR. Working together, we can better inform natural resource management and conservation. Community-based monitoring projects are active in every county in the state, with volunteer opportunities available for everyone, regardless of initial skill level, science or nature experience or time availability. No matter who you are or where you are in Wisconsin, you can contribute to the management of our precious aquatic and terrestrial natural resources.

Help us care for some of our state's most pristine public lands, State Natural Areas (SNA). Encourage native plants and animals to thrive by cutting brush, controlling invasive species, collecting seeds, monitoring rare species, and preparing fire breaks. Show up for a day or become a steward responsible for all volunteer activities at an SNA. Any level of participation is encouraged and no experience is necessary to start volunteering.

The Wisconsin Master Naturalist program supports a network of well-informed volunteers and instructors dedicated to conservation service, leadership, and lifelong learning. Through expert-led trainings out in nature and in the classroom, Master Naturalists are equipped to address environmental challenges facing the state. Make a positive impact through stewardship, citizen science, and educational activities. Join us today!

All wildlife areas are open to a full range of traditional outdoor recreational uses. These include hunting, fishing, trapping, hiking, nature study and berry picking. Dog training or trialing (hunting dog competitions) may be allowed by permit. A limited number of properties allow additional outdoor recreation at designated locations such as seasonal primitive camping, bicycling, horseback riding and snowmobiling.

The Wisconsin State Park System provides places for outdoor recreation and for learning about nature and conservation. State parks, forests, trails and recreation areas see more than 20 million visits a year. Come and join the fun!