Nature Park Interpretive Center
| 15655 SW Millikan Way Beaverton, OR 97006 phone 503/629-6350 fax 503/629-6351 |
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Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers are essential to the success of events and programs offered through the Nature Park Interpretive Center, as well as improving native habitats throughout the Nature Park. 
Thousands of hours are logged each year by volunteers maintaining trails, removing invasive plants, and planting native trees and shrubs throughout the natural areas of a number of parks all over the Park District. Special events, like Bug Fest, could not happen without our volunteers who give their time to provide support for the events.
You can become a part of this amazing place by volunteering for one of the opportunities featured below. If you have any questions about these volunteer positions, please contact Melissa Marcum, Natural Resources Volunteer Coordinator, at 503/629-6350.
One-time Volunteer Opportunities
Environmental Work Parties
The Natural Resources Department always has a need to maintain restoration sites and trails throughout a number of parks. Our scheduled ongoing events can be viewed at Weekend Projects. Pre-registration is encouraged. If you would like to schedule a separate volunteer event specifically for your group or business please contact Melissa Marcum (minimum of 10 people required).
Special Event Support
The Nature Park Interpretive Center hosts four events a year, including:
- Green Garden Fair & Native Plant Sale (April)
- Bug Fest (August)
- Native Plant Sale (October)
- Newt Day (November)
Without volunteers these events would not be possible. There are jobs for everyone from plant and bug experts to those that just want to be inspired by a child seeing their first live newt. We'll match you up with the perfect job for you at these educational events. Feel free to register for our special events at Weekend Projects. Pre-registration for these events is required.
Regular Volunteer Positions
If you are interested in applying for any of our regular volunteer positions, please submit a volunteer application to Melissa Marcum at the Tualatin Hills Nature Park Interpertive Center, located at 15655 SW Millikan Way in Beaverton (97006).
Plant Gardeners
If you like to get your hands dirty, garden with native plants, and hang out at the Nature Park, consider adopting a portion of the native plant garden that wraps around the Nature Park Interpretive Center. Volunteers must commit to adopting and maintaining the plot for a minimum of one year. This program is perfect for individuals, families, businesses and community groups. Activities would include:
- Pulling non-native weeds once a month
- Occasional pruning of plants
- Spreading mulch once a year*
- Installing more native plants, if necessary*
*Plants and mulch will be provided.
Park Watch - Concerned Citizens Are Making a Difference!
Park Watch volunteers are ambassadors of the Nature Park. They provide information to park visitors and inform park staff of any problems they may notice while walking or jogging the trails. A comprehensive training is provided. If you visit the park regularly, this is a great opportunity to give back to the community while you get your daily dose of exercise.
Office Assistants
The Nature Park Interpretive Center has a number of volunteers who provide administrative support to staff and programs by keeping the library and information tables organized, as well as assisting in the daily operations of the center. Office assistants can help visitors with their questions, answer the telephone, prepare materials for programs and events, stuff envelopes, make copies and update interpretive displays. If you are looking or some on the job clerical experience, this is a great position for you!
Nature Education Assistants
Our Nature Education Assistants helps to plan, prepare and lead educational activities. These volunteers can also supervise youth enrolled in educational programs at the Nature Park Interpretive Center. This is a great opportunity to help instill a sense of wonder and respect for the natural world in children, while getting some great experience as an educator.
Stewardship Leaders
Stewardship Leaders assist the Natural Resources Department in improving the health of our local natural area parks by leading scheduled volunteer restoration projects and educating volunteers on local watershed issues.
The training for this program covers the following topics:
- Ecosystems, habitats, watersheds, biodiversity
- Native habitat restoration
- Planning and coordinating a local restoration work party
- Safety, tools and volunteer training
- Plant identification and proper planting techniques
- Removal of non-native plant species
Volunteers who complete this training are expected to commit to co-leading/leading a minimum of 2 volunteer projects each calendar year.
