Friends of Wehr
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John Muir quote



Volunteer

Work has never been so much fun! Enjoy the camaraderie along with physical and mental exercise to boost the spirit and, at the same time, make invaluable contributions to a great cause.

All ages are welcome and no experience is necessary. Volunteer opportunities abound – working with schoolchildren, boiling maple sap, chipping trails, and caring for snakes and turtles are just a few. Wehr volunteers do it all - and with great humor and energy. Their contributions are not only enormous but invaluable. Join us for a fun and rewarding experience!

 

The Joys of Volunteering

  • Personal satisfaction of helping others
  • Meeting new people
  • Sharing nature with people of all ages
  • Annual recognition dinner
  • Library privileges
Monarch butterfly emerges from its chrysalis How to Get Started
Join us and become a volunteer by contacting Volunteer Coordinator, Jo Williams. She will help you find appropriate opportunities for your interests and availability.

Email Jo at jo.williams@ces.uwex.edu, call 414-425-8550,
or click here for our Volunteer Information Form.


Thank you for your support!

Volunteer Job Descriptions

Phenology Walker
Join the group and learn as you go to keep an eye on seasonal changes. Walk the trails to look for and record plants as they bloom and birds fresh from migration. This information is used to keep public displays of current plants and birds up to date and is recorded in data bases. Volunteers must be able to stand and walk over varied terrain for 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Nature Teaching Volunteer
This opportunity is for people who enjoy working with children and being outdoors in all seasons. Trained volunteers lead groups of school children on discovery hikes along Wehr’s nature trails and in some other Milwaukee County Parks. Volunteers must be capable of walking, standing, kneeling, and carrying equipment. Enjoying kids and being patient are essential. Attendance at seasonal training sessions is required.

Dotty’s Crafters
Meet once a month indoors to help prepare craft materials for nature programs and for special events at the Nature Center. Projects involve cutting with scissors, paper punching, stringing with yarn, and other “crafty” abilities. Training is on the job and members usually sit and chat while they work.

Wheel ‘n Chip Society
Work outdoors in teams on maintenance projects that include chipping trails, trimming bushes, mending fences, burning the prairie, removing invasive plant species, putting up signs, and more. All are ongoing projects so the Wheel n’ Chippers are busy all year round. Must be physically able to stand, walk, and work outdoors all seasons. Minimum age is 16.

Earth Care
Those who enjoy gardening are perfect for the Earth Care crew. They help maintain the native plant garden areas around the Visitor Center. During spring and summer months, they can also pull invasive plants like Garlic Mustard and Dames Rocket. Fall is a time for collecting native plant seeds. Must be able to walk, stand, and kneel for long periods of time. Knowledge of native plants is helpful but not necessary as on the job training is provided. Volunteers must be available on Thursday mornings. Minimum age is 16.

Special Events
Those who are looking for a unique opportunity with a limited time commitment will find Special Events a perfect fit. Wehr offers eleven special events throughout the year, each one focusing on a special theme. Volunteering is available for all, some, or only one of these as schedules/interests permit. Most of the events are held on weekends during the day with the exception of Halloween Haunts which is offered Thursday-Friday evenings during one week in October. Necessary abilities vary. Training is provided.

Trail Patrol
This is the perfect opportunity for those who would like to walk Wehr’s trails on their own and on their own schedule. Pick up litter, provide information to visitors, and remind visitors of park etiquette.

Critter Care
This opportunity requires not only a love of animals but willingness to commit to a weekly schedule for cleaning and feeding. Special training required. Minimum age is 16.

Resource Keeper
Those who love organization and books will take to this opportunity to help managing Wehr’s library, photo collection, and other informational resources. This is another opportunity for those who have a flexible schedule and time constraints.

Community Outreach
Volunteer represent Wehr Nature Center and Friends of Wehr at community events throughout the year by manning displays and providing general information with a smile.

Gifts by Nature Volunteer
Do you like to shop? Or maybe you like to help other people shop. Here’s an opportunity for you. Become a sales associate at Friends of Wehr’s newly acquired nature store. Must be able to run a cash register and enjoy customer service.

Friends of Wehr Board
Do you have a passion for Wehr Nature Center? Do you have organizational, fund raising, marketing, and financial management skills? Consider joining the board to assist in making decisions that will affect both the present and the future of Wehr Nature Center. Terms are a two year commitment. Board meetings are held monthly.

Friends of Wehr Committees
For those who prefer a shorter commitment but still enjoy high level organization, Friends of Wehr Board Committees offer just the thing. Some of the existing committees include Fund Raising, Cider Sunday, Membership, and Marketing. Meeting times vary.
Friends Of Wehr  |  Wehr Nature Center  |  9701 W. College Ave.  |  Franklin, WI 53132
Phone (414) 425-8550  |  Fax: (414) 425-6992 |  info@friendsofwehr.org
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