VOLUNTEER

Join us for our Volunteer Open-House days!


Anyone can come in and learn about volunteering at Wehr. No commitment necessary! (Youth ages 8-15 must be accompanied by an adult).


Dates:

- July 8th 5-6:30pm



Volunteers are the lifeblood of our organization and are infused into every aspect of the nature center. Volunteers can assist with special events like Cider Sunday and Maple Sugar Days, lead school field trips, maintain trails, remove invasive species, prepare program materials, assist with office tasks, collaborate with Friends of Wehr, work on tailored service projects, and more!


"Volunteers are not paid not because they're worthless...because they are priceless"

Apply to Volunteer Email Volunteer Coordinator

group volunteer opportunities

Bring your office to volunteer for a day! VTO or Volunteer Time Off can be an incredibly rewarding experience for your team. Give back to the community, bond with your team, and have a great day outdoors! 


Opportunities for groups: 

- Invasive Species Removal

- Pumpkin Carving (October only) 

- Planting (June only) 

- Envelope Stuffing 

- Window Washing 
Email to Schedule

New and Current Volunteers

Volunteer Teaching Naturalist


Password Protected Access to Calendars & Teaching Materials.

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ON-GOING VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES

There is something for everyone!

To view full calendar, please view on desktop.

Volunteer FAQs

  • What can volunteers do at Wehr?

    • Help with annual special events like Cider Sunday and Maple Sugar Days
    • Be a nature teacher working with school field trips and in-school programs
    • Keep Wehr’s trails well maintained
    • Remove invasive species
    • Prepare program materials
    • Help with office work
    • Get involved with the Friends of Wehr
    • Work on a special service project created to match your requirements and the Nature Center needs.

    Opportunities range from annual events to ongoing tasks that happen weekly or monthly. Check out the Volunteer Opportunity Directory above for listings of volunteer roles with descriptions.

  • Who can volunteer?

    • Individuals – Ages 8 to 100+ (youth ages 8-15 must be accompanied by an adult)
    • Families – Families with children ages 8 and up can volunteer as a group
    • Groups – Corporate groups, service learning groups, youth groups
    • Students

  • How do I become a volunteer?

    It’s easy! The first step to becoming a volunteer (individual or group leader) is to complete the online application. Once we have received your application, the Volunteer Coordinator will contact you to set up a time to meet to do an interview/orientation and conduct a criminal background check.

  • Why do people volunteer at Wehr?

    • To use their passion about the natural world to make an impact.
    • To grow their sense of purpose.
    • To connect with others and make new friends.
    • To keep mentally, emtionally and physically healthy.
    • To make a difference in the community
    • To make Wehr a better place!

    Read the testimonials below from current and former volunteers.

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Part of the Wehr Family

Working and volunteering at Wehr has been a great experience. The staff at the nature center has been very nice to work with.  After retiring from my position I continued to stay involved with the nature center by volunteering in various ways.  The nature center also allowed my family to get involved in volunteering. Especially with the Halloween Haunts event.  I have many happy memories of my time spent at Wehr.

Dotty K.

Volunteer

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Part of the Wehr Family

The Wehr Center was a lifesaver when I moved here. I was a BLM seasonal ranger in Idaho and dreaded moving to the city. I was so excited to find sand from the sandhills where I worked in Idaho on display at the Wehr Center. It made me feel like I could make it here because I had found  a place to get away from the city. The Wehr Center was the first place I made friends in Milwaukee area. Everyone was so kind and welcoming. I loved the classes and activities. This is where I learned about nature in Wisconsin, I especially loved the Maple syrup time and pioneer days. Now twenty-five years later I don't have much time to visit the Center but when I can get away I love being back on the trails and visiting the center. I hope I can be a volunteer again someday. Thank you for making a stranger feel so welcome!

Kasey C.

Former Volunteer

More Testimonials and Special Stories 

Here you can read more testimonials directly from our incredible former volunteers, former interns and current Wehr visitors. Learn how Wehr has had such a huge impact on their lives.

Judy Brooks-Levar, Wehr’s bundle of energy

By Bev Bryant • March 22, 2024
It’s hard to imagine a time before Judy Brooks-Levar volunteered at Wehr. For 24 years, Judy has been a ray of sunshine to all she encounters at Wehr. Judy came to Wehr with a background in special education. She continues to share her enthusiasm for children of all ages by conveying her love and knowledge… The post Judy Brooks-Levar, Wehr’s bundle of energy appeared first on Friends of Wehr Nature Center.

Memories from Wehr’s Longest Serving Volunteer

By Bev Bryant • December 19, 2023
Mary Gease has been volunteering at Wehr for 44 years. Mary shared these memories and stories in interviews in 2014 and 2023. Getting Started with Seed Collecting My first volunteer job was seed collecting. Mariette Nowak (Nature Center director), Jane Appleyard, and Sally Jean Lohr taught me how to process seed. Most were sold as… The post Memories from Wehr’s Longest Serving Volunteer appeared first on Friends of Wehr Nature Center.