Volunteering with Natural Resources

Join our volunteer team to help care for Larimer County's parks and open spaces. Through a variety of projects and programs, we can be the link connecting you to both the natural world and your community. 

Campground Host Volunteer Application

All positions for the 2025 summer season have been filled. Please check back with us as applications for the 2026 season will open October 1.

Volunteer Ranger Assistant Application

Application and position description available at City of Fort Collins Natural Areas volunteer webpage. 

Request a Group Volunteer Project

NOT CURRENTLY TAKING REQUESTS. CHECK BACK IN MARCH. 

Request a volunteer project for your community or corporate group. To complete the request form, please create a free account in Offero (name, email, and phone number are all that is required).

Volunteer Roles

 Follow the links below for more information about each volunteer role and how to apply. 

Campground Host
Nature Educator
Park Steward
Volunteer Ranger Assistant
Litter Cleanup Team
Group Volunteer Projects
Photographer
Plant Steward
Raptor Nest Monitor

For Active Volunteers

Current Volunteer Login
Natural Resources Volunteer Manual
Naturalist Program Proposal Form
Naturalist's Guide to Larimer County

Friends of Larimer County Parks and Open Lands

This non-profit organization supports the vision of the Larimer County Department of Natural Resources by:

  • Providing financial support for new programs, improvements and land acquisition
  • Garnering individual and corporate support
  • Encouraging Larimer County citizens to enjoy their parks and open spaces

Visit the Friends website

FAQs

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  1. Why should I volunteer with the Department of Natural Resources?

    Our volunteers share a love of the outdoors! In addition, we frequently hear that volunteers enjoy:

    • A chance to give back to their community.
    • An opportunity to talk with people about a topic they're passionate about.
    • A chance to meet new people and explore new places.
    • Supporting our mission of connecting people, nature, & place.
  2. How can I volunteer with the Department of Natural Resources?

    There are three ways in which you can volunteer:

    • Public events - every year the Department of Natural Resources hosts volunteer events that are open to everyone. These typically take place on Earth Day (April) and National Public Lands Day (September), however, other dates may be available throughout the year. Check out the events calendar for upcoming opportunities.
    • Group Volunteer Projects - gather together a group of friends, family, or co-workers to spend time volunteering. Your group can positively impact the community & environment by helping with facility, maintenance, & stewardship projects. To request a Group Volunteer Project, complete the Request a Group Volunteer Project form.
    • As an individual - we have several great volunteer roles for individuals who are looking to volunteer on a consistent basis. Individual volunteers participate in opportunities year round. An application and interview are required. Applications accepted from October 1st- March 15th. Check the Volunteer Roles on the volunteer webpage to see what roles are available.
    • Why isn't LCDNR recruiting for all roles? - There is limited need for some of our roles, and we have volunteers already meeting those needs.

     

  3. Where do I sign up to volunteer with the Department of Natural Resources?

    Signing up for any volunteer opportunity can be completed by making an account with our volunteer system, Offero. A name, phone number, and email are all that is required to get started. Here you can see upcoming volunteer events, the calendar, notification emails, and where to sign up!

  4. What is the time commitment for volunteering?

    The time commitment varies depending on your volunteer role. Individual volunteers can volunteer as much as your schedule allows. We ask for a minimum commitment of 8 hours/year or at least once a month.

    For public events or Group Volunteer Projects, your commitment is the time of the scheduled event or project. This varies from 2-6 hours. Events can fill quickly, so make sure to check the events calendar periodically.

  5. Do I need a background check to volunteer?

    Different volunteer roles with the Department of Natural Resources have different requirements. Nature Educators, Volunteer Ranger Assistants, and Campground Hosts require background checks. Check out the position description of each volunteer role for specific requirements.

  6. How old do I have to be to volunteer?

    Most volunteer opportunities require you to be 18 years of age. However, we do offer some opportunities for youth and families to volunteer.

    Youth 16 years or older can volunteer as a Stewardship Outreach Educator or Litter Cleanup Team member. Or you can volunteer as a duo! Parents and youth can volunteer together in these two roles. Check out the event sign-up page or volunteer role position description for more information.

  7. Do I need a background in environmental education or ecology to volunteer?

    No! Just a passion to connect people, nature, and place and to be a steward of your public lands. Volunteers will receive training and many resources are available to assist volunteers along the way to learn more about wildlife, plants, lesson planning, and more. The Department of Natural Resources has a variety of volunteer opportunities to meet each person's abilities and interests.

  8. Where would I be volunteering?

    Volunteer opportunities occur at a variety of locations throughout Larimer County. Opportunities typically occur at Horsetooth Mountain Open Space, Devil's Backbone Open Space, Hermit Park Open Space, Horsetooth Reservoir, or Carter Lake. However, volunteer opportunities can take place at any Larimer County property such as Red Mountain Open Space near the Wyoming border, or River Bluffs Open Space in Windsor.

    Volunteers will find locations and details on the event description in Offero. An ability and willingness to travel 20 minutes - 1 hour to volunteer is necessary to be a successful volunteer. Personal transportation is required.

  9. Do I need to complete an application?

    If you would like to join as an individual volunteer, then yes, you will need to complete a New Volunteer Application. On the application you'll select your volunteer interests. There is a separate application for volunteer Campground Hosts.

  10. I have more questions and/or I'm not yet ready to submit an application.

    No problem! We'd be happy to chat with you if volunteering with the Department of Natural Resources is the right choice for you. Fill out the Volunteer Interest Form and we'll contact you to answer any questions you may still have or discuss potential volunteer opportunities.

Contact Us

Julie Enderby
Education and Volunteer Supervisor
jenderby@larimer.org
(970) 619-4552