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. How can 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.

    There are three ways in which you can volunteer:

    • Public events – on Earth Day (April) & National Public Lands Day (September) each year the Department of Natural Resources hosts volunteer projects that are open to everyone. Other dates may be available throughout the year. Check out the events calendar for upcoming opportunities.
    • Group Volunteer Projects - gather a group of friends, family or co-workers to volunteer together. 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.

    To sign up for a volunteer opportunity create an account at offero.larimer.org. 
     

    Offero connects you to opportunities to engage with the parks and open lands of Larimer County. As a participant or volunteer, Offero guides your engagement and helps manage your involvement. Explore the calendar and connect to the possibilities!
     

     

  2. 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 10 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. 
     

  3. 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.

  4. 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
    • 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.

  5. 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 volunteer application specific to that role. Some volunteer roles require a background check. Check out the position description of each volunteer role for specific requirements. 

    Why isn’t the Department of Natural Resources currently recruiting for all volunteer roles? We're thrilled that the community wants to support our mission! While some volunteer positions may be full at the moment, we recruit volunteers based on the needs of our department, and some roles have limited availability. These opportunities can change throughout the year, so we encourage you to check back with us for updates. We appreciate your enthusiasm and look forward to connecting with you!
     

  6. 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 about volunteering with the Department of Natural Resources. 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