Natural areas are yours to treasure today, and for the future. You can help manage and restore land to its native state as a stewardship volunteer. The Natural Areas Department provides long-term opportunities to Adopt a Natural Area by picking up trash monthly, becoming a Volunteer Crew Leader and leading groups of volunteers on stewardship projects, or by helping maintain a Native Plant Garden as a Volunteer Gardener.

Volunteer to take an active role in the stewardship of natural areas by doing monthly litter pick-ups. Anyone can volunteer to adopt a natural area including individuals, businesses, families, homeowners' associations, etc. Check here to see which natural areas are available and apply.

Learn about adopting a natural area in the job description and the Adopt-a-Natural Area brochure.

Adopt-a-Natural Area Responsibilities and Rewards:

• One-year commitment- after a year you may renew, change, or terminate the agreement.
• Pick up litter on a regular basis, usually once a month.
• Keep a record and stay safe - track your volunteer hours in Engage.
• Rewards and Recognition- Volunteers feel great knowing that they are stewards! Visitors and wildlife alike will appreciate your efforts- we all love a clean natural area! You'll also be invited to the Natural Areas annual volunteer appreciation event which is a fun way to meet other volunteers and staff and be recognized for your service.

Ready to get started? Complete the volunteer application. NOTE: To apply, you must first create a free account in Engage (name, email, phone is all that is required).

Are you looking for a way to give back to natural areas and open spaces? Do you like getting your hands dirty? Do you want to be involved beyond a one-day project? Become a Volunteer Crew Leader!

Volunteer Crew Leaders lead, educate and convey the Natural Areas mission on outdoor stewardship projects. Volunteer Crew Leaders will participate in about 10 hours of training and lead volunteers on projects that help manage and restore natural areas and open spaces. Training topics include the values of natural areas and open lands, outdoor safety skills, group management and restoration/trail building skills.

After your training as a volunteer crew leader, you’ll work individually or lead small groups on a variety of service projects including: plantings, restoration work, gardening, trail building and maintenance, trash cleanups, and more.

At this time Natural Areas is not recruiting for Crew Leaders.  Please check back periodically for updates and check out our other opportunities to assist Natural Areas through volunteer service!

Volunteers work to nurture a living exhibit that teaches about the benefits of native plants and provides design inspiration. Volunteers work at the City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Dept. Headquarters Nix Native Plant Garden including weeding, mulching, pruning and more. This is a great opportunity for garden clubs, neighborhoods or church groups.  

Gardening volunteer days are Mondays and Tuesdays from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (weather dependent). Gardening experience is helpful but not required. Volunteers may work alone or in groups. Adults only please.

Please read the Garden Volunteer job description.

Ready to get started? Complete the volunteer application here. NOTE: To apply, you must first create a free account in Engage (name, email, phone is all that is required).