Opportunities From: City of Madison Volunteering

Help Madison Parks turn paper records into usable data! Volunteers will assist with entering information from Management Unit Scorecards into a provided spreadsheet template. This behind-the-scenes work supports long-term planning, reporting, and park management decisions. Scorecards can be provided as paper copies or scanned PDFs, and data entry can largely be completed remotely after orientation.

Responsibilities
Enter data from Management Unit Scorecards into a provided spreadsheet template
Ensure information is entered accurately and completely
Communicate with staff if questions or inconsistencies arise
Return completed spreadsheet files to staff by the agreed-upon deadline

Qualifications
Comfortable with basic data entry and spreadsheets (Excel or similar)
Strong attention to detail and accuracy
Able to work independently after initial guidance
Reliable and able to meet agreed-upon timelines

Additional Notes
Estimated total time commitment across all volunteers is approximately 40–100 hours
Data entry is ideally completed by June
Scorecards may be provided in paper or electronic (scanned) format
This opportunity is well-suited for individuals who enjoy focused, independent work

Training

Volunteer must meet with Madison Parks staff for a brief orientation before beginning work.  This will take about 1 hour.

 

Madison Parks

Goodman Building

1402 Wingra Creek Pkwy

Madison, WI 53715

Work can be completed remotely after orientation

Help keep Monona Bay's shoreline clean and healthy by joining our monthly shoreline cleanup at Brittingham Park. Volunteers will walk designated shoreline areas to pick up litter and debris that collect along the water’s edge. These cleanups improve water quality, protect wildlife, and keep our parks welcoming for everyone. This is a great ongoing opportunity for individuals, families, and groups who want to make a visible impact in a short amount of time.

Responsibilities
Collect trash and debris along assigned shoreline areas
Place collected materials into provided bags
Work safely near water and uneven terrain
Report large or hazardous items to the site lead

Qualifications
Comfortable walking on uneven ground and near water
Able to bend, reach, and carry light to moderate loads
Youth (under 14) are welcome with adult supervision
No prior experience required

Additional Notes
Cleanups take place on the first Saturday of every month
All supplies including gloves and bags are provided
Volunteers are encouraged to wear weather appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear

Brush Cutting and Stacking

Volunteers will assist the Friends of Cherokee Marsh with winter land stewardship activities at Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park South Unit. This workday will focus on cutting invasive brush to create space for native wildflowers, grasses, trees, and shrubs.

Responsibilities
Use hand loppers to cut invasive brush
Carry cut brush to designated pile locations to stack
Work off trail in areas with downed wood and cut stumps that may be hidden by snow
Follow all safety guidance provided on site

Qualifications
Ability to work outdoors in winter conditions
Ability to walk and work on uneven terrain off trail
Comfort using hand loppers
Closed toe footwear required
Willingness to follow safety instructions around burn piles
No experience necessary

Additional Notes
Volunteers do not need to stay the entire time

Location: Cherokee Marsh Conservation Park South Unit, 5002 School Rd. Meet at the small parking area at the corner of School Rd and Wheeler Rd near the waste oil drop off

Loppers and gloves will be provided. Volunteers may bring their own if preferred

Dress for the weather. Sturdy and warm footwear is recommended. Volunteers assisting with burn piles should wear old clothing. Natural fiber clothing is recommended since synthetic fabrics can melt

Bring drinking water

Workdays may be canceled due to extreme cold, wind, or rain or snow

If arriving late and needing help finding the group, contact Jan Axelson at 608 215 0426

Additional work parties are planned for Tuesday mornings through February. Locations and activities may vary and may include County properties. Updates will be shared as details are confirmed and posted at cherokeemarsh.org and through City and County volunteer listings

The Park Toy Coordinator is responsible for gathering and organizing toys left at Ontario Park, ensuring they are kept in a designated area. This role includes inspecting for broken or unsafe toys and removing them to keep the park safe. Each coordinator leads efforts at their assigned park and may recruit volunteers to assist.

Responsibilities

Collect toys left around the park and place them in the designated area. Inspect toys regularly and dispose of anything broken or hazardous. Serve as the main volunteer for your park; recruit others if needed. Communicate safety concerns or supply needs with park staff.

Qualifications

Good organization and attention to detail. Ability to identify and handle broken or hazardous items safely. Comfortable leading and coordinating volunteers. Dedicated to keeping the park clean and safe.

Additional Notes

Flexible hours; typically 1–2 hours per week based on park use. Great opportunity to support your community and gain leadership experience.

Join us for a rewarding day outdoors as we work together to care for our beautiful parks. Under the guidance of our workday leader, you will assist with a variety of seasonal tasks. No experience is necessary. Visit hoytpark.org for monthly details.  We will provide instruction on each task and how this work supports our restoration efforts. This activity may involve walking off trail and moving through tall vegetation. Volunteers should wear sturdy shoes and long sleeves and pants and bring work gloves.

What to bring:

Long sleeves and long pants Sturdy shoes (get ready for a bit of off-trail travel!)

We’ll provide all the tools you’ll need. Your efforts will help protect our natural spaces and create a healthier environment for everyone to enjoy. Come make a difference – we can’t wait to have you join us!

Help Madison’s off-leash dog parks stay clean and welcoming for all visitors! Volunteers will assist in uncovering and properly disposing of pet waste that has accumulated or been hidden over the winter, as well as picking up general litter. This is a hands-on way to get outdoors, enjoy your local parks, and make a tangible difference in the community

Responsibilities

Pick up litter and debris throughout the dog park
Scoop and properly dispose of pet waste
Replace or consolidate full trash bags
Help tidy high-traffic areas, entrances, and fence lines
Collaborate with fellow volunteers to efficiently maintain the park
Madison Parks will provide trash bags, gloves, scoopers, and shovels. Volunteers are welcome to bring their own gloves, scoopers, shovels, or additional bags if preferred

Qualifications

Able to work outdoors and perform light physical activity
Willingness to handle trash and pet waste
Team-oriented and community-minded
No prior experience required

Additional Notes

Dress for the weather; wear closed-toe shoes or boots
Bring a reusable water bottle
Event is outdoors; volunteers will be notified if canceled due to severe weather

The Park Toy Coordinator is responsible for gathering and organizing toys left at Newberry Park, ensuring they are kept in a designated area (behind the bench next to the playground). This role includes inspecting for broken or unsafe toys and removing them to keep the park safe. Each coordinator leads efforts at their assigned park and may recruit volunteers to assist.

Responsibilities

Collect toys left around the park and place them in the designated area. Inspect toys regularly and dispose of anything broken or hazardous. Serve as the main volunteer for your park; recruit others if needed. Communicate safety concerns or supply needs with park staff.

Qualifications

Good organization and attention to detail. Ability to identify and handle broken or hazardous items safely. Comfortable leading and coordinating volunteers. Dedicated to keeping the park clean and safe.

Additional Notes

Flexible hours; typically 1–2 hours per week based on park use. Great opportunity to support your community and gain leadership experience.

The Park Toy Coordinator is responsible for gathering and organizing toys left at Lucia Crest Park, ensuring they are kept in a designated area (bin near the volleyball court). This role includes inspecting for broken or unsafe toys and removing them to keep the park safe. Each coordinator leads efforts at their assigned park and may recruit volunteers to assist.

Responsibilities

Collect toys left around the park and place them in the designated toy bin. Inspect toys regularly and dispose of anything broken or hazardous. Serve as the main volunteer for your park; recruit others if needed. Communicate safety concerns or supply needs with park staff.

Qualifications

Good organization and attention to detail. Ability to identify and handle broken or hazardous items safely. Comfortable leading and coordinating volunteers. Dedicated to keeping the park clean and safe.

Additional Notes

Flexible hours; typically 1–2 hours per week based on park use. Great opportunity to support your community and gain leadership experience.

Each April, under a permit from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Madison Parks staff and trained volunteers participate in Canada Goose egg oiling efforts on City property. Volunteers help locate nests and apply corn oil to eggs—a humane and approved method that prevents the eggs from developing and hatching. This population control technique is a key part of our long-term Canada Goose Management Program and helps reduce the environmental impacts of overpopulation in our parks.

This opportunity is ideal for volunteers who are comfortable working outdoors in early spring conditions and willing to complete a brief training prior to participating.

Responsibilities

·         Participate in a brief training session prior to fieldwork

·         Travel to designated park sites in coordination with Parks staff

·         Locate Canada Goose nests in natural areas

·         Carefully apply corn oil to eggs using approved methods

·         Record data as needed and report nest locations and outcomes

·         Follow safety and ethical guidelines while working around wildlife

Qualifications

·         Willingness to work in outdoor spring conditions (rain, mud, cold)

·         Ability to walk on uneven, wet, or muddy terrain

·         Comfortable around geese and able to follow wildlife-safe practices

·         Must complete required training

·         Available for scheduled site visits throughout April

·         Must be 18 or older (or accompanied by an adult if under 18)

Additional Notes

·         Most nesting sites are accessible on foot; rubber boots or waders are recommended

·         Opportunities are also available for avid paddlers to reach select sites via personal watercraft (e.g., kayak, canoe, SUP)

·         Volunteers will be contacted to coordinate dates and site assignments in early spring

·         All work is conducted under a DNR permit and with oversight from trained staff

Do you have a passion for nature and enjoy sharing it with others? Whether you're a seasoned nature enthusiast or new to the field, we need volunteers to help lead or co-lead our weekly, year-round Bird and Nature Adventures in Madison parks. These 90-minute nature walks are designed for nature lovers, families, and kids, and are the perfect opportunity to introduce people to the beauty of the outdoors.

You don’t need to be an expert on birds or nature to get involved—your enthusiasm is the key! Your walk can focus on any nature-related topic you love, whether it's a general nature walk or a topic like spring wildflowers, trees, or local wildlife. Walks are informal, welcoming, and fun, averaging around 15 participants of all ages.

Why Lead or Co-Lead?

Great opportunity for new leaders to get comfortable with the program and a park location. Flexible: You choose the date, location, and topic of your walk, with our support. Leader guidance: We will provide all the necessary training and assistance to help you succeed.

Volunteer Leader Dates

Here are openings in our 2026 calendar. Please email a date below that you like and a topic that you enjoy talking about to paul_noeldner@hotmail.com to learn more!  

 

_ Sat 01/24 1:30 Pheasant Branch
_ Sat 02/21 10:00 Starkweather Creek
_ Sat 02/28 1:30 Pheasant Branch
_ Sat 03/12 12noon WPCRC Senior Adventure
_ Sat 03/28 1:30 Pheasant Branch
_ Sat 07/25 1:30 Pheasant Branch
_ Sun 07/26 1:30 Lakeshore Preserve
_ Sat 08/22 9-11 Youth Pontoon Tour
_ Sun 08/09 1:30 Turville Point

Help Madison’s off-leash dog parks stay clean and welcoming for all visitors! Volunteers will assist in uncovering and properly disposing of pet waste that has accumulated or been hidden over the winter, as well as picking up general litter. This is a hands-on way to get outdoors, enjoy your local parks, and make a tangible difference in the community

Responsibilities

Pick up litter and debris throughout the dog park
Scoop and properly dispose of pet waste
Replace or consolidate full trash bags
Help tidy high-traffic areas, entrances, and fence lines
Collaborate with fellow volunteers to efficiently maintain the park
Madison Parks will provide trash bags, gloves, scoopers, and shovels. Volunteers are welcome to bring their own gloves, scoopers, shovels, or additional bags if preferred

Qualifications

Able to work outdoors and perform light physical activity
Willingness to handle trash and pet waste
Team-oriented and community-minded
No prior experience required

Additional Notes

Dress for the weather; wear closed-toe shoes or boots
Bring a reusable water bottle
Event is outdoors; volunteers will be notified if canceled due to severe weather

Help Madison’s off-leash dog parks stay clean and welcoming for all visitors! Volunteers will assist in uncovering and properly disposing of pet waste that has accumulated or been hidden over the winter, as well as picking up general litter. This is a hands-on way to get outdoors, enjoy your local parks, and make a tangible difference in the community

Responsibilities

Pick up litter and debris throughout the dog park
Scoop and properly dispose of pet waste
Replace or consolidate full trash bags
Help tidy high-traffic areas, entrances, and fence lines
Collaborate with fellow volunteers to efficiently maintain the park
Madison Parks will provide trash bags, gloves, scoopers, and shovels. Volunteers are welcome to bring their own gloves, scoopers, shovels, or additional bags if preferred

Qualifications

Able to work outdoors and perform light physical activity
Willingness to handle trash and pet waste
Team-oriented and community-minded
No prior experience required

Additional Notes

Dress for the weather; wear closed-toe shoes or boots
Bring a reusable water bottle
Event is outdoors; volunteers will be notified if canceled due to severe weather

Help Madison’s off-leash dog parks stay clean and welcoming for all visitors! Volunteers will assist in uncovering and properly disposing of pet waste that has accumulated or been hidden over the winter, as well as picking up general litter. This is a hands-on way to get outdoors, enjoy your local parks, and make a tangible difference in the community

Responsibilities

Pick up litter and debris throughout the dog park
Scoop and properly dispose of pet waste
Replace or consolidate full trash bags
Help tidy high-traffic areas, entrances, and fence lines
Collaborate with fellow volunteers to efficiently maintain the park
Madison Parks will provide trash bags, gloves, scoopers, and shovels. Volunteers are welcome to bring their own gloves, scoopers, shovels, or additional bags if preferred

Qualifications

Able to work outdoors and perform light physical activity
Willingness to handle trash and pet waste
Team-oriented and community-minded
No prior experience required

Additional Notes

Dress for the weather; wear closed-toe shoes or boots
Bring a reusable water bottle
Event is outdoors; volunteers will be notified if canceled due to severe weather

Help Madison’s off-leash dog parks stay clean and welcoming for all visitors! Volunteers will assist in uncovering and properly disposing of pet waste that has accumulated or been hidden over the winter, as well as picking up general litter. This is a hands-on way to get outdoors, enjoy your local parks, and make a tangible difference in the community

Responsibilities

Pick up litter and debris throughout the dog park
Scoop and properly dispose of pet waste
Replace or consolidate full trash bags
Help tidy high-traffic areas, entrances, and fence lines
Collaborate with fellow volunteers to efficiently maintain the park
Madison Parks will provide trash bags, gloves, scoopers, and shovels. Volunteers are welcome to bring their own gloves, scoopers, shovels, or additional bags if preferred

Qualifications

Able to work outdoors and perform light physical activity
Willingness to handle trash and pet waste
Team-oriented and community-minded
No prior experience required

Additional Notes

Dress for the weather; wear closed-toe shoes or boots
Bring a reusable water bottle
Event is outdoors; volunteers will be notified if canceled due to severe weather

Help Madison’s off-leash dog parks stay clean and welcoming for all visitors! Volunteers will assist in uncovering and properly disposing of pet waste that has accumulated or been hidden over the winter, as well as picking up general litter. This is a hands-on way to get outdoors, enjoy your local parks, and make a tangible difference in the community

Responsibilities

Pick up litter and debris throughout the dog park
Scoop and properly dispose of pet waste
Replace or consolidate full trash bags
Help tidy high-traffic areas, entrances, and fence lines
Collaborate with fellow volunteers to efficiently maintain the park
Madison Parks will provide trash bags, gloves, scoopers, and shovels. Volunteers are welcome to bring their own gloves, scoopers, shovels, or additional bags if preferred

Qualifications

Able to work outdoors and perform light physical activity
Willingness to handle trash and pet waste
Team-oriented and community-minded
No prior experience required

Additional Notes

Dress for the weather; wear closed-toe shoes or boots
Bring a reusable water bottle
Event is outdoors; volunteers will be notified if canceled due to severe weather

Help Madison’s off-leash dog parks stay clean and welcoming for all visitors! Volunteers will assist in uncovering and properly disposing of pet waste that has accumulated or been hidden over the winter, as well as picking up general litter. This is a hands-on way to get outdoors, enjoy your local parks, and make a tangible difference in the community

Responsibilities

Pick up litter and debris throughout the dog park
Scoop and properly dispose of pet waste
Replace or consolidate full trash bags
Help tidy high-traffic areas, entrances, and fence lines
Collaborate with fellow volunteers to efficiently maintain the park
Madison Parks will provide trash bags, gloves, scoopers, and shovels. Volunteers are welcome to bring their own gloves, scoopers, shovels, or additional bags if preferred

Qualifications

Able to work outdoors and perform light physical activity
Willingness to handle trash and pet waste
Team-oriented and community-minded
No prior experience required

Additional Notes

Dress for the weather; wear closed-toe shoes or boots
Bring a reusable water bottle
Event is outdoors; volunteers will be notified if canceled due to severe weather