Opportunities From: City of Madison Volunteering

Join us for a workday focused on improving the prairie edge at Baxter Park. Volunteers will help remove invasive species like buckthorn and honeysuckle, along with other unwanted woody plants, to give native prairie plants more room to thrive. This project will open up airflow to reduce mosquito habitat and strengthen the overall ecosystem in the park.

Responsibilities

Cut or pull invasive brush and small woody plants

Assist with gathering and hauling brush to designated piles

Follow staff guidance on safe and effective removal techniques

Work as part of a team to support habitat restoration

Qualifications
No prior experience is necessary. Volunteers should be comfortable with outdoor physical activity such as cutting, pulling, or hauling brush. A willingness to learn and work with others is all that’s needed.

Additional Notes
Please wear long pants, sturdy shoes, and clothing suitable for outdoor work. Bring a water bottle, gloves, and loppers if you have them. Extra gloves and tools will be provided for those who need them.

Be part of Madison’s annual Moon Over Monona Terrace celebration by helping create a magical evening for kids and families! Volunteers will assist in the Kids FUN Zone on the rooftop of Monona Terrace, guiding children through a variety of engaging activities. All supplies and materials are provided — just bring your energy and enthusiasm.

Responsibilities:

Help set up and oversee kid-friendly activities

Provide a welcoming and safe environment for children and families

Support Monona Terrace staff throughout the evening

Qualifications:

Friendly, responsible, and comfortable engaging with children and families

No prior experience required – training and materials provided

Ages 16+

Additional Notes:

Location: Rooftop, Monona Terrace, Madison, WI

Event will move indoors in case of inclement weather

Parking is covered for all volunteers

Volunteers will be contacted by Monona Terrace staff with event details prior to the event

Canada Goldenrod has expanded quickly in this restoration site, and if left unchecked it can take over and push out other plants, reducing diversity. We’re organizing a volunteer effort to pull as many goldenrods as possible to keep the restoration balanced and healthy. This work makes a surprising difference—hand pulling can open space for a wide range of native plants and pollinator favorites.

Responsibilities

Qualifications

Additional Notes

Planting Volunteer Workdays

Join us in enhancing our parks' natural beauty and supporting local biodiversity through native plantings. As a Planting Volunteer, you'll play a vital role in restoring and maintaining our natural landscapes.

Responsibilities:

Qualifications:

Additional Notes:
All necessary tools and plants will be provided. Volunteers should wear sturdy footwear, dress for the weather, and bring gardening gloves if available. Please check in with Parks staff or a lead volunteer for specific planting areas and instructions.

Location:

Independent Bike Trail Volunteers help with basic maintenance and upkeep of City of Madison bike trails. This includes trimming grass and weeds along the trail corridor, removing litter and debris, and reporting any larger maintenance needs to staff. Volunteers in this role do NOT perform trail tread shaping, dirt work, or jump/berm construction — those tasks may only be completed under CORP or Parks staff supervision through separate scheduled volunteer opportunities. This role is flexible and allows individuals to work on their own schedule after registering and signing a waiver.

Responsibilities

Qualifications

Additional Notes

Join Madison Parks and Friends of Cherokee Marsh for a large-scale seed collection event. Volunteers will help support the City’s ecological restoration efforts by collecting seeds from native plants in a single, focused session. This event is ideal for volunteers who enjoy hands-on work, exploring a natural area, and contributing to the long-term health and diversity of Madison’s parks.

Responsibilities:

Collect seeds from designated native plants during the scheduled event.

Follow guidance on target species, collection methods, and timing to ensure seed viability.

Record collection information, including species, quantity, and location, if assigned.

Return collected seeds to volunteer leads at the end of the event.

Work safely and respectfully within the park alongside other volunteers.

Qualifications:

Interest in native plants, ecology, or conservation.

Ability to participate for the full duration of the event.

Comfortable working outdoors in various weather conditions.

Willingness to handle seeds carefully and follow collection instructions.

Previous experience with native plant identification or seed collection is a plus but not required.

Additional Notes:

Volunteers are encouraged to wear weather-appropriate clothing, and bring water, closed-toe shoes and gloves if available.

Location Note

Meet in lower parking area, 5898 N. Sherman Ave.  just after the road change to gravel.

Join Madison Parks and Friends of Cherokee Marsh for a large-scale seed collection event. Volunteers will help support the City’s ecological restoration efforts by collecting seeds from native plants in a single, focused session. This event is ideal for volunteers who enjoy hands-on work, exploring a natural area, and contributing to the long-term health and diversity of Madison’s parks.

Responsibilities:

Collect seeds from designated native plants during the scheduled event.

Follow guidance on target species, collection methods, and timing to ensure seed viability.

Record collection information, including species, quantity, and location, if assigned.

Return collected seeds to volunteer leads at the end of the event.

Work safely and respectfully within the park alongside other volunteers.

Qualifications:

Interest in native plants, ecology, or conservation.

Ability to participate for the full duration of the event.

Comfortable working outdoors in various weather conditions.

Willingness to handle seeds carefully and follow collection instructions.

Previous experience with native plant identification or seed collection is a plus but not required.

Additional Notes:

Volunteers are encouraged to wear weather-appropriate clothing, and bring water, closed-toe shoes and gloves if available.

Location Note

Meet in upper lot, 6098 N. Sherman Ave.  Will collect west of entrance road.

Join Madison Parks and Friends of Cherokee Marsh for a large-scale seed collection event. Volunteers will help support the City’s ecological restoration efforts by collecting seeds from native plants in a single, focused session. This event is ideal for volunteers who enjoy hands-on work, exploring a natural area, and contributing to the long-term health and diversity of Madison’s parks.

Responsibilities:

Collect seeds from designated native plants during the scheduled event.

Follow guidance on target species, collection methods, and timing to ensure seed viability.

Record collection information, including species, quantity, and location, if assigned.

Return collected seeds to volunteer leads at the end of the event.

Work safely and respectfully within the park alongside other volunteers.

Qualifications:

Interest in native plants, ecology, or conservation.

Ability to participate for the full duration of the event.

Comfortable working outdoors in various weather conditions.

Willingness to handle seeds carefully and follow collection instructions.

Previous experience with native plant identification or seed collection is a plus but not required.

Additional Notes:

Volunteers are encouraged to wear weather-appropriate clothing and bring water, gloves, and closed-toe shoes.

We will be at Prairie Ridge Conservation Park NOT Raymond Ridge Park.  Note they are next to each other.

Madison Parks staff will provide guidance on species, collection methods, and safety protocols at the start of the event.

Location Note

Meet in upper lot, 6098 N. Sherman Ave.  Will collect west of entrance road.

Planting Volunteer Workdays

Join us in enhancing our parks' natural beauty and supporting local biodiversity through native plantings. As a Planing Volunteer, you'll play a vital role in restoring and maintaining our natural landscapes.

Responsibilities:

Qualifications:

Additional Notes:
All necessary tools and plants will be provided. Volunteers should wear sturdy footwear, dress for the weather, and bring gardening gloves if available. Please check in with Parks staff or a lead volunteer for specific planting areas and instructions.

Location Note:

We'll be meeting at the Rainbow Shelter at 12pm.  Rainbow shelter is located at the end of the parking lot. 

Come celebrate the season at Cherokee Marsh with an afternoon of outdoor fun for all ages. Enjoy scenic hikes through the marsh, hayrides under the crisp autumn sky, and tasty snacks by the fire. Gather around to roast marshmallows, explore a hands-on nature learning area, and take part in other family-friendly activities. We’ll also have volunteer opportunities to lead hikes, help with snacks, or assist with the kids activity area—making this event a chance to give back while enjoying the beauty of fall and the company of community.

Snack Helper Description

Support the fall event at Cherokee Marsh by helping with snacks and refreshments. Snack Helpers will assist with setting up the food area, serving items like marshmallows and other fall treats, and ensuring the space stays welcoming and tidy for participants.

Responsibilities

Help set up and organize the snack area.

Serve food and drinks to participants.

Monitor supplies and restock as needed.

Help keep the area clean and inviting throughout the event.

Qualifications

Friendly and comfortable interacting with the public.

Able to work in a busy environment with families and children.

Basic comfort with handling food and keeping areas sanitary.

Additional Notes

Gloves and any needed supplies will be provided.

Dress for the weather, as activities will be outdoors.

A great fit for volunteers who enjoy hospitality and making people feel welcome.

Come celebrate the season at Cherokee Marsh with an afternoon of outdoor fun for all ages. Enjoy scenic hikes through the marsh, hayrides under the crisp autumn sky, and tasty snacks by the fire. Gather around to roast marshmallows, explore a hands-on nature learning area, and take part in other family-friendly activities. We’ll also have volunteer opportunities to lead hikes, help with snacks, or assist with the kids activity area—making this event a chance to give back while enjoying the beauty of fall and the company of community.

Kids Activity Area Description

Bring extra fun to the event by helping children enjoy hands-on nature learning and activity stations. Helpers will assist with set-up, guide children through simple activities, and keep the space safe and engaging.

Responsibilities

Assist with setting up and managing the kids activity area.

Help children participate in nature-themed games, crafts, or educational activities.

Ensure the area remains safe, welcoming, and organized.

Provide encouragement and support to families and young participants.

Qualifications

Enthusiastic, patient, and comfortable working with children.

No specialized teaching background required—activities will be provided and explained by staff.

Able to supervise and engage children in a friendly, approachable way.

Additional Notes

All activity materials and instructions will be provided.

Volunteers should be prepared to work outdoors.

A fun opportunity for those who enjoy working with kids and supporting family-friendly events.

Come celebrate the season at Cherokee Marsh with an afternoon of outdoor fun for all ages. Enjoy scenic hikes through the marsh, hayrides under the crisp autumn sky, and tasty snacks by the fire. Gather around to roast marshmallows, explore a hands-on nature learning area, and take part in other family-friendly activities. We’ll also have volunteer opportunities to lead hikes, help with snacks, or assist with the kids activity area—making this event a chance to give back while enjoying the beauty of fall and the company of community.

Hike Guide Description
Help lead short, family-friendly hikes at Cherokee Marsh as part of our fall event. Guides will share major nature highlights along the trail, identified in advance by staff, while creating a welcoming and enjoyable experience for participants.

Responsibilities

Lead groups on short hikes (less than one mile) at Cherokee Marsh.

Point out key natural features along the route (staff will provide the highlights in advance).

Ensure participants feel included, safe, and engaged throughout the walk.

Represent Madison Parks in a positive and friendly manner.

Qualifications

Personable and comfortable leading small groups outdoors.

No expert-level nature knowledge required—staff will provide talking points.

Able to walk up to one mile on natural trails at a relaxed pace.

Comfortable interacting with families, children, and community members.

Additional Notes

Training and talking points will be provided ahead of time.

Dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes.

Volunteers will receive support from staff and other event helpers during the shift.

Great opportunity for those who enjoy the outdoors and connecting with people.

We'll be aiming to do hikes at least once every half hour:  1:15pm; 1:45pm; 2:15pm; 2:45pm; 3:15pm and 3:45pm 

Join Madison Parks for a large-scale seed collection event. Volunteers will help support the City’s ecological restoration efforts by collecting seeds from native plants in a single, focused session. This event is ideal for volunteers who enjoy hands-on work, exploring a natural area, and contributing to the long-term health and diversity of Madison’s parks.

Responsibilities:

Collect seeds from designated native plants during the scheduled event.

Follow guidance on target species, collection methods, and timing to ensure seed viability.

Record collection information, including species, quantity, and location, if assigned.

Return collected seeds to Madison Parks staff at the end of the event.

Work safely and respectfully within the park alongside other volunteers.

Qualifications:

Interest in native plants, ecology, or conservation.

Ability to participate for the full duration of the event.

Comfortable working outdoors in various weather conditions.

Willingness to handle seeds carefully and follow collection instructions.

Previous experience with native plant identification or seed collection is a plus but not required.

Additional Notes:

Volunteers are encouraged to wear weather-appropriate clothing and bring water, gloves, and closed-toe shoes.

We will be at Prairie Ridge Conservation Park NOT Raymond Ridge Park.  Note they are next to each other.

Madison Parks staff will provide guidance on species, collection methods, and safety protocols at the start of the event.

Volunteers help make Family Fun Night at Warner Park Community Recreation Center a success by assisting with setup before the event and cleanup afterward. This role is ideal for volunteers who enjoy hands-on work, organizing spaces, and supporting community events behind the scenes.  Event itself will run from 5:00pm to 8pm.

Responsibilities:

Help set up tables, chairs, signage, and activity areas before the event.

Ensure all equipment and supplies are organized and ready for use.

Assist with cleanup and teardown after the event, including returning equipment and supplies to storage.

Work safely and respectfully with staff and other volunteers.

Qualifications:

Comfortable lifting, carrying, and moving tables, chairs, and other equipment.

Able to follow instructions and work efficiently as part of a team.

Willingness to arrive early for setup and stay until cleanup is complete.

Previous experience with event setup or cleanup is a plus but not required.

Additional Notes:

This is a one-time volunteer opportunity to help with the setup and/or cleanup.

* Setup Shift: 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM

Or

* Cleanup Shift: 7:45 PM – 8:45 PM

Volunteers should wear appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes.

Madison Parks staff will provide guidance and supervision throughout setup and cleanup.

Seed Collection Volunteers help support Madison Parks’ ecological restoration efforts by collecting seeds from native plants throughout the city. Volunteers will visit various parks to collect seeds from woodland species, rare or less common plants, and other target species as they become ready. This role is ideal for volunteers who enjoy independent work, exploring different habitats, and contributing to the long-term health and diversity of Madison’s natural areas.

Responsibilities:

Qualifications:

Additional Notes:

As a Dog Park Steward, you’ll help ensure that our community dog parks remain clean, safe, and enjoyable for everyone. While dog owners are encouraged to clean up after their pets, some may forget. Your role will be to maintain the cleanliness of the park, ensuring a welcoming environment for all visitors.

Responsibilities:

Qualifications:

Additional Info:

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

Qualifications

Additional Notes

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

Qualifications

Additional Notes

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

Help Blair Street Gardens thrive!  Volunteer for a few hours Saturday, from 9 a.m. to noon. September 6 and/or October 4. 

We have two gardens on city property at or near the intersection of Williamson Street and John Nolen Drive.   The Gateway Garden is on Willy Street across from Machinery Row.  Wilson Green is on E. Wilson Street toward the Capitol across from The Cardinal Bar.  We are looking for volunteers to mulch, weed, prune and pick-up litter.  Both gardens are maintained entirely by volunteers. 

Check out our website at www.blairstreetgardens.org or our Facebook or Instagram pages for more info about the gardens.  

Join the Warner Park Volunteer Crew!

Help keep one of Madison’s largest and most beloved parks clean and beautiful! Each month, volunteers come together at Warner Park to pick up litter, improve the natural spaces, and make the park more enjoyable for everyone. Whether you’re passionate about protecting our environment or just looking for a great way to give back to the community, this is a simple but impactful way to make a difference.

What to Expect:

Collect trash along trails, open spaces, and high-use areas

Seasonal projects will include invasive species removal, habitat restoration, and other related tasks as neededMeet other community members who care about our parks

Enjoy the fresh air while making a visible impact

Meet Spot:

Look for the volunteer supply table at or near the Rainbow Shelter (big shelter near playground)

No experience needed—just bring your energy and willingness to help! Supplies like gloves, grabbers, and bags are provided.

Join us and be part of keeping Warner Park a clean, welcoming place for all!  This is a recurring opportunity during warmer weather months for the 3rd Sat of each month.

Come be a part of this exciting citizen science project and help monitor these incredible insects!

Do you enjoy nature and want to make a difference in protecting our pollinators? Join us as a Bumblebee Monitor at Owen Conservation Park! As part of the Wisconsin DNR Bumblebee Brigade, your task will be to conduct small area photo surveys to observe, photograph, and identify bumblebee species. You'll be required to travel off trail to find your survey areas. After each 30-minute survey, you’ll review your photographs, crop them, and select a set showing the head/face, abdomen, and thorax of one example of each species and sex to upload for identification confirmation.

This role can be done individually or in a group of 2-4 people, and it’s flexible to fit your schedule.

Required:

Time:

How to Get Started:
Register for this opportunity and a volunteer lead will contact you about setting up an in-person training/walkthrough or if you are experienced, simply start your surveys!

For more information, check out the Wisconsin Bumble Bee Brigade.

Join us in this citizen science effort and help monitor the important bumblebee species that contribute to our ecosystem!

Do you have an eye for nature and a love for exploring the outdoors? Join us as a Dragonfly Monitor at Owen Conservation Park! Your task will be to observe adult dragonflies, record the species you can identify, or photograph those you can't and submit your observations to an online portal. This role can be done independently or with other volunteers, and you’ll have the flexibility to fit it into your own schedule.

Interested in volunteering? Register for this opportunity and a volunteer lead will contact you about setting up an in-person training/walkthrough for your first time.

For more information about dragonfly species, check out this link.

Come be a part of this exciting citizen science project and help monitor these incredible insects!

Become a Volunteer Community Science Bird Monitor!

Do you love nature and want to make a real impact? We need volunteers to help monitor Bluebird Trail Boxes and Martin Houses across Madison parks! As a Community Science Bird Monitor, you’ll be involved in weekly monitoring from April to September to help protect and track bird populations.

What You’ll Do:

What We Provide:

We Need Monitors at the Following Locations:

Bluebird Trail Locations (Primary or Backup Monitors Needed):

Martin House Locations (Primary or Backup Monitors Needed):

Get Involved: We’re also looking for volunteers who are flexible and willing to help fill in where needed. Whether you’re a first-time volunteer or a seasoned community scientist, your support will make a difference in helping our bird populations thrive!

Interested in volunteering? Register for this opportunity and a volunteer lead will contact you about location and set up an in-person training/walkthrough for your first time.

Join the Elver Park Cleanup Crew!

Help keep one of Madison’s largest and most beloved parks clean and beautiful! Each month, volunteers come together at Elver Park to pick up litter, improve the natural spaces, and make the park more enjoyable for everyone. Whether you’re passionate about protecting our environment or just looking for a great way to give back to the community, this is a simple but impactful way to make a difference.

What to Expect:

Collect trash along trails, open spaces, and high-use areas

Meet other community members who care about our parks

Enjoy the fresh air while making a visible impact

Meet Spot:

Look for the volunteer supply table by the path between the parking lot and the playground.  Here is a map for the meet spot.

No experience needed—just bring your energy and willingness to help! Supplies like gloves and bags are provided.

Join us and be part of keeping Elver Park a clean, welcoming place for all!

Picking up trash along the Monona Bay Shoreline and in Brittingham Park.

Flower Gardener Expectations

Long-term commitment: Volunteer Flower Gardeners must agree to planting and long-term upkeep of the flower garden in a public park. The Parks maintenance staff will not assume responsibility for the flower garden if a volunteer relinquishes their duties.

Maintenance Plan: Volunteers are responsible for all garden maintenance, including site preparation, planting, watering, weeding, mulching, and litter removal.

Water Source: If there is no water source near the flower garden, the volunteer is responsible for hauling water to the site.

Proposals: Each year, volunteers submit a plan and plant order for their garden, which is subject to review and approval by Parks Division staff. Volunteer Flower Gardeners have been maintaining beautiful and colorful gardens in our community since 1986, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to enhancing Madison’s parks.

Important Dates:

Scheduled Work Days: Join us for organized volunteer sessions focusing on key tasks like land management, horticultural care, and golf park beautification. Types of Work Include:

September 27 Plan: Join us for a scheduled outdoor workday collecting seeds with hands and snippers.

Take charge of organizing and leading monthly park cleanups in one of Madison’s beautiful green spaces. You'll rally volunteers, lead the charge in ensuring the cleanup is efficient and fun, and help keep our parks sparkling for the community.

Responsibilities:

Optional:

Take charge of organizing and leading monthly park cleanups in one of Madison’s beautiful green spaces. You'll rally volunteers, lead the charge in ensuring the cleanup is efficient and fun, and help keep our parks sparkling for the community.

Responsibilities:

Optional:

Take charge of organizing and leading monthly park cleanups in one of Madison’s beautiful green spaces. You'll rally volunteers, lead the charge in ensuring the cleanup is efficient and fun, and help keep our parks sparkling for the community.

Responsibilities:

Optional:

Take charge of organizing and leading monthly park cleanups in one of Madison’s beautiful green spaces. You'll rally volunteers, lead the charge in ensuring the cleanup is efficient and fun, and help keep our parks sparkling for the community.

Responsibilities:

Optional:

Take charge of organizing and leading monthly park cleanups in one of Madison’s beautiful green spaces. You'll rally volunteers, lead the charge in ensuring the cleanup is efficient and fun, and help keep our parks sparkling for the community.

Responsibilities:

Optional: