Opportunities From: City of Madison Volunteering

Everyone is welcome to join Friends of Olbrich Park and neighbors for a weekly effort to keep Olbrich Park's beach clean and beautiful! Volunteers will assist with essential beach maintenance tasks to ensure the area remains inviting and safe for all park visitors.

Volunteer Duties:

Cleaning Weeds off the Shoreline: Remove unwanted vegetation along the water’s edge to help maintain the natural beauty of the beach. Raking the Sand: Even out the sand to ensure a clean and smooth surface for park visitors. Clearing Animal Waste and Garbage: Collect and dispose of any animal waste or litter found on the sand to maintain cleanliness and prevent hazards.

What to Bring/Expect:

Dress comfortably for outdoor work and wear sturdy shoes. Gloves and all necessary cleaning tools will be provided, but feel free to bring your own gloves if preferred. Be prepared for outdoor conditions, including sun and potential wind.

This is a great opportunity to get outdoors, meet fellow community members, and contribute to keeping our local parks clean!

Volunteers will help support disc golf course maintenance by spreading mulch along designated areas of the course. This work helps improve course conditions, protect high-use areas, and keep the park more accessible and enjoyable for visitors. Volunteers should be prepared for outdoor work that may include walking on uneven ground, raking, lifting, and spreading mulch.

Responsibilities

Volunteers will help move and spread mulch where directed by the project lead. Work may include using rakes, carrying mulch in buckets or wheelbarrows, smoothing mulch around course features, and helping clean up the work area when finished.

Qualifications

No prior experience or training is required. Volunteers should be comfortable working outdoors, walking on uneven ground, bending, raking, and doing light to moderate physical work.

Additional Notes

Please wear sturdy closed-toe footwear and clothing that can get dirty. Bring a rake if you have one; extra rakes and tools will be available to borrow. Please bring water to drink and stay hydrated throughout the project.

Help support free summer concerts at Rennebohm Park as a Capitol City Band parking and pedestrian safety volunteer. Volunteers will help keep vehicle and pedestrian traffic organized before and after Thursday evening concerts. This is a great opportunity to support local music while helping create a safe and welcoming experience for concertgoers.

Responsibilities

Direct buses and other vehicles to designated parking areas Help maintain pedestrian safety within the park Assist concertgoers using mobility aids as needed Arrive before the concert and remain afterward to help manage traffic Follow the parking and safety procedures provided during training

Qualifications

Responsible, dependable and comfortable giving directions Able to communicate clearly with drivers and pedestrians Comfortable working outdoors and standing for extended periods Able to attend every or most Thursday concerts during the summer series No previous experience required; training will be provided

Additional Notes

·         Check in with Madi Leischner, manager at the shelter (near garage door).  Volunteers will receive direction and supervision from Capitol City Band event organizers. Madison Parks staff will not be on site to supervise this volunteer role. 

·         Concerts take place on Thursdays from June 18 through August 20 at Rennebohm Park

·         Pre-concert shift: 5:30 to 7 p.m.

·         Post-concert shift: 8 to 9 p.m.

·         Volunteers are encouraged to commit to every or most Thursdays

·         Concerts are free and volunteers can enjoy the live music between shifts

·         Contact the Capitol City Band at mgr.ccbamadison@gmail.com with questions

Help connect Madison families and kids with nearby nature by volunteering with Madison FUN (Friends of Urban Nature). Volunteers can lead an informal, free, family-friendly Bird and Nature Adventure outing or host a kids’ nature activity table. This is a great way for Master Naturalists to earn volunteer hours and for nature enthusiasts to share their knowledge, but no special expertise is required.

Responsibilities

Lead a casual, family-friendly nature outing or activity Host a kids’ nature activity table Share your enthusiasm and basic knowledge about nature Help create a welcoming and engaging experience for participants

Qualifications

Interest in nature and connecting with the community Comfortable interacting with children and families Reliable and friendly No formal nature expertise or previous experience required

Additional Notes

Activities and outings are free and family friendly Master Naturalists may count this opportunity toward volunteer hours Resources and guidance are available to help volunteers prepare

Please respond if you can lead an outing or  kids activity table on any of these dates and locations? 

Thu 06/25 San Damiano FUN table
Sat 07/11 Dane Co Lussier FUN table
Thu 07/16 San Damiano FUN table

Sun 07/26 1:30 Lakeshore Preserve outing
Sun 08/09 10-12 Ride the Drive FUN table
Thu 08/13 San Damiano FUN table 
Sat 08/22 9-11 MSCR Youth Pontoon outing

Sat 09/12 11-3 Northside Festival FUN table 
Sat 11/28 10am ALNC Edna Taylor outing
Sat 12/19 10am Starkweather Creek outing

Join us for a community-driven effort to keep Tenney Park's beach clean and beautiful! Volunteers will assist with essential beach maintenance tasks to ensure the area remains inviting and safe for all park visitors.

Volunteer Duties:

Cleaning Weeds off the Shoreline: Remove unwanted vegetation along the water’s edge to help maintain the natural beauty of the beach. Raking the Sand: Even out the sand to ensure a clean and smooth surface for park visitors. Clearing Animal Waste and Garbage: Collect and dispose of any animal waste or litter found on the sand to maintain cleanliness and prevent hazards.

What to Bring/Expect:

Dress comfortably for outdoor work and wear sturdy shoes. Gloves and all necessary cleaning tools will be provided, but feel free to bring your own gloves if preferred. Be prepared for outdoor conditions, including sun and potential wind.

This is a great opportunity to get outdoors, meet fellow community members, and contribute to keeping our local parks clean!

The Park Toy Coordinator is responsible for gathering and organizing toys left at Sunset 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 Friends of Owen Park for an Educational Garden Workday. Volunteers will help weed, transplant, identify plants, and learn more about the plants growing in these garden areas.

No experience is necessary. Friends of Owen Conservation Park workday leaders will provide instruction and help guide the group throughout the workday.

Responsibilities

Help with weeding and transplanting Learn how to identify plants in the garden areas Follow instructions from workday leaders Work mostly on trail, with some possible off-trail work

Qualifications

No gardening experience required Comfortable working outdoors Able to walk on trails and potentially uneven ground

Additional Notes

Hosted by Friends of Owen Park Please bring gloves All other tools will be provided Dress for the weather Wear closed-toe shoes Bring a full water bottle This workday will take place outdoors and may include some off-trail work

As a Trash Removal Volunteer, you will help keep Madison parks clean, safe, and welcoming by picking up litter and reporting larger concerns to Parks staff. This is a simple, flexible way to support your local parks and enjoy time outdoors.

Responsibilities:

Collect litter from designated park areas.

Place trash in existing park trash bins or in approved collection locations.

Use gloves, bags, grabbers, and other cleanup supplies as provided.

Report large items, overflowing trash, sharps, or unsafe materials to Parks staff.

Work independently or with a group during approved cleanup activities.

Document volunteer hours in your profile.

Qualifications:

No prior experience required.

Ability to walk outdoors and carry light bags of trash.

Follow basic safety instructions.

Do not handle sharps, human waste, hazardous materials, or anything that feels unsafe.

The Park Toy Coordinator is responsible for gathering and organizing toys left at Elmside Circle 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.

Parks Alive is back for its 5th year and we are expecting another packed summer of fun and activities. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to connect with residents and enjoy a great event. Thank you for rolling up your sleeves and supporting communities around Madison with Parks Alive! Whether you’re helping with tasks or engaging with the community, we are depending on you to interact with everyone in a positive and engaging way.

On-site support roles

On event day, there will be opportunities for you to help us in a variety of roles. These can vary. For a full list of all the activities that we need support with, follow this link. https://www.cityofmadison.com/parks/events/parks-alive/support-team

NOTE: If you have a strong preference for a role, please email Debra at: dalleyne@cityofmadison.com or indicate that preference in the note section. Otherwise, we will assign you to one of these three roles as needed based on demands of the event

Day of instructions

Check in with Debra Alleyne, the Parks Alive Coordinator, for your task assignment. Use any free time during your assigned task to take the opportunity to chat with residents and build connections!

Time commitment

Check-in time is at 4:30pm. Events are scheduled from 5pm - 7pm. If you need to amend the time that you are available to start, please contact Debra Alleyne at dalleyne@cityofmadison.com

Relocation

In some cases, we have an alternative, indoor site available in case of inclement weather. If this is the case it will be indicated in the opportunity. If we decide to relocate to one of the nearby alternate sites, you will be notified via email and you will receive a call from us to the phone number you provided.

Cancelation

If for any reason you need to cancel your participation, please return to this page and cancel so we will be informed and someone else can sign up for the opportunity.

If we need to cancel the event, you will be informed through the email address that you signed up with and you will receive a call from us to the phone number you provided.

Parks Alive is back for its 5th year and we are expecting another packed summer of fun and activities. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to connect with residents and enjoy a great event. Thank you for rolling up your sleeves and supporting communities around Madison with Parks Alive! Whether you’re helping with tasks or engaging with the community, we are depending on you to interact with everyone in a positive and engaging way.

On-site support roles

On event day, there will be opportunities for you to help us in a variety of roles. These can vary. For a full list of all the activities that we need support with, follow this link. https://www.cityofmadison.com/parks/events/parks-alive/support-team

NOTE: If you have a strong preference for a role, please email Debra at: dalleyne@cityofmadison.com or indicate that preference in the note section. Otherwise, we will assign you to one of these three roles as needed based on demands of the event

Day of instructions

Check in with Debra Alleyne, the Parks Alive Coordinator, for your task assignment. Use any free time during your assigned task to take the opportunity to chat with residents and build connections!

Time commitment

Check-in time is at 4:30pm. Events are scheduled from 5pm - 7pm. If you need to amend the time that you are available to start, please contact Debra Alleyne at dalleyne@cityofmadison.com

Relocation

In some cases, we have an alternative, indoor site available in case of inclement weather. If this is the case it will be indicated in the opportunity. If we decide to relocate to one of the nearby alternate sites, you will be notified via email and you will receive a call from us to the phone number you provided.

Cancelation

If for any reason you need to cancel your participation, please return to this page and cancel so we will be informed and someone else can sign up for the opportunity.

If we need to cancel the event, you will be informed through the email address that you signed up with and you will receive a call from us to the phone number you provided.

Parks Alive is back for its 5th year and we are expecting another packed summer of fun and activities. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to connect with residents and enjoy a great event. Thank you for rolling up your sleeves and supporting communities around Madison with Parks Alive! Whether you’re helping with tasks or engaging with the community, we are depending on you to interact with everyone in a positive and engaging way.

On-site support roles

On event day, there will be opportunities for you to help us in a variety of roles. These can vary. For a full list of all the activities that we need support with, follow this link. https://www.cityofmadison.com/parks/events/parks-alive/support-team

NOTE: If you have a strong preference for a role, please email Debra at: dalleyne@cityofmadison.com or indicate that preference in the note section. Otherwise, we will assign you to one of these three roles as needed based on demands of the event

Day of instructions

Check in with Debra Alleyne, the Parks Alive Coordinator, for your task assignment. Use any free time during your assigned task to take the opportunity to chat with residents and build connections!

Time commitment

Check-in time is at 4:30pm. Events are scheduled from 5pm - 7pm. If you need to amend the time that you are available to start, please contact Debra Alleyne at dalleyne@cityofmadison.com

Relocation

In some cases, we have an alternative, indoor site available in case of inclement weather. If this is the case it will be indicated in the opportunity. If we decide to relocate to one of the nearby alternate sites, you will be notified via email and you will receive a call from us to the phone number you provided.

Cancelation

If for any reason you need to cancel your participation, please return to this page and cancel so we will be informed and someone else can sign up for the opportunity.

If we need to cancel the event, you will be informed through the email address that you signed up with and you will receive a call from us to the phone number you provided.

Help Blair Street Gardens thrive by volunteering for a few hours in these community-maintained spaces. Volunteers will support ongoing care at two gardens located on city property near the intersection of Williamson Street and John Nolen Drive. The Gateway Garden is located on Williamson Street across from Machinery Row, and Wilson Green is located on East Wilson Street toward the Capitol across from The Cardinal Bar. Both gardens are maintained entirely by volunteers and provide a great opportunity to contribute to visible, well-loved green spaces in the community.

Responsibilities

Mulch garden beds Weed planting areas Prune plants as needed Pick up litter and help keep the space clean Assist with general garden upkeep tasks

Qualifications

Willingness to work outdoors for up to 3 hours Ability to perform light to moderate physical activity (bending, lifting, kneeling) No prior gardening experience required Interest in supporting community green spaces

Additional Notes

Location includes two garden sites: Gateway Garden (Williamson St. across from Machinery Row) Wilson Green (E. Wilson St. across from The Cardinal Bar) Dress for the weather and wear comfortable, sturdy footwear Bring a reusable water bottle Tools may be provided, but volunteers are welcome to bring their own gloves Learn more at www.blairstreetgardens.org or on their Facebook and Instagram pages

Help keep Madison’s public beaches clean and welcoming during the busy summer season. As a Beach Cleanup Volunteer Leader, you will coordinate simple weekly beach cleanups at your assigned park and work with Madison Parks staff to support a clean shoreline for swimmers and park visitors.

Wind, waves, and wildlife can quickly bring in seaweed, debris, and other material along the shoreline. While Parks staff regularly maintain the beaches, this volunteer role helps supplement that work by organizing short weekly cleanups to keep conditions looking their best throughout the summer.

Volunteer Leads will help decide a regular cleanup time, communicate with Parks staff about supplies or equipment needs, and may recruit or welcome additional volunteers who want to help.

Responsibilities

Coordinate weekly beach cleanups at your assigned park from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Help determine a consistent cleanup time that works for you and any assisting volunteers. Communicate with Madison Parks staff regarding equipment, supplies, and beach conditions. Help organize light beach maintenance activities such as: Raking and smoothing sand where needed Removing seaweed or vegetation along the shoreline Picking up litter or animal waste on the beach Report larger cleanup needs or unusual conditions to Parks staff. Welcome or coordinate additional volunteers who may wish to assist with the weekly cleanup.

Qualifications

Enjoy being outdoors and helping maintain community spaces. Comfortable coordinating a small volunteer effort. Reliable and able to communicate with Parks staff when needs arise. Able to perform light physical activity such as walking on sand, raking, and picking up debris.

Additional Notes

Time Commitment: Approximately 1 hour per week from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Cleanup times are flexible and can be scheduled by the volunteer lead in coordination with Parks staff. Madison Parks can help provide tools and supplies such as rakes, grabbers, bags, and gloves. Volunteers may coordinate equipment pickup with Parks staff as needed. Dress for the weather and bring water, sunscreen, and appropriate footwear. This volunteer effort supplements the regular maintenance performed by Madison Parks staff.

 

Help keep Madison’s public beaches clean and welcoming during the busy summer season. As a Beach Cleanup Volunteer Leader, you will coordinate simple weekly beach cleanups at your assigned park and work with Madison Parks staff to support a clean shoreline for swimmers and park visitors.

Wind, waves, and wildlife can quickly bring in seaweed, debris, and other material along the shoreline. While Parks staff regularly maintain the beaches, this volunteer role helps supplement that work by organizing short weekly cleanups to keep conditions looking their best throughout the summer.

Volunteer Leads will help decide a regular cleanup time, communicate with Parks staff about supplies or equipment needs, and may recruit or welcome additional volunteers who want to help.

Responsibilities

Coordinate weekly beach cleanups at your assigned park from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Help determine a consistent cleanup time that works for you and any assisting volunteers. Communicate with Madison Parks staff regarding equipment, supplies, and beach conditions. Help organize light beach maintenance activities such as: Raking and smoothing sand where needed Removing seaweed or vegetation along the shoreline Picking up litter or animal waste on the beach Report larger cleanup needs or unusual conditions to Parks staff. Welcome or coordinate additional volunteers who may wish to assist with the weekly cleanup.

Qualifications

Enjoy being outdoors and helping maintain community spaces. Comfortable coordinating a small volunteer effort. Reliable and able to communicate with Parks staff when needs arise. Able to perform light physical activity such as walking on sand, raking, and picking up debris.

Additional Notes

Time Commitment: Approximately 1 hour per week from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Cleanup times are flexible and can be scheduled by the volunteer lead in coordination with Parks staff. Madison Parks can help provide tools and supplies such as rakes, grabbers, bags, and gloves. Volunteers may coordinate equipment pickup with Parks staff as needed. Dress for the weather and bring water, sunscreen, and appropriate footwear. This volunteer effort supplements the regular maintenance performed by Madison Parks staff.

 

Help keep Madison’s public beaches clean and welcoming during the busy summer season. As a Beach Cleanup Volunteer Leader, you will coordinate simple weekly beach cleanups at your assigned park and work with Madison Parks staff to support a clean shoreline for swimmers and park visitors.

Wind, waves, and wildlife can quickly bring in seaweed, debris, and other material along the shoreline. While Parks staff regularly maintain the beaches, this volunteer role helps supplement that work by organizing short weekly cleanups to keep conditions looking their best throughout the summer.

Volunteer Leads will help decide a regular cleanup time, communicate with Parks staff about supplies or equipment needs, and may recruit or welcome additional volunteers who want to help.

Responsibilities

Coordinate weekly beach cleanups at your assigned park from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Help determine a consistent cleanup time that works for you and any assisting volunteers. Communicate with Madison Parks staff regarding equipment, supplies, and beach conditions. Help organize light beach maintenance activities such as: Raking and smoothing sand where needed Removing seaweed or vegetation along the shoreline Picking up litter or animal waste on the beach Report larger cleanup needs or unusual conditions to Parks staff. Welcome or coordinate additional volunteers who may wish to assist with the weekly cleanup.

Qualifications

Enjoy being outdoors and helping maintain community spaces. Comfortable coordinating a small volunteer effort. Reliable and able to communicate with Parks staff when needs arise. Able to perform light physical activity such as walking on sand, raking, and picking up debris.

Additional Notes

Time Commitment: Approximately 1 hour per week from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Cleanup times are flexible and can be scheduled by the volunteer lead in coordination with Parks staff. Madison Parks can help provide tools and supplies such as rakes, grabbers, bags, and gloves. Volunteers may coordinate equipment pickup with Parks staff as needed. Dress for the weather and bring water, sunscreen, and appropriate footwear. This volunteer effort supplements the regular maintenance performed by Madison Parks staff.

 

Help keep Madison’s public beaches clean and welcoming during the busy summer season. As a Beach Cleanup Volunteer Leader, you will coordinate simple weekly beach cleanups at your assigned park and work with Madison Parks staff to support a clean shoreline for swimmers and park visitors.

Wind, waves, and wildlife can quickly bring in seaweed, debris, and other material along the shoreline. While Parks staff regularly maintain the beaches, this volunteer role helps supplement that work by organizing short weekly cleanups to keep conditions looking their best throughout the summer.

Volunteer Leads will help decide a regular cleanup time, communicate with Parks staff about supplies or equipment needs, and may recruit or welcome additional volunteers who want to help.

Responsibilities

Coordinate weekly beach cleanups at your assigned park from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Help determine a consistent cleanup time that works for you and any assisting volunteers. Communicate with Madison Parks staff regarding equipment, supplies, and beach conditions. Help organize light beach maintenance activities such as: Raking and smoothing sand where needed Removing seaweed or vegetation along the shoreline Picking up litter or animal waste on the beach Report larger cleanup needs or unusual conditions to Parks staff. Welcome or coordinate additional volunteers who may wish to assist with the weekly cleanup.

Qualifications

Enjoy being outdoors and helping maintain community spaces. Comfortable coordinating a small volunteer effort. Reliable and able to communicate with Parks staff when needs arise. Able to perform light physical activity such as walking on sand, raking, and picking up debris.

Additional Notes

Time Commitment: Approximately 1 hour per week from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Cleanup times are flexible and can be scheduled by the volunteer lead in coordination with Parks staff. Madison Parks can help provide tools and supplies such as rakes, grabbers, bags, and gloves. Volunteers may coordinate equipment pickup with Parks staff as needed. Dress for the weather and bring water, sunscreen, and appropriate footwear. This volunteer effort supplements the regular maintenance performed by Madison Parks staff.

 

The Park Toy Coordinator is responsible for gathering and organizing toys left at Sugar Maple 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. Basketballs left around the courts have been a particular challenge at this park, so helping collect and organize them is an important part of the role.  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.Pay particular attention to basketballs left around the courts and surrounding areas.Keep basketballs off grass play areas 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.

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:

Monitor the dog park to ensure cleanliness. Pick up pet waste and dispose of it properly. Ensure waste disposal stations are stocked with bags and accessible. Report any safety hazards or issues to park staff. Promote a friendly, welcoming environment for dogs and their owners.

Qualifications:

Must be comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions. Ability to handle pet waste safely and hygienically. Good communication skills to report park issues effectively. Must be at least 14 years old (or accompanied by an adult if under 18).

Additional Info:

This is a flexible volunteer position with no set hours, though regular visits are encouraged. Volunteers are provided with gloves and waste bags and pooper scooper.  A key to the waste bag dispenser if needed is also provided.

Join us for a monthly Volunteer Workday at Elver Park and help care for one of Madison’s largest and most beloved parks. These family friendly work days are designed to welcome volunteers of all ages and abilities. Depending on the season, projects may include removing litter, cutting invasive species, collecting native seeds, or assisting with other land stewardship efforts. Each month offers a hands-on opportunity to support the long-term term health and beauty of this important community park.

Whether you are passionate about conservation, looking for a meaningful activity with your kids, or simply want to spend time outdoors giving back, this is a great way to make a visible difference together.

Responsibilities
• Remove litter from trails, open spaces, and high use areas as needed
• Cut and remove invasive plant species
• Assist with native seed collection during appropriate seasons
• Support seasonal land stewardship projects
• Work collaboratively with other volunteers and families

Qualifications
• No experience needed
• Family friendly and welcoming to all ages
• Willingness to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Ability to walk on uneven terrain and perform light to moderate physical activity
• Youth under 16 accompanied by an adult

Additional Notes
• Gloves, bags, trash grabbers, and tools are provided
• Dress for the weather
• Wear closed toe shoes
• Bring a water bottle
• Meet at the volunteer supply table by the path between the parking lot and the playground. Look for the Parks volunteer table and staff setup.

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

Join us for scheduled Saturday volunteer days at The Glen Golf Park in Madison. These organized work sessions focus on seasonal park stewardship needs and help keep the golf park healthy, welcoming, and well maintained. Work activities will vary throughout the year based on the season and current park priorities.

Responsibilities

• Assist with seasonal land management tasks such as planting, weeding, and seed collection
• Support horticultural care including mulching and landscape bed maintenance
• Help with general park beautification through litter and debris cleanup

Qualifications

• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions
• Comfortable performing light to moderate physical activity including bending, lifting, and walking
• Willingness to work as part of a group and follow staff guidance
• No prior experience required

Additional Notes

Volunteer days take place on Saturdays
Work is seasonal and will change throughout the year based on park needs
Tools and gloves are provided, but volunteers are welcome to bring their own
Please dress for the weather and wear closed toe shoes
Water will be available, but bringing a reusable water bottle is encouraged

Volunteers support family friendly activities during Movie Nights at The Glen by assisting with crafts or distributing kites to event participants.

Responsibilities

Assist children with simple craft activities during the event Pass out kites to participants as needed Help keep the activity area organized and welcoming

Qualifications

Comfortable working with children and families Patient, friendly, and able to provide basic assistance Interest in supporting community events

Additional Notes         

2 to 4 volunteers are needed per event.

Movie Nights at The Glen are seasonal, family friendly evening events featuring outdoor movies and activities. Putting Green Monitors help support safe and respectful use of the practice green areas by event participants.

Responsibilities

Help teach non golf participants proper care and etiquette of the practice green, 9 green, and 4 green Repair marks made on the greenMonitor use of the greens during the event Answer basic questions and provide friendly guidance to participants Help ensure the greens remain in good condition throughout the evening

Qualifications

Comfortable interacting with the public, including children and families Willingness to provide gentle instruction and supervisionInterest in maintaining green at peak conditions Interest in helping create a positive event experience

Additional Notes
2 to 4 volunteers are needed per event. Volunteers may sign up for one date or multiple dates. Event dates and times vary by month.

Join the Friends of Owen Conservation Park for a hands-on stewardship opportunity focused on removing invasive Himalayan pokeweed. This plant can be distinguished from native American pokeweed by its upright, centered flowering bloom, while American pokeweed typically has multiple arching blooms along the sides. The work area may include brambles and uneven terrain, so volunteers should come prepared for outdoor conditions.

Responsibilities

Volunteers will help identify and remove Himalayan pokeweed from wooded areas. Work may include digging out roots, carrying removed plant material, and following instructions from the project lead to help protect native plants and surrounding habitat.

Qualifications

No prior experience or training is required. Volunteers should be comfortable working outdoors, walking on uneven ground, bending, digging, and working near brambles or other vegetation.

Additional Notes

Please wear long pants, sturdy closed-toe footwear, and work gloves. A narrow shovel for root digging is helpful if you have one, but extra tools will be available to borrow.

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!

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.

Click Here to view the Goat Checker Video

Goat Checkers are the goats' friendly protectors, but their role is far from casual. While volunteers will enjoy spending time with the goats, they also take on a crucial responsibility for their care. Each Goat Checker is required to check on the goats once a day, and this must be done before 10 AM to ensure any issues are identified early. While things often go smoothly, when problems arise—such as a fence malfunction or a sick goat—it can require significant effort or present a potential danger to the animals. This role is not just about spending time with the goats; it’s a serious responsibility that demands reliability, attention to detail, and a commitment to the well-being of the animals. We depend on Goat Checkers to ensure the goats remain safe, healthy, and properly cared for.

Goat Welfare Checklist

Frequency of Checks:
Goats should be checked at least daily BEFORE 10AM and after storm events.

Daily Checks:

Patrol the Entire Fence: Ensure the fence is intact and that no branches are leaning against it.

Check the Fence Energizer:

Ensure the battery and energizer are working properly and that the connections are secure.

Refill the Water Tub:

Parks staff will keep a tank or jugs of water on-site to refill the water tub.

Check the Goats' General Health:

Goats should be walking around and eating or resting. They are usually all doing the same thing at the same time. Look for any signs of distress, illness, or injury (e.g., limping, bleeding, panting, or lying still/unconscious when others are active).

Check for Warning Signs:

Ensure “Caution: electric fence” signs are posted at each place where people will first encounter the fence. Signs should be placed at the corners of a paddock adjacent to a trail or where the paddock crosses a trail.

Emergency Contact Information:

To report an escaped goat, call:

Park Rangers: (608) 235-0448 or the contractors listed below

In case of emergencies (e.g., injured or sick goats, large fence failure, or several escaped goats), call:

HaakHagen Goat Grazing  (Cherokee, Heugel, Knollwood, Turville Point)Greg: (608) 577-3028Brooke: (608) 444-9195

For updates or general questions, call Hannah Quinlan at:

(608) 267-4918

Bonus: How to Determine When Goats are Done Grazing a Unit

A key indicator that the goats are done grazing is when they have eaten all the leaves off the raspberries. They usually clean up the foliage of woody species first. They often leave buckthorn re-sprouts within six inches of the ground but should have stripped the rest of the buckthorn stems. They won't eat poplar and only reluctantly eat Virginia creeper, so if there is still any green in the pen, they won’t starve before the contractor arrives to move themThey won't eat poplar and only reluctantly eat Virginia creeper, so if there is still any green in the pen, they won’t starve before the contractor arrives to move them.

Goose Monitoring & Hazing Volunteer
Help us maintain welcoming, clean, and balanced park environments by joining Madison Parks’ Goose Monitoring & Hazing volunteer team! From May 1 through Labor Day, volunteers support our Canada Goose Management Program by observing geese at assigned parks and using gentle, humane deterrence techniques when needed.

Responsibilities:
• Visit your assigned park site 4 times per week (ideally at the same time each day).
• Count and record the number of geese present during each visit.
• Use humane hazing techniques (e.g., clapping, waving arms, gentle approach) if geese exceed the site’s threshold.
• Reposition the coyote decoy during each visit.
• Check the effectiveness of the goose deterrent light weekly.
• Document observations using a monitoring log sheet.
• Report concerns or unusual activity to Parks staff.

Qualifications:
• No prior experience required; training and materials are provided.
• Comfortable working outdoors and walking around park areas.
• Able to commit to consistent site visits May–Labor Day.
• Must be observant, respectful of wildlife, and have a positive attitude.

Additional Notes:
Volunteers will receive a brief training and access to support materials, including a site threshold list and a summary of the Canada Goose Management Program. Early morning or evening visits are especially helpful, but observations at any time of day are appreciated. This role is ideal for individuals who enjoy nature and want to make a visible difference in the health of our parks.

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!  

CURRENT OPENINGS

Sun 07/26 – 1:30 pm – Lakeshore Preserve
Sat 08/22 – 1:30 pm – Pheasant Branch
Sat 08/22 – 9:00 to 11:00 am – Youth Pontoon Tour
Sat 10/17 – 10:00 am – Starkweather Creek
Sun 11/01 – 1:30 pm – Cherokee Marsh
Sat 11/21 – 10:00 am – Starkweather Creek
Sat 11/28 – 10:00 am – ALNC Edna Taylor
Sat 11/28 – 1:30 pm – Pheasant Branch
Sat 12/19 – 10:00 am – Starkweather Creek

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:

Visit bird boxes once a week to remove House Sparrow nests and record counts of nesting species, eggs, chicks, and fledglings. Be a key part of a growing community effort to support local bird species and biodiversity.

What We Provide:

Training on how to monitor bird boxes and Martin Houses effectively. Assistance in selecting a location that works best for you. A fun and impactful way to give back to the community!

We Need Monitors at the Following Locations:

Bluebird Trail Locations (Primary or Backup Monitors Needed):

Kennedy Park Odana Hills Golf Course and Odana Hills Park (new) Marlborough Park (new) Reindahl Park (new) Cherokee Marsh - North UnitDoor Creek Park Country Grove Park (new) Goodman Park / Quann Park Olin Park / Turville Point Conservation Park

Martin House Locations (Primary or Backup Monitors Needed):

Cherokee Marsh (new) Warner Park (new) Olbrich Park (new) Olin Park Hartmeyer Roth Park

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.

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:

Wednesday, September 16, 2026 – Flower pickup day at Goodman Pool parking lot, 325 W. Olin Ave., from 11 AM - 1 PM