Volunteers are an important part of any non-profit organization. Would you like to help Alachua Audubon pursue its mission to foster appreciation and knowledge of birds and other native wildlife; to protect and restore wildlife populations and their habitats; and to promote sustainable use of natural resources? Below are some opportunities that may be of interest to you.
Please contact us at contact@alachuaaudubon.org or click here to fill out a volunteer form if you see something that you would like to try.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNIES`
Festivals – Throughout the year, Alachua Audubon sets up educational booths at various local festivals. Volunteers can help with booth setup, staffing shifts, and takedown. No experience is necessary—board members and seasoned volunteers are always on hand to support you. It’s a fun and rewarding way to share our mission and connect with the broader community and attend a festival for free!
Bird Walk / Field Trip Leader or Co-Leader – Alachua Audubon leads birding field trips on weekends throughout Alachua County and nearby areas. Volunteers can assist by helping participants spot and identify birds, answering questions, and making sure no one gets left behind by walking at the back of the group. These outings are a great way to connect people with nature and foster awareness of local birdlife. We’re also always open to suggestions for new field trip locations—your ideas are welcome!
Native Plant Garden – Our native plant garden, located at the Alachua Conservation Trust property on Hawthorne Road, supports local biodiversity and provides valuable habitat. Volunteers are needed to assist with weeding and watering, especially during the summer. Monthly group workdays offer a chance to enjoy the outdoors with friendly folks. Bring your own gloves and water—tools are provided, or you can bring your own.
Social Events and Gatherings – We host four major social gatherings each year: the April spring potluck, the post-June Challenge party at Becky Enneis’ home, the Holiday Social in December, and the post–Christmas Bird Count (CBC) gathering. Volunteers are needed to help with site selection, organization (including transporting and storing party supplies), setting up venues, and assisting with clean-up afterward. These events bring our birding community together—and we’d love your help making them happen!
Design and Editorial Support – Help us share Alachua Audubon’s stories, events, and conservation news by assisting with the design, layout and automated distribution of our newsletter. Volunteers with an eye for design, experience with desktop publishing, and automated distribution platforms such as MailChimp or Constant Contact are especially appreciated. This is a great opportunity for anyone who enjoys creative behind-the-scenes work and wants to support our mission through clear, engaging communication.
Conservation and Advocacy Initiatives – Volunteers passionate about environmental protection can get involved in our conservation and advocacy efforts. Help support bird-friendly policies, attend local meetings, assist with educational campaigns, or collaborate with partner organizations. Whether you’re writing articles, sharing resources, or showing up to speak out for wildlife, your efforts help amplify our mission and impact.
Education and Community Outreach – Alachua Audubon leads a variety of youth-focused activities to inspire the next generation of birders and conservation advocates. These include weekly bird walks at Rawlings Elementary, a birding week at Howard Bishop Middle School, support for the City of Gainesville’s Kids in the Parks program, and educational sessions for homeschoolers, scouts and other clubs, and school groups. Someone to organize our local chapter of the statewide Young Birders Club is also needed. Volunteers should be comfortable with children, available during school hours, and able to pass a background check. Teaching experience is helpful but not required.
Annual Backyard Birding Tour Support – Volunteers are needed to help put out signs, greet visitors, and share basic information about the house and grounds at each tour stop. This is a great opportunity to contribute to a friendly, engaging atmosphere during one of our most popular community events.
Please contact us at contact@alachuaaudubon.org or click here to fill out a volunteer form if you see something that you would like to try.