Volunteer with the Greenwich Audubon Center

The Greenwich Audubon Center’s volunteer-led Trail Crew drives the upkeep and maintenance of the Center’s 15+ mile hiking trail network. Regular stewardship opportunities are available, with one larger project scheduled on a monthly basis. As a member of the trail crew, your specific responsibilities may include:

• Installing new trail elements (e.g. water bars) or sections of trail
• Repairing physical infrastructure such as bridges and boardwalks
• Identifying and replacing aging, damaged, or missing signage
• Clearing fallen trees and debris, and removing plants that encroach on designated trails
• Invasive plant monitoring and removal
• Identifying opportunities for general trail improvement, with a specific eye towards visitor safety and the overall hiking experience

Audubon staff will work directly with trail crew volunteers to identify and accomplish specific tasks for each workday. All necessary tools and protective equipment (including gloves, safety glasses, and chainsaw equipment) will be provided by Audubon, as will water and snacks. Other volunteer perks include hands-on learning opportunities with Audubon staff and partners, Audubon swag, social media and newsletter spotlights, and an end-of-year volunteer appreciation party. Prior experience in trail maintenance is not required, but volunteers should come prepared to do physical work and may be required to lift up to 50lbs. 

Trail Crew workdays are scheduled on a monthly basis:

• 1st Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
• 1st Saturday from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
• 3rd Sunday from 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

In general workdays are rain or shine, but exceptions will be made for severe weather (thunder/lightning, heavy rain, snow). Staff will communicate with volunteers prior to each workday to confirm final scheduling and outline work to be completed.

Greenwich Audubon Center welcomes corporate teams interested in engaging in meaningful, hands-on conservation work. Corporate service projects may include habitat restoration, invasive species removal, trail improvement, planting initiatives, and other seasonal stewardship efforts.

Projects are coordinated on a case-by-case basis to ensure meaningful impact and alignment with sanctuary needs. If your organization is interested in partnering with us for a Day of Service, please reach out to the Volunteer Coordinator directly to discuss current opportunities and availability.

Contact Us

Sitting at the Greenwich Audubon Center’s front desk makes you the first face visitors see! Our center desk volunteers help guide guests through our center and provide helpful recommendations for outdoor adventures on our property. Tasks expected of center volunteers include:

• Acting as a friendly and welcoming face to visitors entering the center
• Providing recommendations of trails and hikes visitors can use and recently seen wildlife
• Checking out purchases in our store
• Advertising upcoming events/programs to visitors.
• Communicating any questions or concerns visitors may have to staff
• Answering phone calls at the front desk and transferring them to appropriate staff

Audubon staff will work directly with center volunteers to identify and accomplish specific tasks for each workday. Hours for volunteering at the front desk follow when our center building is open, which is from 10 AM – 4 PM, Thursday – Sunday. Staff will communicate with volunteers prior to each workday to confirm final scheduling and outline work to be completed.

The Greenwich Audubon Teacher Naturalist volunteers help our education staff in delivering outdoor education programs, both with schools and during education events. We provide comprehensive training for beginner and experienced volunteer teachers to help inspire children to learn about their natural environment. Training workshops are held twice a year on weekdays in March and September, but volunteers can get started anytime in the year. Our training includes:

• Fall field course in nature studies and teaching techniques
• Observation of programs by experienced naturalists
• Spring refresher courses

Upon completion of the initial training course, participants will be invited to assist and eventually lead organized outdoor nature programs for student groups. Initial training requires two mornings a week for four weeks. Trained teachers are asked to volunteer at least one morning or afternoon a week during the spring and fall. Our experienced leaders have taught at our center from two to more than 25 years!​

Our volunteer teachers are important to the success of the Audubon mission and a highly valued part of the Audubon team. In addition to providing training, we offer:

• Field trips to other nature centers
• Discounts at The Nature Store
• Congenial company of other nature enthusiasts

Observe, learn, and share daily nature discoveries with guests by serving as a Discovery Station Docent. Volunteers engage visitors in high-use areas of the sanctuary, offering informal, one-on-one interpretation about local wildlife, habitats, and seasonal changes — all while enjoying time outdoors.

This role is ideal for those who enjoy connecting with people and sharing their enthusiasm for nature. Training is required. 
 

This is a volunteer opportunity with sporadic needs to support Greenwich Audubon Center as we attend or host large scale events to attract many visitors and provide outreach and education. Training is required.

Volunteers will participate in community science efforts like Climate Watch, eBird data collection, nest box monitoring, iNaturalist data collection projects, and more! Interviews and training are required. 

Apply Here