Volunteer Your Time!
Interested in helping out? We have several volunteer opportunities and positions available. We offer many periodical workdays for community volunteers to drop-in and help out, in addition we offer numerous longer placement and higher level positions and projects.
If you are interested in such an opportunity, we invite you to fill out our online volunteer application below to help us get an idea of your interests, skills, and availability. This application is also for Civic Action students and Scout Projects. Thank you!
Please contact Mariah Acton for further information Email: volunteer@columbiasprings.org
Tel (360) 882-0936 ext. 230
Columbia Springs Volunteer Leads
Volunteer Leads spend five Saturdays a year helping to facilitate volunteer restoration parties that improve the historic Vancouver Trout Hatchery and the 100-acre natural area of Columbia Springs. Volunteer Leads also help out at community events that foster greater awareness of the natural world and inspire stewardship. Finally, Leads have opportunities to get more involved with our On-Site Education Program and Hatchery Management.
No experience necessary! Learn or further develop restoration, teaching, outreach, and leadership skills Training is free, but pre-registration and completed online application is required. Training is scheduled for Saturday, January 28, 2012, at Columbia Springs from 10am-4pm, lunch is included.
For more information or to register, contact Mariah Acton at volunteer@columbiasprings.org. Our online Volunteer Application and a background check are required for all Volunteer Leads.
Environmental Education Internships
Columbia Springs is now offering a seasonal Environmental Education Internship for one to two interns. The Columbia Springs Education Intern will assist with and deliver environmental education programs to K-6 students at Columbia Springs, support the Salmon in the Classroom program, and assist with special events as needed. This internship is ideal for students currently enrolled in a college or university who can receive internship credit for completing this internship.
To Apply: Submit a cover letter, resume, and three references to Renee O'Neill by noon on Friday, January 13th, 2012 by mail or email. Federal background checks will be completed on all successful applicants.
For more information contact Renee O'Neill at schoolprograms@columbiasprings.org.
High School Civic Action Projects
Every fall, spring, and summer Columbia Springs works with up to 15 local student through our Civic Action Crew. Crew members are able to complete their school required service hours through various service learning opportunities and on-site environmental restoration projects.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with seasonal target dates of October 1, February 1, and June 1. To apply, fill out and submit the online application at the top of this page.
Stewardship Saturdays
Everyone is welcome for Stewardship Saturday! An opportunity for community members and families to come out and participate in restoration activities. We remove non-native species, plant native species, maintain and break trail, as well as many other fun physical activities. Snacks, coffee, tools, and gloves will be provided... so get away from that desk, and get outside! All are welcome, but we ask that children be accompanied by a parent.
Stewardship Saturdays are offered the second Saturday of February, May, June, July, and August from 9am-1pm. Sign-up today by emailing volunteer@columbiasprings.org.
Invasive Species Invasions
Are you passionate about battling the onslaught of English Ivy and other invasive plant species? If so, you should join us for an Invasive Species Invasion and join in our battle to restore Columbia Springs to a healthy oasis for native plant ecosystems.
Invasive Species Invasions are offered the fourth Saturday of every month, except November and December from 9am-1pm. All voluneers are welcome! Children (under 14) with parental supervision and teens under 16 with parental permission. Snacks and tools provided. Please bring sturdy shoes, appropriate outdoor work clothing, a water bottle, and your enthusiasm for helping the environment! Training and orientation starts in the SWIFT Classroom at 9am.
Sign-up today by emailing volunteer@columbiasprings.org.
Special Event Volunteers
Columbia Springs is proud to host a number of special events throughout the year, at which we are often in need of volunteer assistance. Events include fishing festivals, community field trip days, fundraisers, and more! For more information, email volunteer@columbiasprings.org.
Summer Camp Counselors
Columbia Springs hosts an annual Summer Camp for kids entering 2nd-5th grades. This camp provides an opportunity for kids to have an active and creative outdoor learning experience close to home. Volunteers at our 2011 camps helped to provide nature-loving students with an incredible summer experience.
Additional Service Opportunities
Further opportunities exist for Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, Eagle Scouts, and other community members interested in completing environmental projects (can be toward merit badge). Examples include, building boardwalks or decks, small bridges over springs, habitat construction projects, and more.