Get Involved

Title image

“Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. In all the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can. As long as ever you can.” – John Wesley

  • Apply Here!

    Interested in becoming a volunteer? Fill out the volunteer application and the Volunteer Coordinator will reach out within two weeks to set up an interview and orientation. Paper forms are available upon request.

    As of April 2021, the refuge has resumed independent outdoor volunteer opportunities and roles. We look forward to bringing back indoors and visitor-focused roles in the coming months!

    For questions, contact Alaina Larkin at Alaina_Larkin@fws.gov or 763-260-3078. Thank you for supporting YOUR national wildlife refuge!

  • Already a Volunteer?

    Volunteer Logo

    Log-in to your Volgistics Profile

  • Volunteering at Sherburne

    The spirit of volunteering at Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge is brought to life by the words of John Wesley. Our team of volunteers are the life energy of the refuge and their dedication, time and effort has had an incredible impact on not only the refuge, but the community overall. The refuge has a robust volunteer program that continues to expand. Almost 350 volunteers have made large contributions to the following programs and activities: nature education, interpretation, wildlife observation, wildlife photography, maintenance, biology, habitat restoration, administration and more. 
     
    The refuge volunteer crew regularly contributes over 7000 hours annually, which is the equivalent to more than three full-time staff members! Sherburne is fortunate to have a wonderful group of volunteers who share the mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service- working together to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.  
     
    What is a volunteer?
    An individual who performs hours of service for a public agency for civic, charitable or humanitarian reasons, without promise, expectation or receipt of compensation for services rendered, is considered to be a volunteer. The refuge has incorporated many volunteers through the national Retired Senior Volunteer Program locally based in Elk River, MN. Children under 18 may volunteer for certain positions given signed permission by their parents on the Volunteer Services Agreement form.
     
    Who can be a volunteer? YOU!
    Our volunteer team welcomes you to join us! See below for more information on current volunteer roles.

  • Maintenance

    Maintenance_150x118


    • Check hiking trails for litter, obstructions, or repair
     
    • Clean up litter at kiosks, fishing areas, canoe access points, and parking lots
     
    • Adopt a Refuge Road!
     
    • Perform mowing, weed whipping, and invasive species removal
     
    • Complete carpentry projects and repairs  
     
    • Become certified on certain heavy equipment to assist with maintenance projects (must volunteer for at least one year before moving into this role) 
     

  • Interpretation, Events, and Community Outreach

    Interpretation 150x118

    • Become a “Roving Wildlife Interpreter” and interact with visitors on the Prairie’s Edge Wildlife Drive.
     
    • Represent the refuge at community events and festivals
     
    • Assist at annual refuge events including Wildlife Festival!
     
    • Lead guided tours and programs for the public on a range of topics
     
    • Donate your wildlife photography and videography skills 
     
     

  • Environmental Education

    Education 150x118

    • Help with school programs at the refuge or at local schools 
     
    • Work with students from neighboring communities 
     
    • Assist or lead programs for visiting groups
     
     
    • Engage your sense of wonder! 
     
     

  • Administration

    Front Desk 150x118

    • Greet and welcome visitors to the refuge

     

    • Research and compile information
     
    • Answer and direct phone calls
     
    • The Friends of Sherburne are the refuge’s non-profit partner. For volunteer opportunities and to learn more about the Friends, visit their website.

     

  • Biology

    Biology 150x118

    • Join our seed collector team and enhance your knowledge of native wildflowers
     
    • Help with habitat restoration projects
     
    • Early riser? Perform bird surveys with our biology staff
     
    • Monitor water quality of the St Francis River and wetlands throughout the refuge