Zoo
Become a Henson Robinson Zoo Volunteer
Make a wild difference in your community!
Whether you're passionate about animals, education, conservation, or just want to lend a helping hand, volunteering at the Henson Robinson Zoo is a rewarding way to get involved. Our volunteers support everything from educational programs to special events and animal care assistance.
Perks of Volunteering:
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Learn about animals and wildlife conservation
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Gain hands-on experience in a unique setting
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Earn service hours for school or community programs
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Join a community of dedicated, animal-loving individuals
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Receive exclusive volunteer recognition and training
Jessica Prumm
Learning Facilitator
HENSON ROBINSON ZOO
1100 E Lake Shore Dr, Spfld IL 62712
Botanical Garden
Want to Help at the Botanical Garden?
Join our Botanical Garden Volunteer Program and help preserve and enhance the beauty of nature! Volunteers participate in a variety of activities, including planting, weeding, pruning, seed collection, and maintaining garden beds. Opportunities extend to supporting educational programs, special events, and conservation projects like invasive species removal and habitat restoration. Whether you're an experienced gardener or new to horticulture, your time and passion will help keep our gardens thriving and accessible for all to enjoy. Be part of our mission to promote environmental stewardship and beautify our community!
Alexa Bryan Potts
Botanical General Manager
BOTANICAL GARDENS
1740 W Fayette Ave, Spfld IL 62704
Charli Swain
Facility Program Supervisor
BOTANICAL GARDENS
1740 W Fayette Ave, Spfld IL 62704
Isaac Phillips
Horticultural Curator
BOTANICAL GARDENS
1740 W Fayette Ave, Spfld IL 62704
General Volunteering
Help in our parks and on trails, tree planting projects throughout the year including seed collection, cleaning, planting, invasive species clearing, mulching, and other conservation activities.
Contact the Park District's volunteer coordinator, Chuck Smith, Park District Arborist, and Volunteer Coordinator for a list of projects and services that we are looking for assistance to complete.
Chuck Smith
Park District Arborist
MAINTENANCE/PARKS -
NATURAL RESOURCES
301 Eastdale Ave, Spfld IL 62703
Southwind Park
There's always plenty to be done at Southwind Park!
For information on volunteering as a docent at Southwind Park please contact staff at Erin's Pavilion.
Tammy Naumovich
General Manager
ERINS PAVILION
4965 S 2nd St, Spfld, IL 62703
April McClintock
Administrative Assistant
ERINS PAVILION
4965 S 2nd St, Spfld IL 62703
Pollinator Garden
Pollinator Gardens
The Springfield Park Foundation is looking for volunteers to help with their "Parks for Pollinators" programs. Help us build pollinator gardens throughout Springfield. Here are some upcoming ways that you can help us!
What is a pollinator garden?
Pollinator gardens attract pollinators such as bees, some birds, bats, and other insects. These play a crucial role in the flowering plant reproduction of most fruits and vegetables. These flowering plants are an important part of food production. It is estimated that pollinators are responsible for one in three of the bites of food we eat!
They are also important habitats for monarch butterflies. Monarch butterfly habits have been declining and so has the population of butterflies. Pollinator gardens can offer an important habitat to help repopulate our Illinois state insect, the monarch butterfly.
Why in the Springfield parks?
Springfield area parks have space and access to natural resources to support pollinator gardens. They not only provide crucial support for pollinators like bees, but they will be a beautiful addition to the park's overall appeal.
How can you help support the Pollinator Garden Project?
There are two major ways that you can help make this project a reality.
You can volunteer with us. Each spring we prep existing gardens and prepare the ground for any new gardens that are to be installed. And we will need help planting the gardens and refurbishing the grounds with new starts into existing gardens.
Volunteer and help us add these pollinator gardens to the Springfield parks. EMAIL the PARKS FOUNDATION
Don't have time to volunteer? Donate to the project and help us to plant pollinator gardens at your Springfield area parks!