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Here at Eagle Creek Park, we have an amazing crew of hard-working, fun-loving, dedicated volunteers that share their time and talents to help make Eagle Creek the stellar park that it is. Whether beautifying our grounds and trails, repairing watercraft, baking food for special events, answering phones, or sharing their love of nature with school children, volunteers play an essential role in our success and service to the public.
How to become a volunteerYou must be at least 12 years of age. Volunteers between the ages of 12 and 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times when volunteering at Eagle Creek Park. Parents and guardians must also fill out a volunteer application.
There are three required application forms - click each form to download a PDF copy, print and complete all three forms and bring or mail completed application to:
Eagle Creek Earth Discovery Center
5901 Delong Rd.
Indianapolis, IN 46254
attn. Glenna Haberzetle, volunteer coordinator
Volunteer Application Forms:
1) Eagle Creek Park registration form PDF download
2) Indy Parks registration form PDF download
3) Criminal background check consent form PDF download
Forms can also be picked up at the Earth Discovery Center. Please note that incomplete forms can not be processed. After your application has been processed, you will be contacted by the Volunteer Coordinator to start you on your way in the areas in which you are most interested.
Ongoing Volunteer OpportunitiesArt Shows
Assist with nature-related art shows held at Eagle Creek Earth Discovery Center three times a year. Help is needed for artwork drop off and pick up, hanging of artwork, setting up art racks, preparing and serving food for artist receptions, donating cookies, hors d'oeuvres, and other snacks for artist receptions.
Bird Feeders
Time spend filling or cleaning bird feeders and/or transporting bird seed.
Boat Repair
Maintenance on Eagle Creek Park sail boats and/or vessels at the Marina (canoe, kayak, pontoon)
Clerical
Includes mailing, organizing, folding brochures. Does not include the Welcome Desk.
Displays
Creating educational displays and/or updating existing displays, new signage, and components for displays (painting leaves, etc.)
Docent - Ornithology Center
Trained environmental interpreter at the Ornithology Center to aid in protecting displays while positively interacting and engaging park visitors.
Environmental Education Programs EDC and/or OC
Participating in educational programs in any way that takes place or begins at the EDC and/or OC. Leading hikes, assisting with canoe programs, summer daycamps, turtle chats, showing visitors animals, skulls, furs, etc. Includes special or public events. School Program Nature Guides lead groups of 10-15 students on guided nature hikes during their school field trips to Eagle Creek Park. Nature hikes at the Ornithology Center focus primarily on birds and birdwatching. Hikes from the Earth Discovery Center focus on seasonal changes in nature, local plants and wildlife, concepts of ecology, natural history, conservation, and water quality. Training is provided - no prior experience necessary, but must enjoy working with children and the outdoors. Most school programs take place weekdays between 9:30am - 2:00pm, spring and fall.
Gardening
Help to beautify our park by maintaining an assigned garden area, from planting to mulching to weeding to end of the season clean up. Work individually or in groups. Most planting takes place in April and May, with weeding, mulching, and maintenance through the summer. Optional planning meetings generally take place on Wednesday mornings.
Marina
Any maintenance projects for the Marina (stage repair, lawn maintenance, painting, rack maintenance, etc. If working on boats please select Boat Repair. Outdoor Maintenance
Includes gutter clean up, painting, raking, and other outdoor projects to enhance the EDC, OC, Park Office, Gate Houses, or Rental Facilities. Rubbish Busters
The goal of the "Rubbish Busters" volunteer program is to keep the hiking trails within Eagle Creek Park free of rubbish and trail hazards, and notifying us of any problems. The Rubbish Buster volunteer commits to hiking a selected trail on a regular basis as their schedule permits. Volunteers are encouraged to continue hiking the trails year-round. Click here to go to the Rubbish Buster information page.
Volunteer Training
Includes time spent at Volunteer Coffee Talks, delivering educational and training programs for other volunteers, providing food and refreshments, assisting with set up and clean up.
Welcome Desk
Answering phones, taking messages, welcoming visitors, answering questions at the EDC, or working as a Docent at the OC.
Volunteer NewsletterClick here to see current and archived copies of the volunteer newsletter.
Volunteer CalendarClick here to go to the Volunteer Calendar Page, listing volunteer training and events for the year.
Volunteer Sign UpIf you are already a volunteer and would like to check to see what events (school groups, programs, and trainings) you have signed up to help out with, please click here.
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