Share your passion
Life-enriching adventures in conservation happen every day thanks to Missouri Department of Conservation volunteers. As a Conservation Department volunteer you can help protect and enhance our fish, forest and wildlife resources and enable other Missourians to experience the beauty of nature and excitement of participating in outdoor recreation. Enthusiasm and a little time are all you need to become a volunteer. You choose the level of commitment that works with your schedule, skills and interests. We’ll provide all required training. Most volunteer programs allow participation by anyone; however, involvement in some programs is restricted. Read on to learn how you can become a volunteer in conservation efforts in your area.
Hunter Education
Remember the heart-pounding thrill of your first hunt? You can help others create memorable hunting adventures by becoming a Hunter Education volunteer instructor. Volunteer instructors work closely with the Conservation Department staff to help Missourians become safe, responsible hunters and experience the challenge of pursuing wild game. You’ll teach students about firearms, proper firearms use, hunting traditions, ethics, conservation, safe hunting practices and hunting responsibilities. The training is on us and you set your own schedule.
Missouri Forestkeepers
Your green, or not so green thumb can be one of the best tools we have to keep trees healthy. As a volunteer with the Missouri Forestkeepers you will join forest landowners, educators, students, scout troops and others in monitoring forest health and educating state residents about one of our critically important natural resources, trees. You select a plot of trees to monitor and measure yearly. We’ll provide training opportunities to help you make the most of your volunteer experience with Forestkeepers.
Stream Team
Ever wonder what critters are swimming around, or how clean the water is in the local stream or river? Satisfy your curiosity about streams in your community by joining the Stream Team program. Form a team of one, or get friends and family involved in protecting and improving a stream near you. Your group will have many opportunities for hands-on activities including monitoring water quality, picking up litter, stenciling storm drains, stabilizing stream banks, planting stream-side trees, educating your community and much more. If your group wants to learn more about streams and watersheds, this program is for you.
Adopt-a-Trail
The path to outdoor discovery begins with you when you become a volunteer in the Missouri Department of Conservation's Adopt-A-Trail program. The program enables hikers, bicyclists and equestrians to assist conservation area staff in monitoring, maintaining and enhancing trails and trailhead facilities. If there is a specific Conservation Area or trail you’d like to adopt, let us know. If the trail is available for adoption, we'll get you set up right away.
Conservationist
Want to volunteer with the Conservation Department, but not quite up to conducting a rigorous hike or other program? Becoming a general volunteer may be just the thing for you. Conservation Department offices have many tasks that require volunteer help. The volunteer opportunities available include staffing the reception desk, chipping trails, providing habitat restoration and much more.
Volunteer Naturalist
The wild-eyed excitement of a kid reeling in her first fish and the satisfaction of teaching others to build butterfly gardens are just some of the fun you can experience as a Conservation Department volunteer naturalist. Volunteer naturalists help assure that each visitor to a conservation facility gets the most out of his or her visit. Our comprehensive training program enables volunteer naturalists to lead a wide variety of conservation activities. The program has limited openings and age requirements. The volunteer naturalist position also requires a higher level of commitment, but those who are up to the task will find it very rewarding. For more information contact the volunteer coordinator for the facility at which you would like to volunteer.
