Volunteer
We Can't Accomplish Our Mission Without You!
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with us! Volunteers are critical in conserving the Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge. Whether you’re interested in special event support, leading hikes, or sharing a unique talent, there is something you can do to help. Explore the options below.
Guided Hike Leader
Embark on an adventure as a guided hike leader at Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge! Share your passion for nature, lead explorations through diverse habitats, and inspire visitors with the refuge's beauty. Join us in fostering a deeper connection to our natural world. Guided hike leaders are trained once per year, with multiple in-person and online trainings required. Acceptance into the program is application based. Guided hike leaders must commit to guiding at least two hikes per year to remain active in the program. Complete the form below to share your interest in the guided hike program!
EDUCATION & INTERPRETATION
School Field Trip Volunteer
Volunteer with us as a school field trip volunteer. Inspire young minds, lead educational activities and foster a love for conservation. Make a difference in the next generation's appreciation for our natural world. Field trip volunteers lead small groups of children and host small activities to educate students about nature. Once you are trained, you’ll be invited to view the calendar of opportunities and sign up for the days you are interested in helping!
Please click below to share your interest in becoming a field trip volunteer!
Visitor Center Volunteer
Volunteer at our visitor center, welcoming guests, providing information, and promoting conservation. Be the face of our refuge, sharing its wonders with visitors! Visitor Center volunteers sign up for shifts at the Wildlife Refuge and will work from the desk in the visitor center at the Refuge headquarters. If you do not live locally and would like to volunteer, see the RV Volunteer section further down the page.
Please click below to go to sign up!
HANDS ON
Get your hands dirty for a cause!
Trail Crew
Join us in hands-on nature work that contributes to the health of wildlife and the community! No experience needed, just a love for the outdoors and a desire to make a difference. Join us in building and maintaining trails that connect people with the great outdoors. No experience necessary—just bring your enthusiasm and willingness to make a difference. Work alongside fellow volunteers, forging paths that lead to adventure and exploration!
Please click below to share your interest in becoming a trail volunteer!
Pollinator Garden
Dive into the world of pollinators! Volunteer in our vibrant garden, where buzzing bees and fluttering butterflies thrive. Help cultivate a haven for these vital creatures, through weeding, landscaping and planting. In addition to building a better habitat at the Refuge, you’ll take home valuable skills that you can use to make your own garden at home!
Please click below to share your interest in becoming a pollinator garden volunteer!
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Are you a nature enthusiast with a knack for public engagement? Engage with the community on behalf of the Refuge through special events and programs! Inspire others to connect with and protect our natural world.
Special Events Volunteer
Refuge events are a key part of engaging the community with the Refuge. Special event volunteers help these critical events go smoothly by hosting tables, helping with event organization, and interacting with visitors throughout the event. Complete this interest form if you’d like to be notified when we are seeking volunteers for special events! Requirements for special event volunteers will depend upon the event and specific role.
Please click below to share your interest in volunteering for special events!
Visitor Services RV Volunteer
Visitor Services duties include staffing the visitor center, educational programs, providing interpretive services such as working special events, restocking brochures, cleaning the interior and exterior of public areas including restroom facilities, and outdoor/indoor maintenance work. Additional duties may vary depending on individual interest, skills, and talents. Must be able to provide resume. 24 hours per person a week for couples, 32 hours a week for one person alone. Full hook up RV spot and laundry facility provided. Must be able to provide your own lodging (RV, 5th wheel, Travel trailer. )Please click below to go to Volunteer.gov to sign up!
Professional Skills
Whether you're a marketer, graphic designer, social media whiz, accountant, or lawyer, your expertise can make a difference! Help us continue to protect and preserve land in Hill Country with your professional skills. Please click below to share your interest!
Corporate Volunteerism
Make a positive impact through your company and volunteer with us! Our corporate volunteer program makes it easy for your employees to engage in hands-on activities that support local wildlife and community health while bonding as team. No experience required—just bring your enthusiasm for the outdoors and a passion for making a difference. Sign up your corporate team today to give back and reconnect with nature!