Environmental Education

Plant a seed of knowledge and enrich the lives of others by bringing our natural world to life for eager learners of all ages. Volunteers help to engage students and visitors during school field trips, special events, and environmental programs. Volunteers help at weekday or evening/weekend programs both outdoors at Conservation Areas and indoors at the Education Centers. Programs cover a wide range of seasonal subjects including natural history, wildlife, hiking, astronomy, seasonal sightings, historical crafts, outdoor recreation, and sustainability.

QUALIFICATIONS:  Minimum age 14; a registered District volunteer; physically capable of carrying out the duties of their position; responsible, reliable and available at the times required by the position.
EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: In most cases, no prior experience is necessary. Training will be provided. Special opportunities to lead programs are available for experienced teachers.
TIME COMMITMENT & SCHEDULE: Opportunities exist weekdays, evenings, and weekends year-round. Quarterly Gatherings are held four times a year to provide Education volunteers with an occasion to socialize, sign up to volunteer for upcoming programs, and receive special training or enjoy a feature presentation. (Volunteers can also signup online.)
LOCATION: Prairieview Education Center, Crystal Lake; Lost Valley Visitor Center in Glacial Park, Ringwood; and Conservation Sites throughout McHenry County.
EDUCATION VOLUNTEER POSITIONS: Volunteers have the flexibility to choose positions based on their interests, experience and available time.

For additional information about Education Volunteer opportunities, contact our Education Services Manager at (815) 479-5779 or Education@MCCDistrict.org.

Volunteer Positions

Volunteers assist staff with a wide range of indoor or outdoor educational programs held for youth and adult audiences on weekdays and weekends.
Assist staff in delivering educational programs in classrooms throughout McHenry County.
Help present programs to school children at District sites.
Assist staff in translating presentations or written material.
Do you enjoy crafts? Work from home or at Prairieview Education Center cutting, gluing, sewing, or otherwise helping to prepare the visual props used in education programs.
Lead a Saturday afternoon drop-in children’s program at Lost Valley Visitor Center in Glacial Park.
Dress in period garb to interpret historical lifeways and crafts events at programs and special events.
Help staff the Prairieview Education Center front desk. Greet visitors and perform basic office work. Volunteers must be at least 16 years of age.
Minimum age 18 and must own a GPS unit. Assist in the placement and maintenance of caches for Geotours.