Dakota County Parks offers a variety of opportunities for groups and individuals wishing to share their talents and time volunteering in their county park system.
If you enjoy working with people or have a passion for nature, Dakota County Parks is the place for you. Volunteer in a park that you frequently visit or choose one of the other beautiful County parks near you. Sign up for volunteer opportunities within the parks.
Short-term opportunities
Help out with one of our many opportunities that requires little to no commitments. There is always something going on no matter what season it is.
Bumblebee Survey
Volunteer scientists help us learn more about bumblebee species in our parks by working with experts to capture and identify bumblebees. Volunteers receive training on site and spend the afternoon outdoors in Lebanon Hills Regional Park.
Stewardship Events
Monthly work parties at Lebanon Hills are great events for people who want to get outside and give back to the park. Throughout the year, park staff host stewardship work nights and other habitat restoration events where volunteers can help with invasive species removal, seed collecting, tree and shrub planting and more.
Small Mammal Survey
Each summer, volunteers help Dakota County Natural Resources staff to collect data on small mammals in our parks. This hands-on weeklong opportunity is a great way to learn new skills.
Medium-term opportunities (3–6 months)
Volunteer Trail Patrol
Enjoy the outdoors while helping park visitors with questions and first aid care. Volunteer at any county park or greenway.
Dragonfly Survey
Introducing our newest ongoing citizen science program! In order to record information on dragonfly species in our parks, a small group of dedicated volunteers are trained how to capture and identify dragonflies, and conduct monthly surveys.
Garlic Mustard Challenge
After a short training, volunteers spend six hours (You decide when.) in the park, removing invasive garlic mustard and making a positive impact on the health of our natural areas.
Raingarden Stewards
Dedicated volunteers ensure the many raingardens in Dakota County Parks are well maintained. They aren't afraid to get their hands dirty and put in hard work maintaining our native plantings and raingardens.
Service project opportunities
Throughout the year, Dakota County Parks hosts several service project-related events, including buckthorn pulls and trash clean-ups. Groups are encouraged to contact Garrett Zaffke at garrett.zaffke@co.dakota.mn.us for more information.
To get more information about volunteering, email garrett.zaffke@co.dakota.mn.us.