GENERAL INFORMATION
Our volunteers want to give back to their communities. They are concerned citizens, organizations and people with a passion who want to help IDNR fulfill its mission. They are people who are willing to share their knowledge and give of their valuable time; community organizations working towards helping their area become a better place; parents who want to set a good example and teach their children to contribute to the community; and people of all ages and backgrounds who would like to learn more about our natural resources.
The IDNR Volunteer Program has developed a Volunteer Network of caring people and organizations who have become a major asset in maintaining our natural and recreational resources. You can join our team of volunteers who share their love of nature, their time, and their dedication to conservation. Volunteers are needed throughout the State at State Parks, Campgrounds, Wildlife Management Areas, Nature Preserves, Special Events, and with many of our special programs. We have a variety of Volunteer Positions available so there is something for everyone.
Steps to become an IDNR Volunteer:
- Check the Volunteer Projects Directory which offers information about our programs, positions and geographic location of volunteer opportunities. If you would like to have the Directory emailed to you, please email dnr.volunteers@illinois.gov.
- Look through the Directory to choose a volunteer opportunity for you in the area where you live or want to volunteer.
- Contact the IDNR staff person designated for the program or position listed in the Directory to determine if there is a volunteer opportunity available.
- Schedule a time to meet with the IDNR staff person. You will be assigned a Volunteer Supervisor who will be there for questions, concerns and anything else that may help you perform your volunteer duties.
- Complete Volunteer Paperwork: Application; Job Description/Waiver; and Vehicle Authorization form, if applicable. You will be given a written Job Description and the duties stated in the Job Description are the only volunteer duties that you should perform.
- Read the IDNR Volunteer Handbook. This is your Handbook and will give you all the information you need to know about becoming an IDNR Volunteer. You can print it and make as many copies as you need.
- Keep track of your volunteer hours. This is important for insurance, reporting and recognition. Turn in your hours to your Volunteer Supervisor frequently, preferably after you volunteer or on a monthly basis, if you are a returning volunteer.
Thank you for choosing IDNR to Volunteer!
If you need additional information on the Volunteer Program, please email Dianne Blasa, IDNR Volunteer Network Program Manager at dnr.volunteers@illinois.gov.
If you would like information on the Campground Host Program, please contact Barbara Foster, Campground Host Coordinator, 1 Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 62702-1271, phone: 217-785-8129 or email her at Barbara.L.Foster@illinois.gov.
NEW: You can subscribe to “i Volunteer” email services and be the first to receive news and updates on DNR volunteering opportunities. Just send an email to dnr.volunteers@illinois.gov and type “i Volunteer” in the subject of your email. You will be placed on an email list to receive the seasonal “ i Volunteer Newsletter”. |
