Volunteers
For individuals looking to obtain valuable work experience or to contribute to the conservation of New York State's environment, a variety of volunteer opportunities are available in the Department of Environmental Conservation. These opportunities are specific to the department's program divisions, and availability varies across the state.
Some examples of the volunteering opportunities include adoption of a natural resource; grooming and clearing of hiking and snowmobiling trails on state owned lands; assisting the wildlife biologists in studying or releasing game; assisting Environmental Educators at our four Environmental Education Centers (EEC) thru friends groups as instructors, greeters, assistant naturalists, gardeners, docents or clerical help; teaching Department sponsored programs such as "Becoming an Outdoorswoman"; and working as student interns in various capacities. For more information, please contact the program division or regional office in which you are interested.
DEC Environmental Education Centers
Friends of Five Rivers - located in Delmar, Albany County. Go to their website: www.friendsoffiverivers.org for more information.
Friends of Rogers Environmental Education Center - located in Shelburne, Chenego County. Inquire with the Center for more information.
Reinstein Woods Volunteer Program - located in Depew, Erie County
Stony Kill Farm EEC Friends Group - located in Wappingers Falls, Dutchess County
Other Volunteer Opportunities within DEC
Adopt-A-Natural Resource Stewardship Program
Artificial Reef Volunteer Diver
Belleayre Mountain - located in Ulster County.
Coastal Beach Clean-up: contact the American Littoral Society at www.alsnyc.org or call 1-800-449-0790
Data Collection Opportunities in Wildlife
Sportsman Education Instructor
Wildfire Fighting - Out of State
