Everyone here at Dahlem is grateful for the dedicated volunteers that donate their most valuable resource, time! We would not be here without you. Thank You!!
We have a number of upcoming and ongoing volunteer opportunities.
If you are interested in volunteering with us, check out the details below:
Volunteer Trail Leader Training – Sept. 9th, 2026
Volunteer Trail Leaders (new & returning) interested to lead Fall school field trips are invited to attend this informative morning training session on Wednesday, September 9th, 8:30 am to 11:45 am at Dahlem. To reserve your seat, please RSVP to Naturalist Educator Carrie Benham at email cbenham@dahlemcenter.org or call 517-782-3453 ext. 106.
Fall Workbee – Oct. 3rd, 2026!
Dahlem’s fall workbee will be held Saturday, October 3rd, 2026 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. Volunteers of all experience levels are welcome to join. Learn more and sign up to join us.
Pumpkin Carving – Oct. 22 & 23, 2026
Volunteers are needed to help carve about 200 beautiful pumpkins to line the Goblin Walks event trail route. Pumpkins are generously donated and some purchased at a discounted price. Please bring your own carving tools and creativity. Learn more and register for pumpkin carving!
Goblin Walks Boo Crew – Oct. 23 & 24, 2026
Join our Boo Crew for the family favorite Goblin Walks event. Find volunteer needs and additional details on our volunteer application page.
- Looking to fill both Weekday Afternoons and Weekend positions
- Weekday Afternoon: 12-4 PM
- Weekends: Saturdays and Sundays – 10 AM to 4 PM
- Shifts available – do not need to work the full time. Any time is appreciated!!
- Assist customers with their sales; answer phone calls after Office Manager leaves; help with mailings; keep the gift shop/exhibit area tidy and in order
- No experience required
- TIME COMMITMENT: Weekly
- Assist in presenting indoor/outdoor preschool and elementary school programs at Dahlem
- Receive quality training in the school programs YOU select:
- Spring Programs: Maple Sugaring; Sign of Spring; Who Lives There?; Frogs & Toads, Spring Birds; and Aquatic Studies
- Fall Programs: Signs of Fall; Nature Prepares for Winter; Animal Homes & Habitats; Bird Beaks; World of Insects; and Aquatic Studies
- Programs are offered Monday – Friday during school hours
- No experience required, training is provided
- TIME COMMITMENT: As needed
- Help recruit volunteers for events
- Assist in making event-related decisions, work with corporate sponsors and businesses, solicit for in-kind donations, and communicate with essential volunteers
- Meet as needed for event
- No experience required
Annual Events:
- Chocolate Sensations (February/March)
- Benefit Luncheon (Spring)
- Birds, Blooms, and Butterflies Festival (August)
- Goblin Walks (October)
- TIME COMMITMENT: Weekly to Monthly
- Assist with light or heavy trail maintenance/repair
- Receive training and hands-on experience in invasive plant removal
- Assist with regular grounds and facility maintenance
- Provide skilled labor in carpentry, plumbing, etc. if experienced
- Cut N’ Dab Group – Meets weekly on Thursday mornings, 9AM
- No experience required
- TIME COMMITMENT: Weekly to Monthly
- Assist in weekly/monthly animal care for Dahlem’s live turtles and Zebra Finches
- Receive training in animal care and habitat cleaning
- Manage outdoor feeding stations by cleaning, filling, and maintaining wild bird feeders
- Care for seasonal live exhibits including monarchs, snakes, and pond critters
- Prior experience with animals is preferred but not required
- TIME COMMITMENT: Daily to Weekly
- Reach out to Dahlem members who’s memberships are soon expiring
- Communicate via phone to members notifying them of upcoming expiration, and encourage renewal through Dahlem’s website
- Volunteers will follow a prepared script and gain feedback from members when possible
- Memberships last 12 months and there are members in need of renewal each month
- No experience required
- TIME COMMITMENT: Weekly to Monthly
- Be present in the public by representing Dahlem and its mission. Work to target people unfamiliar with Dahlem and encourage them to get involved (through volunteering, membership, donating, etc.)
- Recruit members of the community to attend events at Dahlem to gain familiarity with the organization
- Maintain relationships by communicating via phone, email, or in person
- No experience required
- TIME COMMITMENT: Weekly to Monthly
Committees at the Dahlem Center are essential in planning and guiding the organization to established goals and focus areas. Contact Hannah Schauer, hschauer@dahlemcenter.org or 517-782-3453 x 103 for more information on active committees.
- Assist staff to recruit new volunteers and maintain accurate contact information
- Manage records for volunteers (time logs, general info, emergency contact, etc)
- Plan volunteer events (Appreciation Celebration, Open House, Work-Bee Days)
- Recruit volunteers for specific events and programs throughout the year
- Cultivate new volunteer prospects, serve as point of contact for Dahlem volunteers
- No Experience Required
- TIME COMMITMENT: Weekly to Monthly
- Assist with daily camp tasks such as preparing materials and cleaning up
- Presenters will host activities and programs for different age groups
- Activities include camp arts and crafts, knot-tying, orienteering, hands-on animal demonstrations, aquatic studies, and so much more!
- Summer Camp consists of 9 week-long sessions that are either half-day or full days
- Session begins in June and ends in August
- Minimal experience required
- TIME COMMITMENT: Seasonal, Weekly during summer
