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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:

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

If you are interested in one or more volunteer opportunities listed, please contact our Office via email (contact@dahlemcenter.org), call our office at (517) 782-3453, or complete the form below today!

Thank you for your interest in volunteering, we hope to see you soon!