Volunteer
PCC Volunteers: Singing the Praises of the Prairie

As a volunteer at the PCC you meet the most interesting characters... from the pronghorn on the prairie to the sodbusters of the 1880's. The PCC needs your help in preserving the natural and cultural history of the high plains and sharing it with our visitors. Volunteers halp as nature center hosts, school and youth group leaders, gardeners, special events staff and much more.

All volunteers are offered a 3-day introductory training course along with many "on the job" training opportunities. Advanced courses are being planned exclusively for volunteers on Prairie Ecology, Wells Crossing (historic farm) and Cheyenne life. Dates for the 2011 Spring Volunteer Training Course are Saturday, April 2nd from 1 pm - 4 pm and Saturdays, April 9th & 16th from 9 am - 3 pm.

Apply online now or print this PDF application and return it to Sara Aufderhar at the Plains Conservation Center, 21901 E. Hampden Ave., Aurora, CO 80013. Current openings are listed below.

Calling all Junior Volunteers (ages 13 - 18)

We are looking for responsible youth that love the prairie and love to work with young children. Junior Counselors assist staff with summer day camps, evening campfires, overnight programs and special events. Training is provided and it is a great leadership experience for students. Contact Audie at 303-693-3621 for more details and an application.

PCC Volunteers Enjoy:

• flexible scheduling
• being part of a fun and diverse team of staff and volunteers
• initial training and monthly continuous learning opportunities
• a variety of service opportunities and project options

Volunteer Opportunities to Match Your Skills and Availability:

• Leading or assisting with public, school or scout programs
• Artifact care/program set up
• Landscaping or gardening
• Animal care (livestock or exhibit animals)
• Researching cultural and natural history topics
• Staffing Wells Crossing for Saturday visitors
• Resource monitoring (Citizen Scientists)
• Staffing the information desk
• Administrative assistance/office work, art projects
• Maintenance projects
• Special projects designed to match your unique skills and abilities

Here's your chance to help out the prairie in the company of other volunteers with a workday project, or on specific tasks. If you're not already an active volunteer, apply online now or print this PDF application.

Current Volunteer Needs at the PCC
Here is where we REALLY NEED your help!

• Saturday Assistants: Staff a shift ( 8:30 – noon or noon-4:30 ) at the Front Range Building (we have projects for you if visitation is slow)
• Curatorial work/Data entry: Create specimen lists, inventory artifacts and biofacts; enter volunteer information, specimen data, and more. Will train and provide the computer for you to use while you’re here!
• Heirloom or habitat garden assistants: Help plant, turn, compost, water and weed. You pick the day and the time (within reason) and we will be delighted to have the help!
• Chicken Care: Our flock of Plymouth Barred Rocks, also known as “the Girls” would love some help with “chicken chores.” Turn the hen yard soil, change the water, and collect the eggs. The girls will coo, cluck, and scratch for you while you work! Shifts are flexible and should take about 45 minutes to complete.
• Sewing projects: Everything from program props to tablecloths and pioneer clothing, also repair. Fabric, patterns, and notions provided.
• Program set up/clean up assistant: Open the sod buildings or set up for Cheyenne Camp, weekdays, approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.
• Tipi maintenance: Check the tipis weekly or biweekly for needed small maintenance.

Apply online now or print this PDF application and return it to Sara Aufderhar the Plains Conservation Center, 21901 E. Hampden Ave., Aurora, CO 80013.

Call Sara at 303-693-3621 or click here to contact us for more information or to receive an application form by mail.