Volunteering
We have special volunteer days in the spring and in the fall. However, there are other opportunities to volunteer throughout the year. See below to apply.
Join us April 27, 2025
Volunteer Day
For some, Earth Day is a time to explore nature and reflect on the planet’s health. For others, it’s a time to take action. Join us for outdoor projects geared toward environmental stewardship including invasive species removal, litter removal and new trail management.
We are looking for volunteers to:
Work with the land as a steward volunteer
Banish the Mischievous Invaders! Join our enchanted crew in restoring balance to the forest by clearing out pesky invasive plants from a designated spot in the Johnson Nature Center.
Spruce Up the Enchanted Gateway! Help tidy the Nature Center’s front spaces by clearing weeds, protecting native plants, and removing litter!
Help create enchanted pathways by laying soft wood chips along trails, tidying up any stray litter, and adding fresh chips to key spots around the property. Every scoop brings more charm to the Land!
Volunteer at the Whimsical Woodlands event
Lend a Hand, Spark Some Magic! Help keep the enchantment alive by guiding guests, supporting vendors, bringing whimsy to our activity tables and trails, and ensuring a smooth clean-up as the magic winds down. Your time makes the magic happen!
Opportunities to Volunteer
Do you often feel inspired to help others and give back to your community? Are you looking for a unique way to gain volunteer experience? Johnson Nature Center offers many opportunities to volunteer during our annual events and during summer camp!
Annual Events
Operations
Seasonal Clean-Up
Trails
Please fill out the below form(s), and when an opportunity arises, we will contact you! Many of our opportunities are seasonal, so please be patient while we assess our needs.
Adult Volunteers:
If you are an adult age 18 years or older, please fill out both of following forms.
Background Check Form (all adults)
Application and Media & Waivers Form (if volunteering only at the nature center)
Minor Volunteers:
If you are under the age of 18 years old, please have a parent/guardian complete the following one of the following forms on your behalf:
Volunteer Process
Volunteers are valuable partners at the nature center. They gain unique experiences and provide added value to our site and visitors.
Safety is a Priority
Johnson Nature Center is committed to ensuring the safety of those who volunteer in our programs and events by providing a screening and selection process for volunteers. This ensures those who work alongside us or directly with youth and the people we serve are safe and have positive experiences that enrich their lives.
Becoming a Volunteer
Volunteers come to us through our partner groups and the general public. We review volunteers that come from the general public for a fit with our current needs. Our partner groups are vital in continuing regular volunteer support and have prior relationships with the nature center.
Steps to become a volunteer
Application with Forms Submission
Review by staff for matching
Annual background checks
Bloomfield Hills Schools requires screening for each school year (every 12 months) with a Background Check to ensure the safety and security of those we serve for adults.
If you have any questions, please contact us at johnsonnaturecenter@bloomfield.org
Past Events
October 12, 2024
October 26, 2024 ~ Tree Planting: Planting Trees, Growing Communities
Make a difference in a few hours that can last decades! ReLeaf Michigan, a non-profit tree organization, in collaboration with the the Johnson Nature Center, Friends of the Johnson Nature Center, Bloomfield Hills Schools and the DTE Energy Foundation, is planting 25 trees at the Johnson Nature Center in Bloomfield Hills on Saturday, October 26th. The planting is part of a five-year long program to plant sugar maple trees and reestablish and expand the sugar bush at the nature center. ReLeaf Michigan’s tree experts will be there to show volunteers how to plant a tree and oversee the event.
