The National Wildlife Federation is a leading voice for wildlife and wild places. For more than 80 years, we have worked to protect and preserve some of America’s most iconic habitats and species—preserving a natural legacy for future generations.
The actions of volunteers play an important role in our work. Each year, thousands of volunteers across the country help wildlife by planting trees, building garden habitats, and removing invasive plants.
Volunteer Opportunities
Our turnkey employee engagement programs through our Wild Volunteer program are designed to fit a company of five or 30,000. We provide each corporate partner with a half-day service project for its employees, including:
School Garden Installation
Reconnecting today’s children to the outdoors, National Wildlife Federation Schoolyard Habitats® are where educators and students learn how to attract and support local wildlife. These wildlife habitats become outdoor classrooms where students learn about wildlife species and ecosystems, hone their academic skills and nurture their innate curiosity and creativity. Wild Volunteer teams will partner with our staff and a local school to plant a new school garden or give an existing garden a full renovation.
Invasive Plant Removal
42% of threatened or endangered wildlife species are at risk due to invasive plant or animal species. Together with a local park partner, Wild Volunteer teams will learn to identify specific invasive plant species and work to remove these plants from a park.
Tree Planting
Trees provide shelter and food for a variety of birds and small animals. Trees also help to improve air quality, improve water quality, reduce flooding and erosion, and have even been found to improve human health. Wild Volunteer teams will plant tree seedlings and trees, preparing the site for planting and getting their hands dirty digging in the dirt!
Corporate Campus Habitat
Create a safe haven for wildlife with a Certified Wildlife Habitat right on the grounds of your corporate campus. Our staff will help you to identify an appropriate space on your property; determine appropriate native trees, plants, and shrubs; and help coordinate with your operations or maintenance team. Your employees will not only get to prepare the garden area and install plants, but they will also have an opportunity to see the garden grow and witness the beautiful birds, butterflies, and other wildlife the garden will attract.
Event Provisions
The National Wildlife Federation provides the following resources for each event:
- Local point of contact for any questions about the work day
- Collaboration on a local press release about the volunteer work project (not a guarantee of coverage)
- A logistics briefing that includes directions, information about the project and what to bring to the work day. Items to bring may include: type of clothing, sunscreen, work gloves if desired (we’ll provide otherwise), hat, bug spray, etc.
- Volunteer liability form to be signed by employee
- Photo release form to be signed by employee
- Any necessary tools
- The National Wildlife Federation Wild Volunteer T-shirts
- Refreshments
- Photographer
- One-page work project accomplishments summary
- Link to photos taken during the day
The National Wildlife Federation often works with children and in school settings. As a necessary precaution, all Wild Volunteers are required to consent to a standard background check for all relevant events.
For additional details, download the full brochure. For more information about how your company can become National Wildlife Federation Wild Volunteers, please contact corprelations@nwf.org.
