Needs From: Volunteer Houston

When: Every Monday at 8:30 AM
Where: Armand Bayou Nature Center, 8500 Bay Area Blvd, Pasadena, TX

Join us for Marsh Monday, a hands-on volunteer opportunity to restore and protect one of Texas’ most valuable ecosystems – the coastal marsh! Our team meets weekly to rescue, propagate, and replant native marsh grasses that provide vital habitat for wildlife, improve water quality, and protect our shoreline from erosion.

No experience is necessary – just bring your enthusiasm for the outdoors! Volunteers may get muddy and wet, so wear waders if you have them or clothes and shoes you don’t mind getting dirty. This is a great way to learn more about coastal ecology, meet like-minded conservation volunteers, and make a lasting difference for our bayou.

What to Expect:
Meet in the ABNC front parking lot at 8:30 AM
Work alongside our Stewardship Team on marsh plant rescue, propagation, or replanting
Opportunities to learn native plant ID and marsh ecology basics
Projects usually last around 2 hours

What to Bring:
Clothes/shoes you don’t mind getting muddy
Refillable water bottle
Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, bug spray)
Signed volunteer waiver (attached)

Come see firsthand how wetlands work and be part of keeping Armand Bayou healthy for generations to come!

Woodland Park is the second-oldest park in Houston and is a designated City of Houston nature preserve.  Friends of Woodland Park (FWP) will host a cleanup event to clear trails, rid the park of trash and debris that accumulated over the summer and refresh the butterfly and firefly gardens.

FWP volunteers annually remove over 10,000 pounds of trash from the Nature Preserve, which includes Little White Park Bayou. 

FWP will provide gloves, trash bags, bug spray, snacks and water. 

Volunteers should wear closed toe shoes that can get dirty. 

Restrooms are available on-site in the Community Center.

Parking is available on site and on nearby neighborhood streets.

Woodland Park (212 Parkview St) is centrally located near downtown.

Questions? Please contact us at volunteer@friendsofwoodlandpark.org  

Join the South Union Civic Club, Texas Clean-Up Women, Department of Neighborhoods, and Solid Waste Management for a community clean up! Help us beautify South Union and make a positive impact supplies provided, all are welcome!

Supplies and small lunch will be provided.

For information or questions contact: info@securehaventexas.com,

Rashad Cave; rashad.cave@houstontx.gov or Shermika Martin; smartin@securehaventexas.com

Woodland Park is the second-oldest park in Houston and is a designated City of Houston nature preserve.  Friends of Woodland Park (FWP) will host a cleanup event to clear trails, rid the park of trash and debris and refresh the butterfly and firefly gardens.

FWP volunteers annually remove over 10,000 pounds of trash from the Nature Preserve, which includes Little White Park Bayou. 

FWP will provide gloves, trash bags, bug spray, snacks and water. 

Volunteers should wear closed toe shoes that can get dirty. 

Restrooms are available on-site in the Community Center.

Parking is available on site and on nearby neighborhood streets.

Woodland Park (212 Parkview St) is centrally located near downtown.

Questions? Please contact us at volunteer@friendsofwoodlandpark.org  

Volunteer Photographers needed! 

Get ready to make a difference this Halloween season with “Spook-A-Clean,” a fun and
frightfully important community cleanup event organized by SPLASh! On November 1, volunteers of all
ages will come together to clean Houston’s bayous, learn from local environmental organizations, and
participate in our costume swap!

Houston’s bayous are critical ecosystems, supporting a wide range of species and serving as vital
stopover points for migratory birds. However, these waterways often become polluted with trash and
debris, posing a serious threat to the wildlife that depend on them.

Our “Spook-A-Clean” event is
designed to tackle this issue head-on while bringing a festive, family-friendly atmosphere to
environmental action.

Event Details:
● Date: November 1, 2025
● Time: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
● Location: Arthur Storey Park, 77400 W Sam Houston Pkwy S Houston, TX 77036
● Who Can Attend: Open to all ages
● What to Bring: Close-toed shoes, water bottles, and your spookiest costume! Trash bags, gloves,
refreshments, and giveaways will be provided.
● Costume Swap: Bring your clean and gently-used costumes to swap out or donate! Excess
costumes will be donated to the SPCA Re-tail Thrift Store

REGISTER HERE: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084DA8AE2EA2F8C07-57920904-spookaclean

Woodland Park is the second-oldest park in Houston and is a designated City of Houston nature preserve with lovely, wooded trails along Little White Oak Bayou.  Friends of Woodland Park (FWP) will host an event to clear and repair trails and rid the park of any trash and debris that has accumulated. We'll also refresh the butterfly and firefly gardens.

FWP volunteers annually remove over 10,000 pounds of trash from the Nature Preserve that collects along the bayou following Houston's heavy rains.

FWP will provide gloves, trash bags, bug spray, snacks and water. 

Volunteers should wear closed toe shoes that can get dirty. 

Restrooms are available on-site in the Community Center.

Parking is available on site and on nearby neighborhood streets.

Woodland Park (212 Parkview St) is centrally located near downtown.

Questions? Please contact us at volunteer@friendsofwoodlandpark.org  

Volunteers are needed to pull weeds, lay mulch, paint, repair garden tools, assemble a compost bin and plant at the Youth Going Green Community Garden, 4706 Idaho St   77021

The garden provides youth in the community with skills to empower them to be productive and productive youth. 

So many volunteers have expressed fulfillment, relaxation and a sense of purpose as they work in the garden.

Garden hours are every Thursday and 1st/3rd Sunday at 3-5pm. Community service hours are provided if needed.

I hope to see you soon!

Ms. Judy, Garden Overseer

We rely on ‘Welcome’ Volunteers to provide outstanding customer service to all visitors and to respond to inquiries by providing information and/or directing visitors to resources or staff members. Training is provided. We need ‘Welcome’ volunteers each afternoon and on the weekends.

The Front Desk Volunteer will:

Adults, if you are interested in learning about gardening, native plants, and invasive species join the Nature Discovery Center on the first  Monday of the month to help us care for the park. No experience is necessary but come dressed for the weather, bugs, and be prepared to get dirty. Bring your own gloves and tools or use ours.  9:30 till Noon.  If you are interested in gardening but cannot make the dates please contact us to see if other time slots can be arranged.  Thanks!

The Nature Discover Center is looking for an energetic and enthusiastic individual who has a passion for science, nature, and children to volunteer with our field trip program. This volunteer will work closely with our staff naturalists and other volunteer teachers to lead our discovery-based field trip program Nature at Your Doorstep. This individual will be a crucial member of the team in adding to the overall Nature Discovery Center field trip experience. 

The Nature Discovery Center is a nonprofit nature center and 4-acre nature park located in Bellaire, TX. We believe a personal connection to nature is an essential part of life. We ignite life-long curiosity, understanding, and respect for nature through education.

Primary Responsibilities:

Qualifications:

Sheldon Lake State Park offers field trips to local groups and schools, typically from 9:00am-12:00pm on  Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, and occasional Saturdays. Field trip volunteers support staff by assisting with fishing programs, nature walks, and other programming. May be asked to assist with outreach events outside of the park.

Minimum age of 18—Criminal Background Check required

Contact Jacob Poinsett at Jacob.Poinsett@tpwd.texas.gov to get involved.

Do you have a green thumb? We want you to come out and help us keep our gardens and wildscapes in tiptop shape. Assist with the overall development and maintenance of the gardens and trails. Duties include pruning, invasives removal, weeding, and planting. No experience necessary, all training will be provided.

Minimum age of 18—Criminal Background Check required

Contact Jacob Poinsett at Jacob.Poinsett@tpwd.texas.gov to get involved.

Come out to Sheldon and walk the trails! Our rovers interact with guests to answer questions, provide directions, and point out wildlife! You can also assist with our public programs. Sheldon Lake State Park is open daily from 8:00am-5:00pm. If you enjoy talking to people, this opportunity is for you! Preferred volunteer days are Saturdays or Sundays for 1-3 hours. May be asked to assist with outreach events outside of the park.

Preferred experience would include knowledge of flora and fauna indigenous to the Piney Woods region of Texas, experience presenting to groups, and the ability to walk trails or stand for several hours at a time. Shifts will be primarily on weekend days, or as needed. Volunteer will need to coordinate a schedule with park staff.

Minimum age of 18—Criminal Background Check required

Contact Jacob Poinsett at Jacob.Poinsett@tpwd.texas.gov to get involved.

Be part of a large-scale prairie and wetland restoration project! Our volunteers come out every Tuesday from 8:00am-11:30am to plant, pot, and perform other restoration activities. Volunteers should expect to get dirty and learn about prairies and wetlands! No experience necessary, orientation and training provided.

Minimum age of 18—Criminal Background Check required

Contact Matthew Moore at Matthew.Moore@tpwd.texas.gov to get involved.

Houston has a wonderful diversity of plants and animals, but they are being outcompeted by invasive species that harm the environment. Sheldon Lake State Park wants help managing our restored coastal prairie so that the many native birds, amphibians, and mammals will still have a home. Volunteers will work with park staff to remove invasive plants like the Chinese tallow, eastern baccharis, and deep-rooted sedge using tools and other methods. You will also learn how to identify the flora and fauna of the greater Houston region. Invasive removal will be done outside in variable conditions and will require physical exertion. All tools will be provided.  If you love the outdoors and want to preserve it for years to come, visit our park and see what you can do to protect Houston’s natural resources.

Criminal background check required. Volunteers age 18+ only.

Contact Matthew Moore at Matthew.Moore@tpwd.texas.gov to get involved.

Assist horticulturists with planting, grooming, pruning, weeding, and mulching. Join a plant committee and grow plants year-round for events and sales. Help with projects including plant propagation, construction, painting and more.  Please contact Colleen at 713-274-4160 for more information or Colleen.Powell@pct3.hctx.net. Thank you.

Our mission to promote positive youth development, encourage families to live healthy lifestyles and create unique experiences for underserved families throughout the Houston metropolitan area and the United States.

We are looking for the following board of directors positions to serve a two-year term:

Position Overview: We are currently seeking a dedicated individual to serve as a Volunteer Secretary on our Board of Directors. The Secretary plays a crucial role in supporting the organization's operations by maintaining accurate records, facilitating communication among board members, and assisting with administrative tasks.

Responsibilities:

Qualifications:

Time Commitment: This is a volunteer position with an estimated time commitment of approximately 5-10 hours per month, including board meetings and related tasks.

How to Apply: If you are passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of youth and families, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding opportunity. Please submit your resume and a brief statement of interest. In your statement, please include why you are interested in serving on the board and how your skills and experiences align with our mission.

Join us in creating meaningful change and empowering underserved communities to thrive!

Committed volunteers who will lead Community Work Days on the farm. 

They commit to one volunteer day a month. ​

Represent Plant It Forward, the volunteers, and the community​

Asked to commit for one year in this role

*Must attend Volunteer orientation before starting role

The Urban Farm Experience is the perfect team building opportunity for groups that have been working remotely for the past year or for those who want to take a break from the computer and bring your group out to the field! During your visit, your team will experience sustainability in action by participating in a project on one of PIF’s farms that will ultimately help create a green, healthy and vibrant Houston. Use this opportunity to initiate sustainability conversations with your team while learning about sustainable agriculture and food systems from PIF farmers and local experts.

We typically work with groups of 10-70 members, but please inquire to see if we can accommodate your larger group. This event can be customized to best meet your group’s needs. Please reach out to learn more.

During your Urban Farm Experience, your group will:

Be ‘farmers-for-a-day’ and get their hands dirty while working together to complete a fun project in the field

Participate in a Q&A to learn more about sustainable agriculture and Houston’s food system from local experts

Donation of $40 per person

Learn about urban farming in Houston

Assist with teaching fishing skills, catch and release and ethical fishing practices. Most events are held on Wednesdays or Saturdays. Applicants will be subject to criminal history check.

If interested in this position, please apply here: https://tpwd.samaritan.com/custom/1353/opp_details/169703

For volunteers, we ask that you come in half an hour prior to a shift to complete an orientation beforehand. We ask that volunteers commit at least 6 hours a month.

Position Overview: We are seeking a dedicated and skilled individual to serve as a Volunteer Grant Writer for the Katherine and Everett Robinson Foundation. The Grant Writer will play a vital role in securing funding to support our programs and initiatives aimed at positively impacting the lives of youth and families in our community.

Responsibilities:

Qualifications:

Time Commitment: This is a volunteer position with flexible hours, requiring an estimated time commitment of approximately 5-10 hours per week, depending on grant deadlines and project needs.

Welcome to the Green Wave Game!

This is a virtual event.

Join us in generating awareness, empowerment, and fun around environmental care on a schedule that works for you!

We need volunteers to: Create a social media posts about environmental care while cleaning up litter. You can do this at any time that is convenient for you.

Follow this link for details and to sign up to play the game (which is also the volunteer activity): https://ayw.givepulse.com/event/516737-green-wave-litter-cleanup-game

Check out our ayw.givepulse.com page to see more opportunities. 

Thank you for raising awareness about environmental care!

Grow With Us! Volunteer for Your Community Gardens

Looking for a way to give back, enjoy the outdoors, and connect with your community? Our 12 community gardens need volunteers to help with planting, weeding, watering, harvesting, and general upkeep. Whether you have a green thumb or just want to lend a hand, your time and effort will help create thriving spaces for everyone to enjoy. Gardens are open Monday – Friday and with special requests on weekends for large groups.

The Multi Service Gardens Include the following site locations:

No experience is needed, just a willingness to get your hands dirty and make a difference! Sign up today and be part of something that grows beyond the garden.

Once you register, you will be contacted by Oscar Salazar for next steps. Oscar will provide you with additional information regarding volunteer waiver forms, scheduling volunteer need, and additional details. For any questions, you can reach Oscar at oscar.salazar@houstontx.gov 

Get involved today!

Houston Parks and Recreation needs volunteers to help us keep the city's parks clean and green! No experience needed or age limits on who can help! All volunteers under the age of 16 are more than welcome as long as they attend with an adult! Duties include but are not limited to park de-littering, painting, mulching, and tree plantings! 

Check out the park inventory link below to check out our 200+ locations to see what's closest to you and get started TODAY! We accommodate all volunteer groups Monday- Saturday and hours will vary by location and availability! 

https://www.houstontx.gov/parks/parksites.html

Once you register, you will be contacted by Oneika J. Peters to lock-in your location, waiver forms, and all additional details needed! 

Come help clean and improve the trails in the Woodland Park Nature Preserve including beautiful Little White Oak Bayou!

or

Volunteer at any of our other events!

For park workdays: Join in to rebuild trails, clean the park/bayou, and work in the gardens! Closed-toe shoes, long pants, and long-sleeved shirts recommended.

Friends of Woodland Park (FWP) is looking for 1-4 people to help us secure funding to support our 15 for 15 projects celebrating our15-year anniversary!  This an exciting way to make a generational impact on a unique park and bayou environment in central Houston.

1-2 people will serve as Grants Directors(s) and will liaise with the board more regularly. Directors must be members of Friends of Woodland Park, per our bylaws.

Expectations include: 

Identify grant opportunities with help of FWP board members.

Review selected grant opportunities with relevant Houston Parks and Recreation Department personnel for support or permission (ie, affidavit) to apply.

Prepare grant applications: includes writing responses to questions, assembling
responsive documents with help of board members, securing application fees if needed,
seeking final review from board members and submitting completed application.

Commitment: Minimum 1 year

For more information, contact Jennifer Ostlind, FWP Volunteer Coordinator, at jennifer@friendsofwoodlandpark.org 

Come help us advance a concept for eliminating floating/drifting trash in Little White Oak Bayou through Woodland Park!

Keeping Woodland Park Nature Preserve clean is an on-going challenge for the community. Regular cleanup events help, but the amount of trash and debris that finds its way onto the banks of Little White Oak Bayou and into trees and shrubs is unmanageable.

Our goal for the coming year is to determine a path forward and kick off a feasibility study.

We're looking for 1-5 people with related experience and/or anyone willing to learn! You'll need research and analytical skills, aptitude for talking tech, and ability to talk with local officials.

Expectations:

One person will serve as lead/Director. Per our bylaws, this person must be a member of Friends of Woodland Park.

Review options evaluation prepared in 2012 and funded by Bridgestone.

Gain awareness/understanding of flood mitigation plans for Little White Oak Bayou and plans to reconstruct culvert under I-45 as part of TxDOTs North Houston Highway Improvement Program (NHHIP).

Identify best practices used by other organizations in the Houston area and beyond. 

Work with FWP board and other stakeholders and experts to identify one or more preferred concepts for further exploration. Options could include short term (pre-NHHIP) solutions and long term (post NHHIP) solutions. 

Draft scope of feasibility study for preferred concept(s). 

Identify lead organization(s) to implement a pilot or ongoing project, and funding required.

Support lead organization in pilot/project implementation.

Commitment: minimum 1 year

For more information, contact Jennifer Ostlind, FWP Volunteer Coordinator, at Jennifer@friendsofwoodlandpark.org .

Friends of Woodland Park is seeking someone to lead communications for our vibrant organization!  Are you social media-savvy?  Do you enjoy connecting people with causes and events?  Are you passionate about natural spaces and bayous?  Do you enjoy the Heights/Northside/First Ward areas of Houston?

This is a board position for a term of 2 years. The selected candidate must be a member of Friends of Woodland Park, abide by our bylaws, and complete an annual conflict of interest statement (via a short google form).  Final candidate selection will be made by the board after the opportunity has been given for all parties to meet.

Experience with Google Workspace, Meta Business Suite, and Squarespace a plus - or a willingness to learn on the job!

Expectations:

The VP Communications shall insure the continuation and relevancy of the FWP website including e-mails, blog posts, calendar updates, and its overall look and feel.

The VP Communications shall also manage social media activities.

The VP Communications shall maintain the FWP “brand” identity and create or approve all graphic designs and write-us for publication.

The VP Communications shall maintain the overall document repository for the Board, including access.

The VP Communications shall manage the online store.

The VP Communications may enlist additional support as needed including technical support or committee members, after consultation with the Board.

Commitment: This role is a Board Member and so operates on a 2-year term.

For more information, contact Kelli Fereday, President, Friends of Woodland Park, at president@friendsofwoodlandpark.org. 

Want to get outdoors and lead people? Friends of Woodland Park (FWP) is looking for 4-6 people to manage logistics and materials for monthly park cleanups, including 2 Leads/Directors. Volunteers annually remove 10-15,000 pounds of trash from the Little White Oak Bayou floodplain within Woodland Park

FWP usually sponsors 6 community clean-ups annually (Feb, Mar, April, Sept, Oct, Nov) plus Earth Day (corporate weekday event, April).  Scout projects may also require committee support. At least 2 committee members are needed at each clean-up event.

Note that per our bylaws, Directors are required to be members of Friends of Woodland Park.

Expectations:

Leads are required to gather equipment from storage and any other supplies (such as snacks) and ensure that committee members can receive them on clean-up day or prior. Leads also must train other committee members on clean-up protocols including safety briefings and park history.

Cleanups are generally held on Saturday mornings, with occasional weekday cleanups for corporate groups. 

With help from FWP board, identify supplies needed, using provided checklists. Needs will be determined 2 weeks in advance of scheduled cleanup. Supplies generally include FWP Flags, canopy, info kit, table cloth, gloves, trash grabbers, trash bags, water coolers and cups, snacks, first aid kit. bug spray and hand sanitizer. 

Gather supplies from FWP storage unit located at 2515 Washington Avenue in advance of scheduled clean-up and deliver to community or committee member no later that 1-2 hours in advance of cleanup. 

Set up supply distribution area at Woodland Park Community Center located at 212 Park View St. 

Provide Park history overview and safety/procedure briefing to participants.

Check-in all participants (participants will register on volunteerhouston.org where they will agree to a liability waiver).

Guide participants to trash ”hot-spots” if unfamiliar with the park.

Identify volunteers to sort trash for recycling, if applicable.

Transport recycling, if applicable.

Pack up supplies at end of event and return to storage unit. 

Replenish supplies and equipment as needed with help of FWP board.

Commitment: minimum 1 year.

For more information, contact Jennifer Ostlind, FWP Volunteer Coordinator, at Jennifer@friendsofwoodlandpark.org.

Our Volunteer Docent Program is a volunteer level that can be reached by individuals that are interested in having a more autonomous experience representing the Arboretum and our missions. All Docent activities require onboarding, additional trainings, training time as a 'Shadow' to learn from current Docents and Arboretum Staff, and a commitment of at least 20 Docent specific volunteer hours a year. Examples of Docent opportunities include working as Guide for our Field Trip Experiences, leading guided nature hikes, leading night hikes, outreach, and more.

This is an ongoing opportunity that would require you onboarding as an Arboretum Volunteer and signing up for opportunities through our own volunteer portal.

Learn more at our Docent Open House & Breakfast: https://houstonarboretum.org/event/docent-recruitment-open-house-breakfast/