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Mississippi National River and Recreation AreaA sparrow sings his spring song from a perch high in a tree.
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Mississippi National River and Recreation Area
Volunteer
 
 

How do I get started?
The first step towards becoming a volunteer for the National Park Service is to look over the Current Opportunities and find the positions that most interest you. In depth information within each job description will help you decide which position will best fit your interests, skills and schedule.

We want to help you find the volunteer opportunity that best suits your interests and needs. If you do not find a volunteer opportunity that best fits your unique skills let us know and we'll do our best to find a volunteer position that is aligned with your skills and interests.

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What kind of volunteer opportunities are offered?

Projects for Your Group and Organization
Custom projects can be arranged for your group of ten or more at various natural areas along the Mississippi River. Most habitat restoration projects require a three-hour time commitment and focus on planting native plants and/or removing invasive weeds. Please contact us at least four weeks prior to your requested date.

Events
Whether it's a school program, a community event, biking or canoeing programs or an open house at a unique site along the river or any other special event that makes the Mississippi River a great place to explore, volunteers play a key role. Volunteering for an event is perfect for the busy person who can only commit to short-term openings or for the regular volunteer who is looking to add more volunteer opportunities.

School, Scout and Youth Groups
Habitat restoration, seed starting programs and other habitat restoration programs are available for school and youth groups March through October. Minnesota Academic standards are addressed as part of School Volunteer/Service programs. Many Scout groups find volunteer programs help meet various merit badges. All youth programs have the goal of creating the next generation of river stewards.

Internship
Many volunteer positions are also offered as internships for students and professionals to gain valuable experience with the National Park Service. Most internship positions require a minimum time commitment of one semester or four months but shorter internships may be negotiated. Fill out an online form today and ensure all fields about your internship requirements are completed.

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Current Volunteer Opportunities

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To view more NPS volunteer opportunities, go to www.nps.gov/volunteer or www.volunteer.gov/gov
 

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Contact Information
Kathy Swenson, Volunteer Manager
111 East Kellogg Boulevard
Saint Paul, Minnesota 55101
(651) 290-3030 ext. 303
e-mail us

 

Mississippi National River and Recreation Area is committed to a strong non-discrimination policy respecting its employees and volunteers. Contact the Volunteers-In-Parks Manager for more detailed information regarding workplace conditions and policies.

Golden black-eyed susans in bloom.
Seed Starters Restore Prairies
Volunteers start prairie seeds and transplant them in public spaces along the Mississippi River.
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Youth participant pulling invasive weeds among tall grasses.
Summer Stretch Participants Pull Invasive Species
Youth from two churches help remove invasive species from the Mounds Park prairie restoration.
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Headwaters of the Mississippi  

Did You Know?
The Mississippi River is approximately three feet deep at its headwaters at Lake Itasca and has an average surface speed of 1.2 miles per hour.

Last Updated: November 06, 2009 at 09:12 EST