Volunteering is a fantastic way to contribute to community improvement, pursue professional and personal development, and widen your social and professional networks.
In Vancouver, there are many different ways to volunteer for the environment, from opportunities to participate in hands-on projects in our parks and gardens to positions on committees and community boards.
Table of Contents
Environmental Volunteer Opportunities in Vancouver
- Nature Vancouver
- BC Parks
- B.C. Wildlife Federation
- Ser Western Canada
- Mabrri
- Forage Fish Volunteer Opportunities
- Stanley Park Ecology Society
- Citizens’ Climate Lobby Vancouver Chapter
- Sea Smart
- Volunteering at Brooksdale
- Tatalu Conservation Residency
1. Nature Vancouver
A sizable group of devoted volunteers makes all of Nature Vancouver’s activities and programs possible. New volunteers have several options for becoming engaged.
There is always a need for members to:
- Direct field trips;
- Plan events and activities;
- Assist section committees;
- Work at our evening programs.
2. BC Parks
Working with a diverse group of volunteers from around the province makes BC Parks proud. Volunteers assist with a variety of stewardship projects, including trail upkeep and interpretation. They are crucial to the work that they perform.
Want to become involved with BC Parks, find out more about what we do, and connect with others who share your interests? You may contribute your knowledge and abilities to BC Parks in a variety of fascinating ways.
The volunteer programs comprise
- Volunteer partners
- Park hosts
- Backcountry hosts
- Ecological reserve wardens
- Volunteer awards
3. B.C. Wildlife Federation
Being a volunteer for the B.C. Wildlife Federation is a rewarding and enriching experience. You can support local conservation efforts and have an influence that will help everyone, now and in the future, by signing up to volunteer with BCWF.
Volunteers of the BCWF perform a range of tasks. They help with so many things, including outreach, fundraising, environmental initiatives, advocacy, education, and office administration in their Surrey office.
4. Ser Western Canada
They are constantly looking for volunteers to assist them in planning restoration workshops and events around Western Canada, plan and organize significant conferences, and serve as volunteer Board of Directors members (chosen yearly at our AGM).
Contacting them can help them spread the word if you are interested in volunteering or if you are searching for volunteers for a restoration project.
5. Mabrri
Students and community members are always needed for projects and citizen science programs at MABRRI.
If you’re interested in helping out, please fill out the Google Form provided by MABRRI and study the volunteer opportunities below. Their staff will check your application and be in touch with you with more details.
1. RDN Wetland Mapping
The Regional District of Nanaimo’s wetlands are being observed for long-term changes as part of this research, and MABRRI is in need of volunteers to assist in the field. Seasonal monitoring occurs at six sites (April, July, October, and January).
Find out more about RDN Wetland Mapping or get in touch with Senior Research Assistant for MABRRI Jacob Frankel at Jacob.Frankel@viu.ca.
2. Marine Debris Surveying in the Mabrri
In July 2021, MABRRI began the Marine Debris Survey Project with the aid of neighborhood volunteers, and they are now keeping an eye on two survey locations in the MABR (one in French Creek and the other at Qualicum Beach).
The project’s methodology is in accordance with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Marine Debris Monitoring and Assessment Project’s methods for marine debris surveying.
A debris survey will be carried out by MABRRI four times a year, one for each season (January, April, July, and October). MABRRI intends to expand the effort to more beaches in the area with the help of more volunteers.
Please email MABRRI Senior Research Assistant Jacob Frankel at Jacob.Frankel@viu.ca if you are interested in volunteering or would like more information about the research.
3. Plant Phenology Volunteer Opportunities
A partnership between MABRRI, Milner Gardens & Woodland, and the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations, and Rural Development has resulted in the Coastal Plant Phenology Research and Monitoring Project.
This research will investigate plant phenology, or the timing of cyclical biological changes, in native coastal plant species to determine whether plant species and ecosystems in southern Vancouver Island are sensitive to climate change.
Throughout the growing season, citizen scientists will assist with data collection at Milner Gardens & Woodland for this research.
Contact Jessica Pyett, MABRRI Projects Coordinator, at Jessica.Pyett@viu.ca if you are interested in joining us in the field to watch and document phenological changes in our species.
6. Forage Fish Volunteer Opportunities
In order to determine when and where Pacific sand lance and surf smelt (forage fish) are spawning, MABRRI is now collaborating with groups of citizen scientists from Cowichan Bay to Qualicum Beach, including groups on Gabriola Island, Thetis Island, Pender Islands, and Saturna Island.
These teams gather and prepare silt samples from nearby beaches, which are then examined under a microscope to see if any eggs are present.
Please get in touch with Alanna Vivani, MABRRI initiative Coordinator, at Alanna.Vivani@viu.ca for additional information if you or your stewardship group are interested in contributing to this constantly expanding initiative.
7. Stanley Park Ecology Society
Do you want to learn about the remarkable ecosystems that coexist so close to Vancouver’s bustling downtown core while volunteering in one of the world’s best parks?
A great way to explore your love of nature, spend time outside, and discover more about our ecosystem is to volunteer with SPES. While appreciating Stanley Park’s beauty, you can gain practical abilities, information, and self-assurance to advance your educational and professional goals.
Who can Volunteer?
To volunteer, you must;
- Be at least 16 years old
- Some jobs have more stringent age restrictions.
- Depending on the employment, there may be educational requirements, experience requirements (both professional and academic), and physical and health requirements.
While a small number of volunteer positions are relatively short-term or undefined in length, the majority of volunteer opportunities have minimal time commitment criteria.
They provide a variety of volunteering options, such as:
Conservation
- EcoStewards: On the first and third Saturdays of each month, join SPES to eradicate invasive plant species and significantly improve habitat protection and restoration.
- • Dedicated Invasive Removal Team (DIRT): Participate in this practical program to remove invasive plant species and help maintain Stanley Park.
- • Habitat and Wildlife Monitoring: Visit the park with a conservation technician to gather ecological data for long-term trend monitoring and establish baseline information on species.
Public Outreach & Education
- • Nature House Hosts: Spend time at Lost Lagoon’s Nature House educating guests about Stanley Park’s ecosystem.
- • EcoRangers – These volunteers wander Stanley Park and respond to inquiries from guests about the area’s flora and fauna.
- • EcoCamp Assistant: Collaborate with SPES educators to help deliver interesting and innovative programs to our day campers.
- Additionally, volunteers take part in twice-yearly appreciation activities and receive training tailored to their particular program, as well as opportunities to learn about the ecology, natural history, and environmental management of Stanley Park.
A letter of recommendation after completing 25 hours of voluntary work.
8. Citizens’ Climate Lobby Vancouver Chapter
Public Interest Climate Group Canada is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, grassroots advocacy group that gives individuals the tools to use their personal and political power to achieve breakthroughs.
This chapter is just one of several in Canada that are trying to develop the political will necessary to make the planet livable.
We are completely focused on safeguarding and enhancing Canada’s national backstop policy, the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act, using a tried-and-true methodology and a wide range of credible evidence.
Without expanding government, this approach will significantly cut emissions, produce jobs, and aid small businesses and families.
9. Sea Smart
By educating children about ocean challenges and how they can help, Sea Smart equips young people to be environmental advocates. They seek devoted, trustworthy volunteers who want to improve the world and who have the talents and zeal to support Sea Smart in creating waves of change everywhere!
This volunteer opportunity is for you if you want to make the world a better place, enjoy mentoring and encouraging young people to care for the environment, have the knowledge or skills to assist a charity have a greater impact, and think our oceans are just magnificent.
Their opportunities include the following:
- Working as a guest lecturer or assistant instructor at summer programs.
- Graphic and website design
- Videography
- Marketing
- Communications
- Fundraising
- Strategic development
10. Volunteering at Brooksdale
Want to volunteer in the Vancouver, British Columbia, area? The Brooksdale Environmental Centre’s A Rocha team is primarily composed of volunteers.
We would love to hear from you if you’re willing to get your hands dirty in the garden, assist our conservation team in eradicating invasive species, or give talents in your area of specialization.
1. Volunteer Days
The Volunteer Days are a fantastic way to experience A Rocha. On the second Saturday of each month, volunteers assist with gardening and environmental conservation projects. A site tour and a bring-your-own-picnic meal are included in the morning.
2. Restoration Saturdays
Restoration Saturdays are a fantastic approach to acquiring useful creation care abilities. Come volunteer with our conservation crew restoring habitat this morning.
3. Residential Volunteer
We invite you to stay and take advantage of everything A Rocha has to offer if you’re interested in helping at Brooksdale for at least two weeks. The Brooksdale Guest House, which is one hour south of Vancouver, will be your home away from home.
Accommodations and breakfast are included in the daily fee of $50. Dinners and lunches cost $8 each. For around 20 hours each week, you’ll join us as a volunteer to assist where needed in our numerous program areas.
11. Tatalu Conservation Residency
There are three residency terms offered each year at our Brooksdale Environmental Center (spring, summer, and fall). Residents take part in communal life, benefit fr
om top-notch instruction on a range of subjects relating to faith and environmental stewardship, and get training and experience in the specialty area of their choice.
The fields of conservation science, environmental education, sustainable agriculture, and food and hospitality all offer residencies.
Conclusion
Having looked at some of the environmental volunteer opportunities listed here, you can do yourself and your community good by applying for one. Let’s make the earth better.
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A passion-driven environmentalist by heart. Lead content writer at EnvironmentGo.
I strive to educate the public about the environment and its problems.
It has always been about nature, we ought to protect not destroy.