Volunteering with The Riverwood Conservancy
Volunteering with The Riverwood Conservancy can take many forms – gardening, wildlife monitoring, education, forestry, marketing, event planning, committee participation – but they all support one purpose: to create a community that lives in harmony with nature.
No matter how you get involved, you’ll be making a difference for our shared natural world. Gain new skills, put your existing ones to use, and create connections with caring people like you.
High-Priority Volunteer Roles
We're currently recruiting for a number of high-priority volunteer roles. Individuals who apply for one of these high-priority roles may be eligible for expedited volunteer screening and onboarding processes.
Outdoor Education Program Volunteers
Support school classes during active, outdoor programs at Riverwood. Volunteer with elementary, secondary and/or special needs classes, and support students during hikes on Riverwood’s trails in all seasons. Assist with hands-on gardening, science, or other activities. This is a perfect fit for retired or aspiring teachers, or nature educators. Training will be provided. A vulnerable sector police record check will be required for these volunteer positions.
Virtual Education Program Volunteers
Support TRC education staff in the delivery of virtual school and community programs on Zoom and Google Meet. Volunteers monitor visuals, sound, and the program chat to provide real-time feedback to instructors and the class. A computer with webcam and stable internet connection are required. Training will be provided. A vulnerable sector police record check is required every 6 months for these volunteer positions.
Volunteer Roles
We currently have openings for the following volunteer roles.
Conservation Volunteers
Conservation volunteers support the active restoration of Riverwood and its associated wildlife. Volunteers who engage with the conservation program can be found performing a wide variety of activities, including the removal of invasive species, cleaning up litter, planting native trees and wildflowers, supporting trail maintenance, monitoring plant and animal populations, and generally supporting wildlife habitat throughout the park.
Discovery Volunteers
Discovery volunteers support our array of publicly accessible programs, including gardening workshops, nature hikes, astronomy nights, and an assortment of different programs offered by a myriad of speakers. They support our programs by preparing event spaces, taking attendance, introducing speakers, helping to ensure the safety of participants, and answering any questions the public may have about The Riverwood Conservancy.
The Riverwood Conservancy Ambassadors
Help develop a network of business and community leaders to assist with awareness-building, promotion, advice, and funding opportunities. Support TRC with activities such as: arranging service club presentations, facilitating media opportunities, introducing TRC to community leaders, holding third-party fundraising events in support of TRC’s work, and more. Our ambassadors reach out in ways that fit their schedule and available time.
Turtle Care Volunteers
Volunteers over the age of 18 with a demonstrated interest in reptiles and amphibians can apply to be a member of our turtle care teams. Each team has at least two volunteers that will feed, care for, and get to know our red-eared slider turtles, fire-bellied toad, and cricket colony. This is an excellent fit for someone with experience in pet stores, or someone interested in gaining meaningful experience in working towards a career as a wildlife technician, biologist, vet tech, or veterinarian. Volunteers must be available afternoons on Mondays, Wednesdays, or Fridays, or any combination of those days, for 1 to 1.5 hours. Training will be provided.
Education Program Administration Volunteers
Support TRC's staff in scheduling our education programs using various administrative tools, including SignUp.com, Microsoft Bookings, and Excel. A great way to leverage your administrative skills into support for our nature-based education programs.
Gardening Volunteers
Interested in learning about gardening? Want to help beautify natural areas, support your community, and protect pollinator habitat, all while taking the time to enjoy Riverwood’s gardens? You can do it all as one of our gardening volunteers. Gardening volunteers provide a weekly or bi-weekly commitment to support the TRC's gardens team. No prior experience needed.
Fund Development Committee Members
Work with and support TRC’s Fund Development Committee. An excellent opportunity for someone with experience in promoting charities, and a willingness to support the development of TRC’s fundraising policies and resources. A time commitment of approximately two hours, three times per year is required. Additional engagement activities of approximately three hours per month are available.
Volunteer a Group to be a Riverwood Conservation Crew
Are you looking for a fun and meaningful way for your business or organization to give back? Look no further! When you book a group volunteering activity with the Riverwood Conservancy, you’ll help make Mississauga greener, and make a positive impact on your local environment. As a Riverwood Conservation Crew, your team will support the preservation of Riverwood by actively participating in conservation activities on site. Fees apply. See how you can make your group a Riverwood Conservation Crew here.
Summer Volunteer Program
Please note we are not currently accepting applications for our Summer Volunteer Program. Applications will be made available closer to the beginning of the program.
Our Summer Volunteer Program is open to anyone looking to have fun outdoors, be part of a team, and meet new people. But the program is particularly helpful for Ontario high school students looking to complete their mandatory community service hours.
Volunteers in our Summer Program make a positive impact on the local environment by supporting our conservation and horticulture programs. Volunteers take part in forest and wildlife monitoring, natural areas restoration, invasive species removal, gardening, and caring for fish and turtles.
The Summer Volunteer Program runs through July and August, and volunteers will have the opportunity to sign-up for as many shifts as they would like during those months.
Volunteer Resources
We’ve created the following documents to help our volunteers better understand their responsibilities and their roles with The Riverwood Conservancy, and to promote a safe and healthy environment for staff, volunteers, and visitors.