Volunteering with The Riverwood Conservancy
Make a difference for your community, and the natural world
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
Individuals who apply for one of these high-priority roles may be eligible for expedited volunteer screening and onboarding processes.
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.
Prospective volunteers who can support programs on weekday mornings and afternoons will be given priority consideration.
Trail Ambassador
Engage with park visitors to provide them with information about Riverwood and The Riverwood Conservancy. Trail Ambassadors can be stationed at booth setups, support trail walks, and assist in various activities related to trail education.
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.
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.
Riverwood Trailblazers
Riverwood Trailblazers help us develop a network of business and community leaders to assist with awareness-building, promotion, advice, and funding opportunities. You can 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. Riverwood Trailblazers 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.
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.
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.
