Fergus Falls - Glenwood Area Wildlife

Purpose (why we are doing this)

Desired outcomes:  This program encourages Minnesota volunteers to "adopt" a specific site, parking lot, or project on a state Wildlife Management Area (WMA) area to help maintain these public lands in cooperation with MN DNR Area Wildlife staff.

Impact this position will have:  Habitat will be improved for wildlife to thrive. Duties as assigned by MN DNR staff lead including, but not limited to, state Wildlife Management Areas facility and habitat management.  

Benefits to the Volunteer

Gain new skills and engage in teamwork to improve habitat on State Wildlife Management Areas. Marketable skills training with opportunity to make a difference to benefit wildlife and potentially volunteer with MN DNR staff. 

Responsibilities (duties and tasks)

Authorized work: Level 1 or 2 Volunteer

Projects for Individuals, Groups, Organizations or Companies

The work level of project/site depends on the interest and skill level of the volunteer(s):

Level 1: (volunteer work without supervision)

• Trash pickup
• Sign replacement 
• Vandalism reporting
• Reading water gauges
• Painting facilities 

Level 2: (volunteer work with initial guidance/orientation) 

• Seed harvest
• Weed removal/vegetation management using hand tools
• Shallow lake and wetland water control vegetation clearing
• Beaver trapping and dam removal
• Wildlife surveys
• Facility work
• Fence removal
• Invasive species control
• Sign repair

 Restricted work (activities not allowed to participate in): No use of power tools and heavy equipment.

Qualifications needed: 

• Ability to walk over uneven ground
• Ability to stand, bend, stoop and carry objects
• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds
• Willingness to learn and conduct wildlife habitat enhancement duties as assigned by MN DNR staff lead.

Volunteer Safety Training

• Hazards and Unsafe Conditions (PDF)
• Heat and Cold Related Illness (PDF)
• Poisonous and Hazardous Plants (PDF) **
• Tickborne Illness (PDF) **
• Tick Prevention and Symptoms (PDF)
• UV Radiation (Sun Protection) (PDF)

Please work with your DNR volunteer supervisor for more information and to determine what other safety trainings you may need based on your volunteer activities. And thank you for your commitment to natural resource conservation!

** These modules have supplemental notes associated with some pages. Rollover the small speech bubble icon on those pages to learn more.

Volunteer Training Videos

DNR Volunteer Safety Training (21 minutes)

This training is filmed in a state park setting but the information applies to DNR volunteers working in all outdoor locations.

Buckthorn Blaster training video (21 minutes)

This training is for volunteers who will be using Buckthorn Blaster herbicide applicators to control buckthorn and other woody invasive plants in the course of their work on a site.

Volunteer Training Quizzes

Multiple choice questions to test your knowledge and track completion of training.

Go to the DNR Volunteer's Better Impact public page to complete the DNR Volunteer Safety Training quiz within Better Impact.

Buckthorn Blaster Quiz for Volunteers

Minimum Time Commitment:  

• Projects are typically focused on a minimum 2-year time commitment.
• Volunteers must be able to work outdoors in various weather conditions safely without direct supervision except for initial guidance and orientation as needed.
• Hours are flexible typically Monday through Friday with weekends possible depending on the project.

MN DNR Contact Person: MN DNR Fergus Falls Area Wildlife Supervisor Nicholas Snavely, 218-671-7969, Nicholas.Snavely@state.mn.us  

Sign up:

• Complete the online application
• Please note that this application will time out after 30 minutes of no activity
• All days and shifts will be visible when you apply