Wild River State Park

Purpose (why we are doing this):

To assist DNR staff with restoration and maintenance of prairie habitat within this unit. 

Responsibilities (duties and tasks)

Authorized work:

• Other than a required training, Species Stewards primarily work independently. You may come to a Community Seed Collection Day that are typically help July-October. Go to the park event calendar for dates. 
• Collect seeds from 1 or more prairie plants. 
• Assist with invasive species identification and removal as instructed.
• Assist with species surveys, inventories and/or community science.
• Promote personal safety through use of Personal Protective Equipment for all assigned tasks (PPE provided by park/trail site supervisor).
• Report the locations of your target plants using the Avenza app (training provided) or on a paper map. 

Restricted work:

The duties assigned to this volunteer position are laid out above. Tasks pertaining to other programs and projects at this park/trail or any other park or trail unit must be agreed upon in a separate Volunteer Agreement Form.

 Qualifications Desired:

• Basic plant ID skills are a plus, but we will provide some training, and the best way to learn is to do!
• Volunteer must be able to carry 10 pounds. 
• Volunteer must be able to walk at least one mile over uneven terrain. 
• Volunteer must be able to reach overhead, bend over, and squat/kneel down without restriction.

Safety training topics to be covered with volunteers: 

• Ticks
• Sun protection
• Safely working alone
• Heat and cold-related illness
• Poison ivy and other plants to avoid
• Vehicle safety and caution when working near park roads.

Sign up:

• Complete the online application.
• Please note that this application will time out after 30 minutes of no activity.
• If you are accepted, you will be able to view the schedule to sign up for an upcoming Species Stewards in-person training. You will use the MyImpact page and select "opportunities." Trainings are typically offered in June and August. You only need to attend one. 

Our vision is to create unforgettable park, trail, and water recreation experiences that inspire people to pass along the love for the outdoors to current and future generations.