Dakota County, MN

Dakota County Parks offers a variety of opportunities for groups and individuals wishing to share their talents and time volunteering in their county park system. If you enjoy working with people or have a passion for nature, Dakota County Parks is the place for you.

Throughout the year, Dakota County Parks host stewardship opportunities and other habitat restoration events where volunteers can help with seed collecting, tree and shrub planting, plant propagation, greenhouse support and much more. Various sites and opportunities available seasonally across our park system.

Lebanon Hills Regional Park is the crown jewel and largest park in the Dakota County park system. Containing almost 2,000 acres, the park offers miles of trails and many lakes for year-round outdoor sports, recreation and environmental education. The Lebanon Hills Visitor Center, located in the eastern section of the park, offers park information, interactive nature displays, courses and programs for all ages, and equipment rentals. 

What better way to enjoy a summer afternoon in Minnesota than on a lake fishing? No boat? No worries. Take a Kid Fishing allows you to enjoy a popular Minnesota pastime comfortably from the fishing dock on beautiful Thompson Lake in West St. Paul. Lots of hands-on stations led by community partners will be open so that you can learn more about fishing and other environmental topics. There will also be door prizes, giveaways, fun games, art activities and food trucks to help fill up your afternoon of fun. 

Volunteers are needed for this event to be a success. A variety of options are available to help, whether you want to share your fishing knowledge and experience with our young fishing enthusiasts or you would just rather help with general event support, there is something for everyone. To ensure a high-quality experience, pre-registration is required to volunteer. Take a look at the list of open positions below and get hooked on volunteering.