Bird by Bird Program

Purpose (Why we are doing this):

• To share the joy and wonder of bird watching with schools and communities.
• To inspire future leaders and build a welcoming and inclusive community of environmental stewards. 
• To provide access to nature and environmental education. 
• Support teacher's education goals.  
• Support student's social and emotional learning through hands-on indoor and outdoor exploration. 
• Provide mental and physical health benefits through connection with nature. 

Impact this position will have: 

• Help foster meaningful experiences for young people to connect to nature and nourish a love of birds and wildlife. 
• Make a difference in a young person's life through mentorship. 
• Enhance community outreach and access to nature. 
• Physical and mental health benefits from connecting to nature. 

Responsibilities (duties and tasks)

Authorized work may include: 

• Volunteer in elementary schools and assist in education activities and field trips.
• Share knowledge of bird identification and binocular use.  
• Provide mentorship and support for 3rd-6th grade students.
• Effectively interact, work, and develop meaningful relationships with students of various cultural, racial, socioeconomic, and ethnic backgrounds.  

Restricted work: 

The duties assigned to this volunteer position may include the tasks laid out above. Other tasks pertaining to the program must be agreed upon with the Bird by Bird program lead.

Qualifications Desired:

• Adult 21 years of age or older.
• Experience working with and/or the strong desire to work with youth and engage with communities. 
• Some knowledge about birds of Minnesota and the willingness to share this information with students, young adults, and community members. 
• Ability to meet program participants where they are and foster a welcoming learning space. 

Minimum Time Commitment (dependent on the type of volunteering selected): 

• Monday-Friday daytime hours starting October 2025 – May 2026
• Minimum hours – Varies by project (2- 4 hours)

Funding for this project was provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Nongame Wildlife Program.