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 youth and communities to connect to nature and nourish a love of birds and wildlife. 
• Support educational goals by encouraging opportunities for wildlife viewing and interaction in the classroom. 
• Enhance community outreach and access to nature.  

Responsibilities (duties and tasks)

Authorized work may include: 

• Periodic stocking, cleaning, repair, and if necessary, replacement of bird feeders (DNR will provide all needed materials).
• Arranging access to feeders to perform maintenance, communicating maintenance needs to DNR coordinator.
• Transporting supplies from DNR office to school sites, returning damaged feeders or unused supplies to DNR.  

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. 
• Ability to access clean, and maintain bird feeders. Ability to lift up to 30 lb. not necessary, but helpful.

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

• Monday-Friday daytime hours starting October 2025 – May 2026
• Minimum hours – Varies by project (1 - 2 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.