MNA uses prescribed burns to manage prairie and savanna habitats. Lend a hand and learn more about burns by joining our burn crew.

What is a Volunteer?
A volunteer is a person who selflessly donates their time and energy to a cause. An MNA volunteer works to protect and maintain Michigan's special natural areas in a variety of ways. To accomplish the mission and goals of MNA, volunteers are needed from many different backgrounds and skill-levels to help with our many worthwhile projects and initiatives. From constructing boardwalks to helping out in the office, becoming a volunteer helps accomplish the MNA mission.

Explore the Many Ways You Can Help
Volunteers come in many forms and are needed in different capacities. The list below is a summarization of the types of volunteers MNA looks for. Many volunteer types have individual contact instructions where you can get more information about that type of volunteering. For more information on volunteering with MNA in general, please contact our office by emailing michigannature@michigannature.org or calling (517) 655-5655.

• Event Volunteers: Help our stewards protect and promote our nature sanctuaries by volunteering at one or more events in your area. Whether you clean up trails, repair signs, or pull invasive plants, you will be making a difference working with your hands. See our Upcoming Events calendar for information about events in your area.


• Become a Steward: We rely on volunteer stewards to help with the monitoring and upkeep of our nature sanctuaries. Additional stewards are especially needed for properties in Alpena, Baraga, Delta, Huron, Jackson, and Marquette Counties. For more information about stewardship, see our Become a Steward page.


• Become an Emissary: To raise public awareness and promote the mission of MNA, we are recruiting emissaries from across the state to serve as organizational hubs for events, field trips, and presentations. For more information about becoming an emissary, please see our Become an Emissary page.


• Join the Board: In February, MNA members will elect Trustees to the Board for four-year terms. Trustees play key roles in setting organizational policy, shaping the strategic plan, and helping
  to uphold the mission and vision of MNA. If you are interested in joining the Board of Trustees, please email your contact information to michigannature@michigannature.org.


• Prescribed Burn Crew: Promote healthy ecosystems at our numerous prairie and savanna habitats by joining the MNA burn crew. Stewardship staff are currently seeking members for the 2012 burn season. If you have experience, or are interested in learning about burns, please contact Stewardship Coordinator Andrew Bacon by emailing abacon@michigannature.org.
  

Documents for Volunteers
MNA Volunteer Brochure: PDF
MNA Stewardship Brochure: PDF
MNA Monitor Report: Word Document or PDF
MNA Sanctuary Steward Activity Log:Word Document or PDF