Thank you for your interest in volunteering with PVAS!

Volunteers are the backbone of all we do and play an integral role in helping us achieve our mission. Thank you for all you do!

Below you will find detailed descriptions of the different types of volunteer opportunities we offer, instructions on how to get started as a volunteer, and how to explore and register for upcoming volunteer opportunities. Please direct any questions to PVAS volunteer coordinator, Erin Smaldone at Volunteer@potomacaudubon.org.

New Volunteers: click here to learn how to get started.

See and register for upcoming volunteer opportunities in Civic Champs:

Using a web browser, click here for the PVAS Civic Champs Calendar. Then follow these instructions. Be sure you sign in to see all opportunities available to you!
If you are using the Civic Champs mobile app, follow these instructions.
For information about upcoming volunteer special events or trainings, check the volunteer portion of our events calendar.

Learn more about what it means to be a PVAS Volunteer in the Volunteer Handbook.

Conservation

Birding Community Scientists

Put your birding skills to work for science! As a Birding Community Scientist, you can assist in one (or several) of the community science initiatives that PVAS participates in, including the Christmas Bird Count, Climate Watch, and Swift Watch. These projects offer a great way to earn volunteer hours while contributing valuable data that helps track and understand bird populations and migration trends. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just getting started, your observations make a difference! Click HERE to learn more about these initiatives.

Full Position Description coming soon.

Preserve Project Volunteers

Preserve Project Volunteers roll up their sleeves and make a direct impact on conservation efforts at the PVAS-managed nature preserves. These scheduled volunteer workdays take place throughout the year and are led by PVAS team members. Projects vary by season and may include tree plantings, trash cleanups, invasive plant removal, invasive insect population control, facilities improvements, and habitat restoration. It’s a great way to get outside, learn new skills, and help protect the natural spaces you love. Check our website calendar regularly for upcoming workdays and join us in the field!

Trail Stewards

Trail Stewards help maintain the trails at the PVAS-managed nature preserves, ensuring they remain clear, safe, and accessible for all visitors. This includes removing debris, reporting damage, and supporting conservation efforts. It’s a rewarding way to protect natural spaces and promote outdoor enjoyment in the community. This volunteer position may be performed independently or during a scheduled Trail Stewards volunteer workday. Regular Trail Steward workdays led by an AmeriCorps or staff member are planned throughout the year with emphasis on the summer months. Check our website calendar regularly for upcoming workdays and join us in the field!

Full Position Description coming soon.

Weed Warriors

Weed Warriors help protect native habitats! After a short training on how to identify and remove invasive plants, you’ll be equipped to volunteer at PVAS preserves on your own schedule. Fight the spread of invasives and make a lasting impact—one plant at a time! Several trainings are scheduled during the summer.

Full Position Description coming soon.

Community Outreach

Community Outreach Ambassadors

Community Outreach Ambassadors are passionate about nature and love connecting with people! An Ambassador helps represent the Potomac Valley Audubon Society at community outreach events such as fairs, festivals, farmers markets, and more. They share information about PVAS’s programs, events, and mission, inviting others to get involved and join our efforts to protect and enjoy nature. This is a great way to support PVAS, meet new people, and make a meaningful impact in your community.

Read the full Position Description.

If you are interested in becoming a Community Outreach Ambassador, contact Ellen, Fundraising and Communications Manager, at Ellen@PotomacAudubon.org to learn more!

Special Event Volunteers

Do you enjoy fast-paced, fun events and pitching in where help is needed? Serve as a Special Events Volunteer with PVAS! Throughout the year, we host a variety of special events—like fundraisers, native plant sales, and our annual This Race is for the Birds—and we rely on volunteers to make them a success. These large events offer a wide range of roles, from setup and registration to parking assistance and clean-up. No special training or experience is needed, just a willingness to help and a positive attitude!

Email volunteer@potomacaudubon.org if you are interested in this position.

Education

Animal Caretakers

Animal Caretakers are volunteers who help care for the resident Animal Ambassadors at the Case Nature Center at Cool Spring Preserve. They feed the animals and provide enrichment activities to ensure the animals’ well-being. Although not required of the position, some volunteers also help educate the public about these animals, sharing their stories and promoting the importance of respecting wildlife and protecting natural habitats. Through their care and outreach, Animal Caretakers help inspire a deeper connection with nature and wildlife conservation.

Sign up for a training. If you are unable to attend a scheduled training or if you are interested but there is not yet one currently scheduled, email volunteer@potomacaudubon.org.

Read the full Position Description.

Nature Center Ambassadors

Nature Center Ambassadors are volunteers who welcome and engage visitors at the Case Nature Center at Cool Spring Preserve. Volunteers in this role serve as friendly hosts, sharing information about the preserves, programs, and the natural world while supporting visitors as they explore exhibits and the surrounding preserve.

Sign up for a training. If you are interested but unable to attend a scheduled training, email volunteer@potomacaudubon.org.

Read the full Position Description.

Nature Guides/Workshop Instructors

Nature Guides and Workshop Instructors are volunteers who bring our public programs to life by leading engaging nature-based or indoor experiences for the community. Some serve as Nature Guides, leading bird walks, tree identification hikes, nature journaling sessions, and more—helping participants explore and connect with the natural world. Others act as Workshop Instructors, sharing their expertise on topics like natural history, foraging, eco-crafts, and other nature-inspired skills. These volunteers help create welcoming, inclusive programs that inspire curiosity and foster meaningful connections to nature for people of all ages.

Email Sonja Melander, Associate Director of Education, sonja@potomacaudubon.org, to share your interest in this position. Trainings will be scheduled based on prospective volunteers who reach out to show interest.

Read the full Position Description.

Program Ambassadors

Program Ambassadors are volunteers who support Nature Guides and Workshop Instructors during public programs. They help ensure a welcoming, smooth, and connected experience for participants. Program Ambassadors greet and gather participants at the start, help with group management and engagement throughout the event, and close the program by encouraging reflection and sharing information about PVAS’s mission and opportunities. Whether on a bird walk, craft workshop, or nature journaling session, Program Ambassadors help create inclusive, positive experiences that connect people to nature and to the Potomac Valley Audubon Society community.

Read the full Position Description.

Youth Education Programs Assistants

Youth Education Program Assistants are volunteers who support PVAS youth education programs, helping to create engaging and meaningful experiences for participants. They assist PVAS education staff and AmeriCorps educators with programs such as Watershed Field Trips, School Field Trips, Day Camps, Nature in the Neighborhood, Turtle Time, Forest Storytime, and Library Programs.

The next training will be held in early Fall 2025. In the meantime, email volunteer@potomacaudubon.org to share your interest in this position.

Read the full Position Description

Volunteer

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with PVAS!

See and register for upcoming volunteer opportunities in Civic Champs:

Conservation

Birding Community Scientists

Preserve Project Volunteers

Trail Stewards

Weed Warriors

Community Outreach

Community Outreach Ambassadors

Special Event Volunteers

Education

Animal Caretakers

Nature Center Ambassadors

Nature Guides/Workshop Instructors

Program Ambassadors

Youth Education Programs Assistants

Interested in volunteering? Email volunteer@potomacaudubon.org