Volunteering While Exploring the Outdoors

I love the outdoors. Hiking, kayaking, skydiving and camping are some of my favorite activities. But a few years ago, I wanted to do more than just enjoy nature. I wanted to give back. That’s when I discovered volunteering while adventuring. It has completely changed the way I experience the outdoors . Today I’ll share my story and tips about how you can combine your adventures with volunteering, and some organizations that can help you get started.

My First Volunteering Experience

A few summers ago, I was hiking in a national park. I noticed some trails were poorly maintained. There was litter, erosion, and overgrown plants. I felt sad seeing nature in such poor shape. That’s when I found out about trail maintenance volunteering. I signed up with the American Hiking Society. They organize volunteer trips to national parks. They need people to help repair trails, clear out invasive plants and keep the parks clean .

On my first trip, we spent three days working on a trail. We cleared brush, moved rocks and made sure the trail was safe for hikers . It was hard work, but I loved every minute. The best part? We were out in nature all day and at night we camped under the stars. I was helping the environment and still enjoying my time outdoors. You can check out the American Hiking Society  or contact them at (301) 565-6704.

Why Volunteering Makes Adventures Better

Volunteering adds a sense of purpose to your outdoor trips . It feels good to give back. When I go hiking now, I don’t just enjoy the views . I think about how my small efforts are helping keep the trails open for others. I feel more connected to nature.

Here are a few reasons why I think everyone should try it:

● You Give Back to Nature: We all enjoy nature, but it needs care. Volunteering is a way to protect the environment.
● Learn New Skills: Every volunteer project teaches you something new. I have learned about trail design, erosion control and how to identify different plants.
● Meet New People: When you volunteer, you meet others who love the outdoors. Some of my closest friends are people I’ve met on volunteer trips.
● It’s Rewarding: There is no better feeling than finishing a project and knowing you have made a difference.

Volunteering with Wildlife

After my first trail maintenance trip, I wanted to try something new. I’ve always loved animals, so I looked into wildlife conservation . I signed up with Earthwatch to help monitor sea turtles. They have lots of opportunities for people to get involved in wildlife conservation.

For a week, I worked with a team of researchers. We monitored sea turtle nests and helped collect data. It was an incredible experience. We spent our days on the beach and our nights camping nearby. I learned so much about these amazing creatures and the challenges they face. It made me appreciate wildlife even more.

If you’re interested in wildlife conservation, Earthwatch is a great place to start. You can contact them at (800) 776-0188.

Beach Cleanups and River Protection

Another volunteer project I have done is beach and river cleanups . I enjoy kayaking and I have noticed that rivers often get filled with trash. It ruins the beauty of the water and harms wildlife. I wanted to help. That’s when I found the Surfrider Foundation. They organize cleanups all over the world.

We paddled down the river, picking up plastic bottles, bags, and other debris. It felt great to see the river get cleaner as we went. Plus, it’s a great workout! If you love water activities, this is a great way to combine fun with doing good.

You can join the Surfrider Foundation for a local cleanup by  contacting them at (949) 492-8170.

Teaching Kids About Nature

Volunteering doesn’t always involve physical labor. You can also help by teaching others about the environment issues. I volunteered with NatureBridge. It is an organization that runs outdoor education programs for kids. We took groups of students on hikes and taught them about the ecosystem .

It was a different kind of experience but just as rewarding. Seeing kids get excited about nature is something special. They were eager to learn and asked a lot of questions. It brought back memories of my initial passion for the great outdoors.

If you like working with kids and want to inspire the next generation of outdoor lovers, NatureBridge might be a good fit for you. Check their website or call them at (415) 331-1548.

How to Find Volunteer Opportunities

There are plenty of ways to find outdoor volunteer projects. Here’s how I usually do it:

● Local Parks and Forests: Many national and state parks have volunteer programs. Check their websites or stop by the ranger station to ask about upcoming projects.
●  Outdoor Clubs: Become a member of a nearby climbing, kayaking, camping or hiking group. These clubs often organize volunteer tips.
●  Search Online: There are some websites where you can search for volunteer opportunities based on your location and interests. VolunteerMatch is one of them. You can filter for outdoor activities or environmental projects.
●  Conservation Groups: Contact organizations like The Nature Conservancy or Sierra Club. They often have ongoing projects and need volunteers. You can find them online at www.nature.org or www.sierraclub.org.

Combining Travel with Volunteering

If you’re planning a trip, why not add a volunteer project to your itinerary? I’ve done this a few times, and it’s always a great experience. For example, I went on a reforestation project in Costa Rica. We planted trees to help restore the rainforest. The trip was organized by Projects Abroad, a group that offers volunteering opportunities worldwide.

Volunteering while traveling lets you connect with the local environment and culture. Plus, many programs include lodging and meals, so it’s a budget-friendly way to travel.

If you want to combine travel with giving back, check out Projects Abroad  or contact them at (888) 839-3535.

Make Volunteering Part of Your Next Adventure

If you’re planning an outdoor adventure, I encourage you to add some volunteering to your trip. It doesn’t have to take up your whole trip, just a few hours can make a big difference. Plus, it makes your adventure more meaningful.

For me, volunteering has made my connection strong with nature. I no longer just enjoy the scenery. I feel like I’m helping protect it. Whether it’s clearing a trail, helping animals, or teaching kids, every project has left me feeling fulfilled. I think you will feel the same.

In Conclusion

Volunteering while exploring the outdoors is a rewarding way to make your adventures more meaningful. You get to enjoy nature while giving back to the environment. There are plenty of opportunities, whether you want to maintain trails, help wildlife, or teach others about nature.

Consider how you can contribute the next time you go hiking, paddling, or camping. Not only will you have wonderful memories from your vacation, but you’ll also know that you made a positive effect.