The Crane Trust welcomes volunteers from all walks of life to help provide a welcome place for visitors and wildlife along the Platte River. Whether guiding public crane tours, helping with special events, maintaining trails, or assisting with science research, volunteers play essential roles.
Thank you for your interest! As a non-profit organization, the Crane Trust relies on the support of our amazing volunteers to fulfill our mission of protecting and maintaining critical habitat along the Platte River. Please note that community help is most needed in March, and periodically throughout the year. If you share our passion and wish to volunteer your time, please submit the online form.
Volunteer Positions
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Community Outreach & EducationWe offer programs for all ages to schools, groups, families, service clubs, and businesses. Volunteers are invited to assist staff with programs on site and in the community to share the Crane Trust’s mission, our work, and the importance of that work to both wildlife and the humans that co-exist with it. Participant groups can vary in age, ability, and experience.
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Visitor HospitalityHelp create an outstanding experience for our visitors and participants. During migration season in March, extra help is needed to greet and guide visitors in the Nature & Visitor Center. This includes welcoming visitors, sharing information about the crane migration, assisting with facilities upkeep, and other duties.
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Butterfly GardenHelp plant, weed, maintain, and beautify the butterfly garden at the Nature and Visitor Center. Can be done on your own schedule. This job involves some lifting, bending, kneeling, and carrying. Learn about native plants and enjoy active time outdoors while you help Crane Trust!
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Riverfront Blind Tour Guides (March Only)During March, volunteer guides facilitate crane viewing experiences for participants in the riverfront blinds. Guides provide education and instruction for morning and evening tours. Tours run a maximum of 2.5 hours and are limited to 25 people/blind. Guides must be able to walk half a mile over rough, mowed trails in the dark. Training is provided, usually in early February.
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Grounds/Trail MaintenanceVolunteers are needed to periodically help construct and upgrade viewing blinds, maintain walking trails, restore prairie areas, and assist with other general needs to keep grounds, facilities, and equipment in clean, working order.
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Science & HabitatOn occasion, the science and land management staff need help with projects and research to support our mission. Projects may include working in the greenhouse, collecting prairie seeds, helping manage invasive plants, or assisting with wildlife surveys. These duties are always changing and vary by season.
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Special EventsSpecial events vary with the seasons. Building maintenance and beautification help is sometimes needed to keep the Nature and Visitor Center clean, organized, and welcoming. Other special events throughout the year require setup and cleanup in meeting rooms, decorating the building, leading activities, greeting groups, and more.
