Opportunities From: Willamalane Park and Recreation District

 

Help us provide locally made crafts to the community! The Gift Shop Host assists vendors and visitors in the Adult Activity Center's gift shop, featuring handmade goods by local artisans, and maintains the appearance of the store items and displays.

Volunteers should have the ability to learn and utilize point of sale technology (Square) while providing welcoming customer service. Training will be provided.

Available shifts are weekdays from 9:30am - 1:00pm starting in March. Volunteers should commit to a regular weekly schedule one or more days per week on an ongoing basis. To volunteer, click "respond" and include your preferred day(s) of the week and Willamalane staff will follow up with you with next steps! Training may begin in late February.

Join Willamalane and Lane County Youth Services for a volunteer planting event at Eastgate Woodlands/Whilamut Natural Area!

Willamalane is continually working on enhancing natural areas to protect habitat and water quality. In Eastgate Woodlands/Whilamut Natural Area, we have completed extensive invasive plant removal, thanks to dedicated volunteers and Lane County Youth Services, and look forward to replanting some of these suitable areas with approximately 200+ native plants. 

You can be a part of beneficial work to support ecosystem restoration! To volunteer, "respond" to this opportunity and be sure to check your email for more information and reminders.

WHEN

Saturday, February 21st 9:30am to 12:00pm.

WHERE

Park and meet at D St. Boat Ramp, accessed via Heron Park on Aspen and D. St. To find the boat ramp, proceed past Heron Park towards the river to a small parking area and trailhead for Pre's Trail. Parking is available at the boat ramp and additional parking at Heron Park.

WHAT TO EXPECT AND PREPARE

Volunteers should be comfortable with inclement weather, bending, lifting, and walking on some uneven or slippery terrain if coming to this planting event. Be sure to dress for the forecasted weather and wear hiking boots (waterproof boots are best, closed toe shoes required), long pants, and be sure to bring rain gear/layers with you. Tools, instruction and light refreshments will be provided. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own work/gardening gloves along with a full water bottle if you have them.

Join our upcoming Snowshoe Trip! 

Volunteers will act as the "Sweep".

The last person in the line to assist any stragglers,

or if bindings loosen or snowshoes fall off.

Assist staff with check in and loading equipment.

 
Please "respond" to the opportunity and Willamalane program staff will follow up with you.
If the spots are full, you are encouraged to click on "waitlist" to secure a volunteer spot if one opens up.

Join us for this monthly volunteer opportunity at Dorris Ranch where dedicated volunteers make a difference to save trees, protect water quality and improve habitat. No experience necessary!

This takes place on the 2nd Wednesday of every month 9:30am - 12pm. To sign up, "respond" to each date below you plan to attend. In your response notes, please indicate your dietary needs so that we may provide pizza accordingly (if blank, we will assume you don't have any dietary needs).

Volunteers lend a hand by using basic tools to remove invasive vegetation, especially targeting English Ivy, and protect the riparian woodland area of this historic ranch. Instruction and tools will be provided. Volunteers should anticipate walking about 1 mile round-trip on a level path and the terrain in the project area includes uneven surfaces.

Volunteers under age 16 and/or parents of youth volunteers, contact Volunteer Coordinator maggie.odriscoll@willamalane.org or 541-852-8766 to respond to this opportunity as volunteers under age 16 may be approved on an individual basis.

Dorris Ranch is located at 205 Dorris St., Springfield, OR. Volunteers should park in the parking lot (the parking area in front of Tomseth House or uphill of the barn/closest to the entrance gate are closest, the Middle Fork Trailhead parking area has restrooms) and meet in front of the barn. From there, plan to walk as a group to the project area (about 1 mile round-trip). Parking accommodation for closer access to the project area is available, please let us know in advance.

Update Note: As of February 2026, the updated project location is Dorris Ranch. Volunteers completed ivy removal at Willamette Heights in January 2026! 

 

 

2026 Megga Hunt volunteers will monitor and implement competitive and non-competitive hunts for children at Lively Park as well as assist at activity booths like face painting and balloons. Megga Hunt volunteers also help with event set up and take down.

Volunteers available to stay after the event concludes to help with breakdown are needed too! Please indicate in the response notes if you would like to plan on staying to help until about 1:30pm. We hope to have a team of 10-12 for this additional time. We appreciate the extra help since many hands make light work.

Interested in helping as a Mascot or Mascot Handler for MEGGA Hunt? See this link to the Mascot or Mascot Handler opportunity.

Volunteers under age 16 and/or parents of youth volunteers, contact Volunteer Coordinator maggie.odriscoll@willamalane.org or 541-852-8766 to respond to this opportunity (the volunteer coordinator needs to override the background check qualification for volunteers age 15 and younger).

 

 

Be a Willamalane Mascot or Handler! We need mascot volunteers for our upcoming events.

Springs is a very curious and bouncy Douglas squirrel. He is always moving around looking for something to do.  He likes playing with kids: high-fives, hugs, fist bumps, and hide and seek. 

Springs has a specific bouncy walk and a few signature dance moves.  He also does not talk so he relies heavily on his handler/friend to help him out and communicate for him. 

Volunteers should:

Wear comfortable light clothing. Dress in appropriate undergarments for the climate conditions of the appearance.  For indoor performances year-round or outside performances in warm weather, gym shorts and cotton t-shirt is recommended.  For outdoor performances in cold weather, we recommend wearing a full piece thermal underwear or track suit.  We also recommend wearing a sweat band or bandanna to avoid sweat from dripping into the eyes. Inspect the costume for cleanliness, damage, and general appearance.

The handler is responsible for maintaining safety with Mascots. Volunteers must use a good, friendly tone to guide the public’s interactions with mascots.  

Help us assemble and stuff eggs for MEGGA Hunt!

Join us from 4:00pm -6:00pm on Thursday, March 5th for a fun community activity to help prepare eggs for MEGGA Hunt. Free pizza will be provided at 6pm.

We look forward to seeing everyone on March 5th!

Trail Stewards volunteer independently in coordination with Willamalane staff and are required to complete an average of 8+ hours/month or 100 hours/year volunteer service.

Requirements:

Must be comfortable working independentlyModerate to high activity level. Volunteers should have physical fitness and the ability to hike with gear to the designated trail areas, which may include elevation changes and varied terrain and distance ranging from 2-10 miles.Experience in outdoor skills preferred.Ability to safely perform trail maintenance using hand tools such as loppers, hand pruners and folding saws.The minimum time commitment for this role is 8+ hours/month average (100 hours annually). Volunteers must be able to communicate proactively and use email and phoneAll Trail Stewards must attend an on-site orientation and receive training from Natural Resources staff. See below for more information.

As a Trail Steward for Willamalane, you’ll help maintain and improve trail conditions using basic tools. We will provide all the training and equipment you need. Join us in making a lasting impact across Willamalane’s parks and natural areas. Please inform the Volunteer Coordinator of any accommodations you may need, or health concerns you have.

Parks that have Trail Steward Opportunities are:

Clearwater Park Dorris RanchEastgate Woodlands/Whilamut Natural AreaGeorgia Pacific Natural AreaLively ParkWeyerhaeuser McKenzie Natural AreaWillamette Heights

Required Training: All Trail Stewards must attend an on-site orientation and receive training from Natural Resources staff. This training will be held on Friday, March 13th 2026, and includes instruction on volunteer conduct (RECS), trail maintenance protocols, manual tool use, and safety procedures. To remain active in the program, each volunteer is required to complete at least one training opportunity per year.

If you have any questions or need support responding, reach out to Maggie O'Driscoll maggie.odriscoll@willamalane.org or 541-852-8766.

Thank you for your commitment to Willamalane trails!

 

Would you like to help community members learn and practice new cooking skills? Culinary Volunteers will assist the instructor in preparing for the class including set-up, food preparation and clean-up as well as assisting participants during class as directed by the instructor or staff. Culinary classes have about 5 - 12 participants and prepare a variety of menu items. 

A Culinary Volunteer will:

Have considerable knowledge in food service in the areas of food prep, safety and sanitation guidelines. Possession of or ability to obtain a Food Handlers license (OLCC permit optional) Maintain a neat and clean appearance. Follow and give instructions in a courteous and professional manner. Maintain a positive and professional relationship with students.

To sign up to volunteer, "respond" to the shift (listed below) you want to help with and Willamalane staff will follow up with you. Volunteers are encouraged to sign up for multiple shifts. If the spots are full, you are encouraged to click on "waitlist" to secure a volunteer spot if one opens up.

For more information on the culinary classes including the cooking class calendar and menus, visit the Food section of our Adult Classes page.