DNR Offers Winter Volunteer Opportunities

DES MOINES - The Keepers of the Land volunteer program with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources has many statewide opportunities for volunteers to make a difference, even during the winter.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Opportunities: Just in time for the holidays! Officials with the Energy and Waste Management Bureau are seeking volunteers statewide who are interested in increasing awareness on reducing waste in their communities, schools, and businesses as well as organizing various reduce, reuse, recycle activities. Examples include organizing a community garage sale, distributing information about reducing junk mail, organizing a community household waste assessment team, and scheduling waste reduction presentations at area schools and businesses. For more information, contact Tom Anderson at 515-281-8623.

Slide and Magazine Organization Opportunity: Officials with the Communications Bureau are seeking volunteers to assist with preparing and organizing 35mm slides and back issues of the Iowa Conservationist magazine for archiving. This opportunity is available in Des Moines at the Wallace State Office Building. For more information, contact Julie Sparks at 515-281-6159.

Artist Opportunity: Members of the Friends of Pine Creek Grist Mill at Wildcat Den State Park, in Muscatine, are seeking volunteers to assist with drawing historical events related to the historic Pine Creek Grist Mill and its builder Benjamin Nye. The opportunity may be done off-site. For more information, contact Ken Hyman at 563-262-9040.

Recreational Projects Leader Opportunity: Officials at Green Valley State Park, near Creston, are seeking volunteers to assist with leading the planning and implementation of recreational projects including a basketball court, Frisbee golf course, and sand volleyball court. For more information, contact Greg Haley at 641-782-5131.

Find more information about volunteer opportunities and events at www.keepersoftheland.org 

For more information, contact Merry Rankin at (515) 281-0878 or at Merry.Rankin@dnr.iowa.gov