Volunteering
Join Us in Protecting the River Raisin!
Volunteers are the heart of the River Raisin Watershed Council. Whether you’re knee-deep in a stream collecting data, helping remove litter along the riverbanks, lending a hand at community events, or supporting our team behind the scenes, your time and energy make a lasting difference. From Adopt-A-Stream monitoring to river cleanups, tabling at local festivals, administrative support, and log jam assistance, there’s a way for everyone to get involved and help keep our watershed healthy and thriving.
Check our volunteer opportunities below!
Partner Events in the River Raisin Watershed
These Michigan Nature Association events take place within the River Raisin watershed and contribute to the protection and restoration of local habitats. RRWC volunteers are encouraged to participate, and hours spent volunteering at these events may be counted toward your RRWC volunteer service.
March 28, 2026 (Saturday)
Vernal Pool Patrol
McCulley-Bastian Nature Sanctuary — Adrian, MI
2:00–5:00 PM
Explore a large vernal pool along the River Raisin and learn about these unique seasonal wetlands and the wildlife that rely on them.
April 11, 2026 (Saturday)
Volunteer Workday
Powell Nature Sanctuary — Hudson, MI
10:00 AM–2:00 PM
Help remove invasive plants such as garlic mustard and dame’s rocket from this beautiful floodplain forest along Bean Creek.
April 18, 2026 (Saturday)
Volunteer Workday
Goose Creek Nature Sanctuary — Cement City, MI
9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Join volunteers in removing glossy buckthorn from the prairie fen to help restore native plant communities.
April 28, 2026 (Tuesday)
Volunteer Workday
McCulley-Bastian Nature Sanctuary — Adrian, MI
10:00 AM–2:00 PM
Assist with removing garlic mustard from the forested bluff overlooking the River Raisin.
May 9, 2026 (Saturday)
Volunteer Workday
Goose Creek Nature Sanctuary — Cement City, MI
9:00 AM–12:00 PM
Help continue restoration work by removing glossy buckthorn from the prairie fen habitat.
May 23, 2026 (Saturday)
Volunteer Workday
Lefglen Nature Sanctuary — Grass Lake, MI
10:00 AM–2:00 PM
Support stewardship efforts by helping maintain trails at this nature sanctuary.
May 26, 2026 (Tuesday)
Volunteer Workday
McCulley-Bastian Nature Sanctuary — Adrian, MI
10:00 AM–2:00 PM
Join MNA staff and volunteers to remove invasive shrubs and improve habitat conditions.
All Michigan Nature Association workdays and events are free to attend and open to all experience levels. Tools, training, and safety equipment are provided. Please RSVP to Aehgotz@michigannature.org if you plan to attend.
Adopt-a-Stream Events
Adopt-a-Stream is celebrated each spring and fall. This is your opportunity to help collect valuable data about the health of our watershed. We collect macro-invertebrates (bugs living in the river) from sites across the watershed.
For more information about the
Adopt-A-Stream program, click here.
River Cleanups & Log Jam Assistance
Our rivers and streams need helping hands to stay clean and free-flowing. Volunteers play a vital role in removing trash, debris, and natural blockages that can impact water quality, wildlife, and recreation. During our River Cleanup events, participants work together to collect litter from streambanks and nearby areas.
For larger obstructions, trained volunteers assist with log jam removals, helping restore healthy water flow while protecting aquatic habitats. Whether you can lend a few hours or join a full-day effort, every bit of help keeps the River Raisin Watershed beautiful and resilient.
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Community Events & Outreach
Tabling events are a fun and rewarding way to connect with the community and share the importance of protecting our watershed. Volunteers help staff our booth at local festivals, markets, and educational events. You'll be handing out materials, answering questions, and encouraging others to get involved.
No experience is necessary, just bring your enthusiasm and love for the environment! Whether you help for a few hours or the whole day, your presence helps spread awareness and inspires others to take action for the River Raisin.
Administrative & Office Support
Not all volunteer work happens in the field, some of the most important help takes place behind the scenes. Volunteers can assist our staff with office projects, data entry, organizing materials, and preparing for upcoming events. We also welcome help posting flyers in local businesses, distributing outreach materials, and supporting day-to-day operations.
These efforts keep our programs running smoothly and help us reach more people throughout the watershed. If you enjoy organization, communication, or creative tasks, this is a great way to make a meaningful impact!
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