Volunteer

Make a Difference by Volunteering with TLC

Group of people hiking in North Carolina conservatory. Find volunteer opportunities near you.

Please visit our VolunteerHub page to create a profile if you are interested in volunteering with TLC.

Volunteer Opportunities

Conservation Corps

Volunteers preserve and improve the physical and biological components of TLC’s Nature preserves. The Conservation Corps is led by TLC staff and meets regularly to carry out trail construction and maintenance, invasive species monitoring and control, basic construction and woodworking projects, general landscaping, property and equipment maintenance, and garden construction and management. We host workdays both on the eastern and western side of the Triangle, most commonly at our Williamson and Brumley Nature Preserves. 

TriWild

TLC’s extensive network of preserves are some of the most critical native ecosystems in the Triangle area. The key to maintaining those ecosystems is the removal of invasive species. TriWild is TLC’s program dedicated to invasive species removal. With an initial focus on Brumley South, volunteers take up loppers, saws, extractors and good old elbow grease every Saturday to remove privet, wisteria, tree of heaven, multiflora rose, olive and more. This effort makes it possible for native species to survive and then flourish. Volunteers come away excited about the impact they can have and inspired to do more to heal their beautiful planet.

Trail Guides

Do you want to lead official TLC hikes and programs at our preserves? First, you need to become a TLC Trail Guide! We generally offer training in the early Fall and Spring each year. As a bonus, these hours can now count towards your NC Environmental Educators Certificate! Help our Education and Outreach team connect people with nature through hikes and programs at each of our preserves. Email our Education and Outreach Manager, Kayla Ebert, at [email protected] for more information and upcoming opportunities.

Corporate/Group Workdays

Throughout the year, we organize groups of volunteers for outdoor service days that last anywhere from 2- 6 hours. If you are actively involved in a group that would be interested in a service day, we can help you arrange one on a TLC property. Please email [email protected] with your group size, interests, and location if you want to customize a workday. For planning purposes, we request at least a month’s notice.

Site Stewards and Easement Monitors

Site Stewards assist in the stewardship of TLC properties by walking the trails and boundaries of our preserves, doing light maintenance during these walks, and reporting on conditions to the TLC’s stewardship staff. Easement Monitors help our staff with yearly requirements to monitor our eased properties throughout the Triangle. 

Friends of the Forest

The Friends of the Forest Program is an independent group volunteer option perfect for Scouts, youth groups, and outdoor service organizations who want to volunteer at their convenience. Collecting litter at TLC’s nature preserves keeps the area healthy for plants and animals and more enjoyable for people exploring nature. The Friends of the Forest kit includes latex gloves, bags, maps, and safety instructions to complement your volunteer service. Email our Education and Outreach Manager, Kayla Ebert, at [email protected] for more information about the Friends of the Forest Program and to schedule a service date.

Find a TLC Nature Preserve Near You