Get Involved
There are many ways in which you can help the Eagle River Nature Center thrive! You can become a financial contributor, donate your time as a volunteer, or provide something on our wish list. Every dollar and every minute of your time gives us the opportunity to do more or improve our services to our community and to visitors from around the globe.
Volunteering
Become a Summer Resident Volunteer
Have you always dreamed of experiencing Alaska without being a tourist? By becoming a resident volunteer you will get a chance to work and live in a beautiful setting, meet new people, and provide a valuable service, not to mention the fact that it looks great on your resume.
Please visit the Alaska State Parks Volunteer Program for a description of positions available seasonally at the Eagle River Nature Center. If you are interested in applying for a summer residence position:
- First complete the volunteer application through the Alaska State Parks Volunteer Program website.
- Once we have received your application and determined eligibility, we will contact you and ask that you provide us with a brief, 1-page resume and 3 references.
*Note: To provide resident volunteer opportunities to as many people as possible, the Nature Center does not typically hire residents or interns for more than 2 seasons.
Become a Local Volunteer
Learn about nature, earn experience, build your resume, and meet new people. These are just a few of the rewards of volunteering at the Eagle River Nature Center. There are many opportunities to lend a hand – from volunteering on our Board to providing information services at the front desk to getting your hands dirty on the trails. There’s something for everyone.
Read more information on how you can get started:
Service Projects: Eagle Scouts & Other Groups
Each summer, we work different groups of people (military groups, church groups, office team builders, Rotary, etc.) on special projects where help is needed at the Nature Center. If your group would like to volunteer, please us.
We have also worked with scouts seeking to fulfill their Eagle Scout requirements. Please contact us at least 3 months prior to the projected deadline. Keep in mind that most projects are completed during the summer months, therefore scouts should inquire by late January.
Thank You to our Past Scouts!
Thank you to the following scouts for completing their Eagle Scout projects at the Nature Center
2023
Bair Mercer for rebuilding the fence along the back of the main nature center building.
Shane Zoleske for helping build our pollinator garden with Timothy Kane.
2019
Jacob Lestina for making new bed frames and shelves for our volunteer cabins, building steps to one of the cabins, and painting the window trim
2018
Jan Foss for beautifying our front garden bed and building a fence to separate the garden from the parking lot
Jared Johansen for building a firewood storage shed at our maintenance garage
2017
Christopher Fueg for cleaning and log oiling the public use cabin
2016
Perry Lundgren refinished the back deck (seating, decking, fencing) of the Nature Center
Hyrum Nelson built a memorial trail and boardwalk/bridge
Daniel Casey built a section of stairs at the River Trail Yurt
2014
Robert Arnold of Troop 230 in Eagle River for raising funds to purchase and install hundreds of feet of TREX railing to prevent splinters and prolong the life of the Salmon Viewing Deck.
2013
Chris Feero of Troop 82 built a picnic table, benches around the fire ring, and a platform for a bear resistant food storage locker at the Rapids Camp camping site.
2012
Brad Connely of Troop 26 built an insulated 16 foot diameter deck for the Yukla Yurt
Mitchell Wilder of Troop 219 built a woodshed and campfire benches at the Yukla Yurt
2011
Marcus Gamble built 2 benches along the trail and a wooden screen to hide the portable lavatory near the educational yurt
Simon Kiehl built a firewood storage shed and raised funds to donate to the Nature Center
Andrew Skaggs insulated the educational yurt (floor and walls)
Patrick Thornton built the railing on the boardwalk of the upper section of Albert Loop Trail
Jaylon Winborg built picnic tables for the educational yurt
