Get Out is Your Monthly Guide to What’s Great in the Great Outdoors.
It’s that time of year when we come out of winter torpor, stretch our limbs, and start getting busy with spring things. Though I try to get outdoors in all the seasons, it’s spring that really energizes me and I’m always on the lookout for different ways to soak up the warmer air and also do something productive. If you’re like me, you might be itching to do the same, and guess what? I have some ideas for you!
Around now, many organizations are ramping up operations in preparation for a full summer of activity—and that means they’re seeking out volunteer help from the community they serve. Here, I’ve gathered some of my favorites for your consideration.
These folks are right in my neighborhood and have held a special place in my heart for nearly a decade (though they’ve been around much longer!). They actually have two farms, one in Grand Rapids where their headquarters is, and one in Holland, serving the lakeshore. If you’re unfamiliar with them, their mission is simple: To nourish children to reach their full potential. They do this by providing healthy, ready-to-eat “sack suppers” daily to thousands of children across four West Michigan counties.
Much of the food that fills these brown bags is grown right on their farms. To make this possible, they require hundreds of volunteers each season to plant, weed, harvest, wash, and prepare the fresh produce. Dig this idea? KFB invites you to join their movement in growing a healthier future.
This is another organization that I can really get behind because they’re all about teaching people how to grow their own food. I have a small hothouse garden going in my kitchen right now, but in years past when I haven’t had the capacity, I’ve ordered my plants from them. Bonus: They use Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, who happen to top my list of suppliers.
H.O.P.E. Gardens offers a number of gardening and educational workshops and resources to families, schools, and individuals—and volunteers are a part of this initiative. They have opportunities in spring to help transplant and care for young plants in their Wyoming, Michigan greenhouse, for one, and there are other ways to get involved in spring, summer, and fall with intermittent volunteer events. Get the full scoop here or follow them on Facebook to see what’s on the horizon.
If you’ve ever spent time in one of the city’s more than 75 parks and natural areas, then you probably owe a thanks to those who help maintain them. In partnership with GR Parks & Rec, Friends of Grand Rapids Parks helps enhance our local green spaces through cleanup, tree planting, and restoration.
They have tree planting events in spring and fall, and there’s no experience necessary to participate. And, over the calendar year, there are weekly conservation workdays that focus on removing invasive species and planting native species. In addition, they’re always looking for volunteers for their special event series, which includes wildflower walks, birding hikes, and more. If you want to get your friends, colleagues, or group together for some team building, you can contact Liz to help you organize a cleanup or other project.
You know what? I think I’ve only been here in the cold months. They have a huge property (about 150 acres) that’s great for snowshoeing and they also have a yearly WinterFest that’s a ton of fun. There’s plenty to do there when it warms up, too.
The WWC, owned and operated by Lowell Area Schools, and the Wege Foundation Natural Area, owned by the Land Conservancy of West Michigan, work in collaboration to keep the land available to the public for exploration and education. Volunteers play an important role! There are all-ages stewardship workdays that occur throughout the year, such as event assistance, building projects, land management tasks, and garden maintenance. They also have a Native Flower Garden & Vegetable Garden Prep event to get involved in. Courtney is your go-to for questions.
I don’t know about you, but I am really looking forward to the zoo’s upcoming, annual Lantern Festival. But there’s way more going on during open season, and you can be part of their mission to make an impact on saving wildlife and wild places. You could help with wayfinding at the festival, for instance, or assist with other celebrations.
There are ongoing opportunities as well, whether it’s taking on a recurring role on the Zoo Volunteer Team or signing up to be a Zoo Helper, which requires less of a commitment. Interested in something more? Check out their community science conservation volunteering program that helps protect local ecosystems. If you want to know more about what this entails, attend one of their no-obligation training sessions. Get the details for all of this here.
That’s what I have for you! Oh, and don’t forget our friends at Kind Hearts Bloom. They can always use an extra hand!
