Planting a community garden is good for you, the community, and people needing food. Photo by USFS Region 5 (Flickr/Creative Commons).
Consider volunteering outdoors this summer. There are countless ways you can build karma while working on your tan – and you can find most of ‘em on Idealist. Read on…
Restoring and maintaining natural places
People can overuse or over-love forests, rivers, and trails. Non-native plant species can take root and overpower the natives.
When a natural area is damaged in these and other ways, you can take steps to bring it back to life.
Work with others to:
- Restore native watershed and river areas
- Remove invasive plant species
- Maintain woods and forests popular with visitors
- Create habitat for animals, birds, and insects
- Educate the public
Keywords when searching volunteer opps on Idealist: restoration, environment, ecology, watershed, invasive plant species.
Gardening, farming, and permaculture
Tending the earth in sustainable ways is good for community, people who are food-insecure, and for you.
Connect with organizations and neighbors to:
- Plant community gardens
- Grow food for seniors
- Harvest fruit from trees in your urban neighborhood
- Participate in permaculture on a Lakota reservation
- Educate the public
Keywords when searching volunteer opps on Idealist: gardening, permaculture, agriculture, education.
Sports and recreation
Being outdoors can be all fun and games. There are lots of ways community groups advocate for healthy, active lifestyles, from engaging clients in physical activities to organizing fundraising events involving athletic contests.
Find ways to move this summer:
- Volunteer for a volleyball tourney fundraiser
- Teach yoga
- Introduce bike riding to kids
- Photograph a public recreation event
- Educate youth about these issues
Keywords when searching volunteer opps on Idealist: sports, recreation, health.
Note: volunteer positions — even outdoors — exist for people of all abilities. Look for or ask about volunteer positions that accommodate your needs, whatever they are.
How are you quenching your sun-thirst this summer?
