Summer 2023 Volunteering opportunities

Here is what it takes to be a Loon Monitor:

• Complete the survey on one (1) morning between June 30 - July 10, 2023.
• Count loons and complete the survey between the hours of 5:00 a.m.-12:00 noon.
• Commit to surveying for 2 - 4 hours per lake.
• Return completed survey materials.

To see what lakes need a Loon Monitor or to sign up, go to the Minnesota Loon Monitoring webpage and click on the Volunteer Map button under Sign up for a lake.

Check out the survey tips and resources also listed on the webpage.

For questions or more information, call or email the following regional loon monitoring coordinators:

• Aitkin or Crow Wing Counties: Contact Karen McLennan, Brainerd, 218-203-4352, [email protected]
• Becker, Cook, Itasca, Lake, or Otter Tail Counties: Contact Bryonna Persing, Eveleth, 218-735-3962, [email protected]
• Kandiyohi County: Contact Dorie Tess, New Ulm, 507-233-1250, [email protected]

Time Commitment:

• Projects are typically focused on a minimum 2-year time commitment.
• Volunteers must be able to work outdoors in various weather conditions safely without direct supervision except for initial guidance and orientation as needed.
• Hours are flexible typically Monday through Friday with weekends possible depending on the project.

Projects for individuals, groups, organizations or companies

The work level of project/site depends on the interest and skill level of the volunteer(s):

Level 1: (volunteer work without supervision)

• Trash pickup
• Sign replacement
• Vandalism reporting
• Reading water gauges
• Painting facilities

Level 2: (volunteer work with initial guidance/orientation) 

• Seed harvest
• Weed removal/vegetation management using hand tools
• Shallow lake and wetland water control vegetation clearing
• Wildlife surveys
• Facility work
• Fence removal
• Invasive species control
• Maintain forest openings

Level 3: (volunteer work requiring certifications/licenses, training or close supervision)

• Using power tools
• Chainsaw work
• Mowing noxious weeds
• Mowing prescribed fire breaks
• Mowing hunter walking trails
• Helping with a prescribed burn

Note: Organizations or companies interested in improving wildlife habitat on a WMA may do so at Level 3 by providing contract services at no cost. This would include access/road maintenance, tractor and equipment operation, farming activities, mowing, power tool use, chainsaw work, prescribed burning, and herbicide application. *Liability and Worker's Compensation is covered by the organization, rather than DNR, in these cases.

To find the closest WMA to you, refer to the MN DNR's Recreation Compass and maps of Assistant Area Wildlife Managers  and Area Wildlife Managers . Contact them to find out how you can adopt a WMA!

As a Campground Host, you will generally work independently. You are accountable to the park manager who will provide training and orientation and will assist you throughout the season with any questions or problems that may arise. You will set an example by being a model camper, practicing good housekeeping at all times in and around the host site, and by observing all rules.

Read more about the Campground Host Program. Check available 2023 campground host openings!

Applications are accepted all year long but must be received at least 30 days prior to the date you wish to begin serving as a host.

Email your questions to [email protected] (link sends email) or call 888- MINNDNR (888-646-6367) or in the Metro area call 651-259-5607.

Note: Campground Hosts are selected from applications that have been satisfactorily completed and submitted in a timely manner.  Interviews are conducted by the campground manager. The number of consecutive years that a host may serve may be limited to allow others an opportunity. These limitations are at the discretion of the campground manager.

All DNR volunteers must undergo a background check at the time of selection. This also applies to hosts returning from the previous season.

The network includes more than 20,000 volunteers nationwide who measure rainfall in their backyards using a standard 4-inch diameter rain gauge and submit their reports online. The program also collects snowfall and reports hail among other weather observations. The data is used by the National Weather Service, researchers, cities and a wide range of industries.

Data provided by volunteers:

• Verifies high rainfall totals after big events
• Provides critical information during flooding events
• Monitors drought conditions
• Provides needed guidance on Minnesota's changing climate

To become a Rainfall Monitor, you must:

• Have internet access to submit reports by computer or using the CoCoRaHS Observer weather app on your smartphone
• Provide or purchase a standard 4-inch rain gauge (discounts are available through CoCoRaHS)
• Complete online training on how to observe weather trends and how to submit precipitation and weather event reports online
• Commit to submitting reports for at least one season

Volunteers are particularly needed in Greater Minnesota outside the Twin Cities metro area.

To sign up:

• Complete the CoCoRaHS.org application
• Contact Luigi Romolo, State Climatologist, at [email protected]

Join our weather team today!