How to get outside and give back to nature
Finding ways to get outside and give back to nature isn’t hard. There are hundreds or even thousands of companies, communities and cities that are committed to sustainability and looking for people just like you to help out.
Not looking for a whole organization to work with? I’ve got you covered there too!
I provide opportunities for people who would prefer to give back to the outdoors solo or with their close friends. Continue reading to learn more!
How can you find ways to volunteer outdoors?
Finding ways to volunteer outdoors isn’t difficult. You’re actually already doing the first step by reading this, congrats!
After some preliminary research, finding volunteer organizations or opportunities that really speak to you online or through social media can be a great way to find a cause that you’re passionate about. Not only are you giving back to the outdoors but it’s also with a company that aligns with your values and ethics as a person!
Later in this article you can find some specific companies we’d recommend starting with.
If nothing jumps out at you immediately, then don’t worry! There’s really no wrong answer when it comes to volunteering. Local, regional and national opportunities are out there. Most towns and cities have some kind of community volunteer program you can find from a bit of Googling.
Volunteer match is also an extremely good resource for finding local volunteer organizations.
Volunteer at a nature preserve or national park
National Park service is great because the work is already organized for you! All you have to do is show up, work and enjoy the outdoors. You’ll also usually meet a few friendly folks who have a similar interest as you in the process!
There are 423 national park sites in the United States alone. If you’re genuinely interested in volunteering for one here’s a good resource to find out which national park is closest to you.
You could also start directly at the source! The National Park Service is constantly looking for volunteers to help out. Find volunteer opportunities near you by checking out their opportunities page.
Volunteering Abroad?
If you’re interested in exploring beyond the United States there are plenty of high-quality programs to send volunteers abroad.
GVI has plenty of abroad programs to look into. They’ve even been able to continue sending volunteers around the world during the Covid pandemic.
Here are a few other websites I’d recommend looking into if you’ve got the travel itch:
- https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/where-we-work/
- https://www.goeco.org/tags/volunteer-for-conservation
Help Plant A Garden
Get involved in your community garden or create a garden of your own! Both are great ways to get outside and give back to nature at the same time.
Community Gardens
If you are interested in participating or creating a community garden project, there are plenty of ways to find one in your area. The list of websites below will help you to locate one near you:
- American Community Gardening Association
- Youth Gardening from the American Horticultural Society
- Local Harvest
- Community Garden Meetup Groups
Personal Gardens
Creating a garden of your own is one of the most mentally satisfying hobbies that exist! There’s a reason it’s one of the top 5 most popular hobbies in the world.
The sense of pride we feel from growing plants is unmatched. You’ll also be producing fresh oxygen to the environment while being a new source to absorb carbon dioxide.
If you’re looking to connect more with Earth, gardening is high on the list of activities to pursue.
National Trails Day
National Trails Day is celebrated on the first Saturday in June every year. Local communities will plan and hold events to commemorate the beauty of trails and to upkeep them.
You can host an event or join one that is already being planned! Either option gives you a good opportunity to get outdoors and pay your appreciation.
Read more about how to get involved and find events near you on the American Hiking Society’s website!
Clean Up a River or Beach
Most of the ideas so far have been more community based but there is nothing wrong with going out alone or with a few friends to clean up a body of water.
Giving back to nature can be as easy as going outside with a few trash bags and picking up trash. You get some sunshine and a prettier space, what else could you ask for?
Volunteer for a local search and rescue team
This one is a bit more extreme but if you’re looking to help out a good cause, signing up for a local search and rescue team can be a great way to help out.
While the job is spontaneous and hard work, it can be extremely rewarding for those who pursue it. Here’s a great resource for finding ways to join your local SAR team.
Learn about invasive species
Humans spreading around the world has caused plants and animals to travel outside their native habitat, sometimes with disastrous effects on local plants and wildlife.
Learning these species and keeping them in check can greatly affect local wildlife.
Organizations like Sierra Club are hosting events that train you to identify and remove harmful intruders.
Take friends outside
Share your passion for the outdoors with people who may not get the chance to enjoy wild places on their own. A lot of people might not have the passion for the outdoors like you do.
One positive experience outside can completely change a perspective and development into something more!
Conclusion – Get Outside
No matter how you choose to give back, make sure it means something to you. Giving back to nature isn’t all about getting outside. It’s also important to make sure that you’re spending your time doing something that YOU value.
Also keep in mind that you don’t have to drop everything and commit your life to volunteering, there are many easy ways to get involved with conservation and accessibility in the outdoors.
Let us know if you have any examples or stories about a time you volunteered to give back to nature!