Volunteer opportunities
Volunteers help make Louisville a special place to live, work, and visit. There are many ways to help care for Louisville's open space from habitat restoration and trail stewardship to education and wildlife surveys. Check out the opportunities below. If you're ready to apply, fill out our Volunteer Interest Form. If you want more information first, reach out using the contact information below.
Available opportunities
Ready to volunteer or have another idea? Email Catherine and let us know how you would like to help.
| Opportunity | Category | What you'll do | Time commitment |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Adopt an Open Space or Trail
|
Land & habitat |
Remove litter, pull weeds, care for an assigned space or trail area. See below for more information. |
One year commitment |
|
Bird surveys
|
Wildlife | Record bird species seen or heard at Open Space properties. Data helps staff build bird checklists. Good bird ID skills required. | One day or more |
|
Pulling for Louisville
|
Land & habitat | Attend summer weed-pulling events at Open Space properties. Pull, dig, or clip noxious weeds. No experience needed. | One day or more |
|
Volunteer naturalist
|
Creative | Lead a guided hike or nature program on a topic of your choice. Training required before leading a program. Staff will help you plan and attend with you. | One program or more |
|
Weed whackers
|
Land & habitat | Pull, dig, or clip noxious weeds at Open Space properties. Training provided on weed ID and removal methods. Events held in spring and summer. | One day or more |
Adopt an Open Space or Trail
The Adopt an Open Space or Trail Program is open to individuals, families, businesses, schools, clubs, churches, and community organizations. Volunteers serve as land stewards by removing litter, helping control weeds, and caring for an assigned open space or trail. The City provides training, gloves, and trash bags, and Open Space staff will help you choose volunteer activities throughout the season.
Time commitment:
This is a one-year commitment. During the year, volunteers must:
- Visit your adopted area three or more times
- Complete a total of 10 hours of volunteer hours.
Although more workdays are strongly encouraged
How site placement works
City staff will try to match each volunteer or group with their preferred open space property or trail. Preferred locations may not always be available. If your first choice is not available, staff will work with you to find another good option.
How to apply
Before applying, please read the Adopt program information packet (PDF)
For a list of available properties and to discuss next steps, please email Catherine.