Volunteer
About Volunteering
Volunteering at Oxbow Meadows is both a fun and rewarding experience for everyone! You will learn new skills and meet new people, all while helping Oxbow Meadows fulfill its mission. Whether you are interested in gardens, animals, teaching, or working behind-the-scenes, we have opportunities available for you!
Year-round volunteers must be 16 years of age and older.
Volunteers under age 16 may sign up with a parent or guardian to help at Eco-Stewardship and Citizen Science Days offered several weekends throughout the year.
Application for all positions are accepted on an ongoing basis. Once you have submitted proper documentation, our Oxbow Volunteer Coordinator will contact you.
Volunteer Oppotunities:
- Saturday Work Day Volunteers
- Education and Docent Volunteers
- Special Event Volunteers
- Citizen Science & Eco-Stewardship Volunteers
Looking for an internship? See below for opportunities with Oxbow.
Saturday Work Day Volunteer
Looking to volunteer more regularly? As a Saturday Work Day Volunteer, you can help us clear trees to widen a hiking trail or dig burrows for our gopher tortoise exhibit. Every Volunteer Work Day will be a different and unique experience.
Volunteer Work Days are held on Saturdays. Volunteers that have submitted a completed application and waiver must register in advance with the Volunteer Coordinator to be scheduled for an upcoming date. Project Days will be available on a case-by-case and as-needed basis.
Proper outdoor clothing is highly recommended. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, a water bottle, and work gloves. Use caution if you are allergic to bees or other insects or suffer from seasonal allergies! Lunch is not provided, please bring lunch if volunteering all day. Some restaurants are located nearby.
Saturday Work Dates:
- September 6, 2025 (9am-12pm)
- September 20, 2025 (9am-12pm)
- October 18, 2025 (8:30am-11:30am)
- November 1, 2025 (9am-12pm)
- November 15, 2025 (9am-12pm)
Application must be submitted prior to scheduled volunteer date. Volunteers must have submitted a prior application and confirmed their attendance with volunteer coordinator for Work Days.
Special Events
Oxbow Meadows hosts several events each year that provide volunteers with unique opportunities to get involved. Volunteers must be at age 16+ to volunteer. Applications must be submitted at least one week prior the event; late applications will not be accepted.
During the year we may have other events available to volunteer. Only volunteers with a current application will receive emails about these additional opportunities.
Upcoming Opportunities
Fall 2025 Events
Mini-Event: Pollinator Palooza | August 16
Citizen Science: Pollinator Count | August 23
Oxbow Meadows 30th Anniversary Family Day | October 11
Spring & Summer 2026 Events
Citizen Science - Backyard Bird Count | February 14
Honey Harvest | Second Saturday in July
Citizen Science & Eco-Stewardship Days
Eco-stewardship and Citizen Science Days will give families (with children ages 6
and older), organizational groups, and individuals a chance
to work on a special project. We require children under age 16 to have an adult guardian
present the entire time volunteering. Pre-registration is not required for Community
Work Days; you will be required to sign a waiver upon arrival on the day of service.
You may email the Volunteer Coordinator if you would like to register in advance
for large groups.
See our calendar of events for upcoming Citizen Science opportunities!
Upcoming Opportunities
The Great Southeast Pollinator Census
- August 23, 2025
- 9am to 12pm
- Learn more about the Great Southeastern Pollinator Census
The Backyard Bird Count
- February 14, 2026
- 9am to 12pm
- Learn more about the Backyard Bird Count
Education & Outreach Opportunities
Education & Outreach Volunteers will be accepted on a case-by-case basis to assist with Saturday Public Programs. Education & Outreach Volunteers must commit to both Public Program morning time slots. Public programs are lead by Oxbow Meadows employees and Education & Outreach volunteers will assist while gaining experince teaching and presenting to a variety of audiences. Examples of Public Program activities include guiding groups along the Discovery Trail, exploring natural environments of the area, identifying plants, finding wildlife signs, and encouraging participation in hands-on activities.
For additional hours, education volunteers are welcome to participate in Saturday Volunteer Work Days.
Columbus State University students have the opportunity to create hands-on science demonstrations and lesson plans for remote learners in a service project or to complete course-requirements. Service Projects created by Education Volunteers will be published to our website for use by parents and teachers in our community.
Looking to gain more hours or want to volunteer during the weekdays? Fill out an application for an internship!
How to get started volunteering at Oxbow Meadows.
Step One:
All volunteers must complete a volunteer application, personal data form and liability agreement.
Step Two:
Completed volunteer application should be emailed to Ashley Herbolich at herbolich_ashley@columbusstate.edu. Only complete applications will be accepted.
Step Three:
Once your completed volunteer paperwork has been submitted, your contact information will be added to our volunteer email. Please note that this may take up to two weeks for you to receive an email. Volunteer emails will include information on upcoming events, including Volunteer Work Days and all other weekend volunteer opportunities.
