Volunteer
About Volunteering
Volunteer with Oxbow Meadows and make a difference while learning new skills, meeting new people, and supporting environmental education. Opportunities are available in education, animal care, gardens, special events, citizen science, and more.
Year-round volunteers must be 16 years or older. Volunteers under 16 may participate with a parent or guardian during select Eco-Stewardship and Citizen Science Days offered throughout the year.
Volunteer applications are accepted year-round. After submitting the required forms, our Volunteer Coordinator will contact you about available opportunities.
Volunteer Oppotunities:
- Saturday Work Day Volunteers
- Education and Docent Volunteers
- Special Event Volunteers
- Citizen Science & Eco-Stewardship Volunteers
Internships:
Looking for an internship? See below for opportunities with Oxbow. CSU students are encouraged to apply for internships.
Saturday Work Day Volunteer
Join us for hands-on projects that help care for Oxbow’s trails, grounds, gardens, and animal habitats. Projects vary by date and may include trail maintenance, habitat improvements, gardening, and other seasonal needs.
Work Days are held on select Saturdays and are available based on current projects. Volunteers must submit a completed application and waiver and register in advance with the Volunteer Coordinator.
Please dress for outdoor work and bring:
- Water bottle
- Sunscreen
- Work gloves
- Lunch, if volunteering all day
Closed-toe shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. Volunteers with insect or seasonal allergies should plan accordingly.
Saturday Work Dates:
- September 19th | 9am-12pm
- October 24th | 9am-12pm
- November 14th | 9am-12pm
Partner Volunteer Opportunities
Additional opportunities from our partner organizations are available. Please register directly with the organization below for each event.
- Help the Hooch October 3rd across Chattahoochee Watershed (via Keep Columbus Beautiful)
- River Rendezvous November 7th at Oxbow Meadows (via Chattahoochee Riverkeeper)
Special Events
Oxbow Meadows hosts special events throughout the year that offer additional ways to get involved. Volunteers must be 16 years or older and have a current volunteer application on file.
Applications must be submitted at least one week before an event. Additional opportunities may be offered throughout the year, and current volunteers will receive information by email.
Upcoming Opportunities
Fall Events
- Citizen Science - Pollinator Count | August 22nd
- Nature at Night | October 10th
Spring & Summer Events
- Citizen Science - Backyard Bird Count | February 15th
- Nature Fest | April - date TBA
Citizen Science & Eco-Stewardship Days
Families, groups, and individuals can join us for hands-on projects that support Oxbow Meadows and the local environment.
Children must be at least 6 years old, and volunteers under 16 must have a parent or guardian present throughout the activity.
Pre-registration is not required. Participants will complete a waiver upon arrival. Large groups are encouraged to contact the Volunteer Coordinator in advance.
See our Calendar of Events for upcoming Citizen Science & Eco-Stewardship opportunities.
Upcoming Opportunities
The Great Southeast Pollinator Census
- August 22, 2026
- 9am to 12pm
- Learn more about the Great Southeastern Pollinator Census
The Backyard Bird Count
- February 13, 2026
- 9am to 12pm
- Learn more about the Backyard Bird Count
Education & Outreach Opportunities
Education & Outreach Volunteers assist Oxbow staff with public programs and educational activities while gaining experience working with a variety of audiences.
Opportunities are available on a case-by-case basis and may include:
- Saturday Nature Play – Encourage exploration, curiosity, and hands-on nature play with children and families.
- Saturday Discovery Hours – Welcome visitors and help families explore exhibits, wildlife, and learning opportunities throughout the center.
- Weekday Field Trips – Assist staff with school field trip programs Tuesday–Friday mornings.
Education volunteers may also participate in Saturday Work Days for additional volunteer hours.
CSU Students
Columbus State University students may complete service projects or course requirements by developing hands-on science activities, educational resources, or lesson materials for Oxbow.
Students seeking a more consistent weekday schedule or additional hours are encouraged to apply for an internship.
How to get started volunteering at Oxbow Meadows.
Step One:
All volunteers must complete an online volunteer application, personal data form and liability agreement.
If you have any questions about volunteering, please contact:
Ashley Herbolich
herbolich_ashley@columbusstate.edu
Step Two:
Once your volunteer application 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.
