Regional District of Central Okanagan

Volunteers in Parks Programs

Parks Services is building on the spirit of volunteerism and developing a strong volunteer base in Regional Parks. There are many volunteer opportunities available for a variety of abilities, ages, and demographics..

If you have a passion for nature and are interested in volunteering in your local Regional Parks, check out the Volunteer Positions and the Steps to Become a Volunteer in Parks below. .

Volunteer Stewardship Opportunities

If you would like to volunteer but are not interested in long term positions, we have volunteer events available on weekends. These volunteer activities require registration but they allow you to choose which events will fit your schedule.

Current Stewardship Events

Invasive Weed Management (Additional Information / View Poster) – Volunteers will work together, while maintaining physical distancing, to pull weeds on a section of the Greenway (adjacent to Mission Sports Field) from 9:00 am - 11:00 am on the following dates with sign in for participants at 8:45. Registration required. Register Here

Thanks for your support! 2020 projects have been completed. Please check back in spring 2021 for new opportunities.

Food Forest Volunteers - near the Environmental Education Centre for the Okanagan (EECO) there is a food forest demonstration garden. Volunteers working in the food forest help to maintain this area by weeding, pruning, and mulching using regenerative farming methods. (View Additional Information)There are scheduled events taking place throughout the growing season. These all run from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm on the following dates:

Thanks for your support! 2020 projects have been completed. Please check back in spring 2021 for new opportunities.

VIP Stewardship Team - this volunteer program is designed for those wishing an opportunity to be part of a regular, hands-on stewardship group involving a commitment for multiple dates. Projects are more varied and located throughout the Regional Park system. As a result, training is more comprehensive. View Stewardship Team details

Thanks for your support! 2020 projects have been completed. Please check back in spring 2021 for new opportunities.

Volunteer Positions Available

EECO Volunteer Host

The Environmental Education Centre for the Okanagan (EECO) is located in Mission Creek Regional Park.

The EECO Host Volunteer assists staff by responding to public inquiries and providing information about regional parks and programs.

Events Crew

Volunteer Events Crew will assist the Events Coordinator with set up and take down during the various events and activities held throughout the year.

Activities occur at a variety of Regional Parks and we support Families as Volunteer Events Crew members!

GPS Inventory

Do you like to hike in our parks? Are you techno savvy?

GPS Inventory Volunteers assist in data collection of assets within our parks (i.e. signs, benches and bridges). Data is collected using the GPS on your cell phone and uploaded to our site via WiFi.

Nature Assistant

Nature Assistant Volunteers work directly with our Park Interpreters.

They help interpreters deliver programs such as the Tracks Walking group and Wild Walks.

Stewardship Opportunities for Groups

Community groups wishing to do a stewardship activity in Regional Parks can contact the Volunteer Coordinator for ideas or help planning the activity.

This includes activities such as participation in Earth Day, the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup or an environmental project identified by the group.

Trail Ambassadors

Trail Ambassador Volunteers assist regional parks staff by providing a presence in the park and by reporting on the condition of park trails, bridges, fences and facilities. They also provide information to the public about regional parks.

Steps To Become a Volunteer In Parks (VIP)

Attend a Volunteer Information Session
Review the various volunteer opportunities to see what fits your interests
Complete the Online application form (please complete all fields)
Participate in an interview with the Volunteer Coordinator
Complete a current RCMP Records Check with a Vulnerable Sector Search
Complete the training

Online Application Form (please complete all fields)

Volunteer Information Sessions

Watch for information about our next session for those interested in becoming a volunteer. You're always welcome to complete the application form above anytime and become a parks VIP!

Contact:

Volunteer Coordinator
park.volunteers@rdco.com
250-469-6345

I would like to receive more information about Regional Parks & Events