The success of many of our recreation and environmental programs depends on the volunteer efforts of the members of our community. If you're looking for a way to make a difference, meet new people or expand a hobby, there are many different ways you can participate to match your skills or areas of interest.
How to Volunteer
View the volunteer opportunity descriptions to see what suits you best. Maybe you have an interest in helping others, want to learn more about the community or meet other friendly, helpful people. We welcome:
- Students (volunteer hours may apply to service learning project hours for high school or college credit or complete an internship)
- Adults/Seniors
- Students
- Groups/Corporations
- Non-profit Organizations and Agencies
To volunteer, print and complete the Volunteer Application or Golf Volunteer Application and return it to:
Oakland County Parks
Volunteer Coordinator
2800 Watkins Lake Road
Waterford, MI 48328
Once received, we will contact you to discuss the potential of a volunteer placement. If an appropriate placement can not be arranged at that time, we will keep your application on file up to one year. As opportunities become available, we will notify you.
To speak to a volunteer coordinator, call 248-975-9717 or email boydr@oakgov.com. Current Volunteers: Monthly Volunteer Time Sheet. (Please upgrade to latest version of Acrobat Reader to utilize this form.)
Volunteers Needed for These Events
Mar. 23, 9a.m.-11a.m. or 6p.m-8p.m.
Volunteer Walk Assistant Informational Meeting
1712 Scott Lake Rd, Waterford 48328 – Meeting will be at the Lookout Lodge in Waterford Oaks County Park
Volunteers interested in co-leading organized leisurely hikes at various parks are encouraged to attend this information session! For more information and to sign up, please contact Laurie Stasiak at
248-858-4929 or stasiakl@oakgov.com.
March 26, 7 – 9 p.m.
Frog Survey Training
Wint Nature Center at Independence Oaks County Park
Volunteers will learn how to recognize the calls of singing frogs along with other facets of amphibian survey work, and then volunteers will assist with night frog surveys at Independence Oaks and Rose Oaks County Parks from April – June. Please register by March 25.
To volunteer or more information: Kathleen Dougherty at 248-858-0704 or doughertyk@oakgov.com.
April 24, 9a.m-Noon
Spring into Flowers – “A Rotary Park planting event hosted by Oakland County Parks”
Rotary Park in Springfield Twp – Located across from Mill Pond Park, 495 Broadway, Davisburg MI 48350
This bed planting and mulching of perennials and native plants will help the beautification of Rotary Park! We need 20 volunteers to help plant. No experience is necessary and all ages are welcome! Children under age 15 will require the supervision of an adult. Snacks will be provided for all volunteers! Make it a fun family day!
For more information and to register, please contact Rachel Boyd at 248-975-9717 or boydr@oakgov.com.
May 8, 10 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Garlic Mustard Pull Workday
Highland Oaks County Park on Milford Road
Volunteers are needed to help pull garlic mustard at Highland Oaks County Park. This invasive plant has a negative impact on forest biodiversity. Work gloves and snacks are provided.
To volunteer or more information: Kathleen Dougherty at 248-858-0704 or doughertyk@oakgov.com.
Volunteer Opportunities throughout the parks system:
Adaptive Recreation
Assist in hosting special, sport and social events for individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities. Activities include special events/socials and teaching and adapting sports skills for individuals with disabilities.
Annual clean up days
Help beautify the parks by collecting debris, pulling invasive species or other cleaning/maintenance tasks.
Administrative Assistance
Available at most park locations. Duties vary at each site, but may include preparation of craft materials and items for special events, assistance with mailings, and photography.
Bicycle Motocross (BMX)
Track maintenance begins in April. Assist in the weekly operation of BMX by providing technical assistance at practices and races. Duties include bike inspection, registration, scoring, staging, corner marshalling, and concessions.
NEW! Campground Hosts
Campground hosts assist campers by answering questions, explaining the rules in a pleasant and helpful manner, providing directions and assisting with check-in. Volunteers may also help with the campground recreation program, maintenance of flower beds and restroom monitoring.
Campground Recreation
Memorial Day to Labor Day
Assist with activities for campers at Addison and Groveland Oaks. Activities include arts and crafts, DJ dances, face painting, games, etc. Theme weekends include carnival, comedy fun day, July 4th festivities, blues bash and boo bash. Also volunteer to help set up, implement and clean up one-day special events.
Dog Park (Lyon Oaks, Orion Oaks & Red Oaks)
Assist with one-day special events and annual clean-up days at three dog parks. During busy times, answer visitors’ general questions, distribute park materials, and report concerns or comments to park management.
Ellis Barn
Members of the 4-H Gardeners Restore Our World club (GROW) along with Michigan State Extension Service Master Gardeners, have taken on the project of establishing an 1800s Heritage Garden around the Ellis Barn. Assist with tours, educational programs and manning the antiques table during events.
Golf Courses
Starters, rangers, cart attendants and pro shop/phones assist at five golf courses.
NEW! Golf Programs
Assist with tournaments, leagues and special events.
Junior Counselor Program
Under the direction of our camp staff, youth 14-17 years old develop leadership skills while working at the Oakland County Parks summer day camps.
Natural Resources Stewardship Program
Assist in conducting wildlife surveys and caring for park and natural areas, including monitoring bluebird, wood duck and bat boxes; invasive plant control and water quality surveys, native seed collection and more.
Nature Center
Join naturalists at the Wint nature center to assist with interpretive family programs, seasonal special events, captive animal care, sensory and water garden care and exhibit preparation.
Nordic Ski Patrol
Provide the eyes and ears for the park on the trails during the ski season and ensure skiers safety. Must be able to cross-country ski and have outdoor emergency care course along with CPR. Available at Independence Oaks.
Oakland Owls
Be the eyes and ears at various parks and report concerns or comments to park management. May also assist parks staff with general clean-up and enhancement programs.
Senior Recreation
Assist with athletic programs and seasonal park tours.
Special Events
Assist with one-day events, including mountain bike races, fishing events, Hidden Forest trail run, Halloween events, waterpark special events and senior days.
Trails
Assist with construction of hiking, biking or equestrian trails; trail clean-up and maintenance; or with special trail-related events.
NEW! Volunteer Walk Assistant
Co-lead organized hikes in various county parks.
Other Volunteer Opportunities
Water Resources Commissioner's Office
Assist with Adopt-a-Stream (stream monitoring and clean-ups), and cooperative lakes monitoring. Details: 248-858-0958.
Master Gardener Volunteer Program
The Michigan Master Gardener Volunteer Program is a horticulture education and volunteer leader training program offered by Michigan State University Extension in Oakland County. An interest in plants, a personal commitment to volunteerism and an enthusiasm for sharing knowledge with others are the only prerequisites for application. Applicants attend classes learning basic horticultural principles and environmentally sound gardening practices. They then provide a minimum of 40 hours of volunteer service to their community.
Oakland County offers a daytime session in the fall (August-November) or an evening session in the winter (January-April). Each session is 13 weeks and held in Waterford. Contact Linda Smith at 248-858-0887 for an application or information.