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 cannot 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 volunteer@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:

May 23
Sensory and Water Gardens Planting and Maintaining
Wint Nature Center – Independence Oaks
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Join a group of volunteers that regularly tend to the Jean Rubach Sensory & Klein Water Gardens at Independence Oaks. This is the first meeting and planting to beautify the gardens from May – September. This group meets 1-2 times per month. For more information or to register, please contact Rachel Boyd or Melissa Nawrocki at volunteer@oakgov.com or 248-975-9717.

June 7
Nature at Night Program
Red Oaks Nature Center
7:30 – 9:30 pm
Need 2-3 volunteers to assist with program registration, greeting patrons and also with the hike after the presentation. Guests will enjoy a "Live Animal" presentation by the Organization for Bat Conservation to see some of Michigan’s most fascinating nocturnal animals including bats. Afterwards, take a walk on the trail in search of bats and other nocturnal animals. This program is sponsored by Critter Catchers. For more information or to register, please contact Rachel Boyd or Melissa Nawrocki at volunteer@oakgov.com or 248-975-9717.

June 8
99.5 WYCD Nashville in the Neighborhood Concert – Honoring Veteran with disabilities
Independence Oaks – Twin Chimneys
9501 Sashabaw Road. Clarkston 48348
3:30 p.m. – 9 pm.
This is a first year concert by WYCD 99.5 honoring disabled veterans. 6 volunteers needed to help with organizing, greeting and more.  For more information or to register, please contact Rachel Boyd at volunteer@oakgov.com or 248-975-9717.

June 28
All-Inclusive Picnic
Waterford Oaks County Park
1702 Scott Lake Rd Waterford 48328
4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
12 volunteers needed to assist with this annual event for people with disabilities.  There will be opportunities to help with the cooking or with the fun activities we will have as part of the picnic experience! Dinner and snacks are provided. For more information and to register, please contact Rachel Boyd at volunteer@oakgov.com  or 248-975-9717.

September 14
Haunted Hallows
Groveland Oaks County Park,
14555 Dixie Hwy., Holly 48442
5 – 11 p.m.
Twenty volunteers are needed to help “scare” the guests of Groveland Oaks for this fun Fall event! Volunteers are welcome to wear a costume or they can wear black and one will be provided to them.
For more information and to register, please contact Rachel Boyd at boydr@oakgov.com or 248-975-9717.

September 21
Haunted Hallows
Groveland Oaks County Park
14555 Dixie Hwy., Holly 48442
5 – 11 p.m.
Thirty volunteers are needed to help “scare” the guests of Groveland Oaks for this fun Fall event! Volunteers are welcome to wear a costume or they can wear black and one will be provided to them.
For more information and to register, please contact Rachel Boyd at boydr@oakgov.com or 248-975-9717.

October 6
Hidden Forest Trail Run
Independence Oaks County Park
9501 Sashabaw Rd. Clarkston 48348
Need 6-8 volunteers to provide directions, maps, and cheering for trail races participants in the 2.5-mile run and walk, 5.5-mile run and 8.5-mile run. This race course cuts through hardwood forests on wood chip trails, making it a great place to race or volunteer during the fall season!  For more information and to register, please contact Rachel Boyd at boydr@oakgov.com or 248-975-9717.

October 12
Boo Bash!
Addison Oaks County Park
1480 W. Romeo Rd., Leonard 48367
5 – 10 p.m.
Thirty volunteers are needed to help “scare” the guests of Addison Oaks for this fun Fall event! Volunteers are welcome to wear a costume or they can wear black and one will be provided to them.
For more information and to register, please contact Rachel Boyd at boydr@oakgov.com or 248-975-9717.

October 19
Boo Bash!
Addison Oaks County Park
1480 W. Romeo Rd., Leonard 48367
5 – 10 p.m.
Thirty volunteers are needed to help “scare” the guests of Addison Oaks for this fun Fall event! Volunteers are welcome to wear a costume or they can wear black and one will be provided to them.
For more information and to register, please contact Rachel Boyd at boydr@oakgov.com or 248-975-9717.

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.

New! Adopt-a-Natural Area
Assist natural resources staff by adopting a natural area at your favorite park and participating in seasonal stewardship activities.

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 marshaling, 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.

Natural Resources and Interpretive Programs
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. Help with events and interpretive programs.

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 County Market
Helping with parking, assist market shoppers and more.

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.

New! Special Projects
Assist with various small park improvement and maintenance projects.

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.

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.