
Volunteer
As a "thank you" for volunteering, you can earn Utah Master Naturalist incentives for reaching different levels of volunteerism. Find out more below!
Utah’s Hogle Zoo: Salt Lake City, UT
Family Nature Club
All year, one day each month
Want to get out into nature and share your knowledge and passion for the outdoors? Utah Master Naturalists are invited to join Utah's Hogle Zoo for a monthly outing to introduce participants to the world around them, get people of all ages outside, and have some fun! UHZ brings the naturalist tools and we encourage you to help us in the field educating participants and/ or in the preparation of great outings. For families of all ages (adult must attend with children under age 18), Nature Club will be held at various locations throughout the Wasatch Front.
To participate, please contact: Kelly Gallo at kgallo@hoglezoo.org, 801-584-4562.
The Nature Conservancy & USU Botanical Center: Layton/Kaysville, UT
Wings & Water Wetland Education Program Volunteer Naturalist Guide
Spring (April/May) and Fall (Sept/Oct)
As a Naturalist Guide at TNC’s Great Salt Lake Shorelands Preserve and the USUBC’s Wetland Discovery Point, you will inform, inspire and educate students and the general public about the importance of protecting the Great Salt Lake and its adjacent wetlands for the millions of birds and other wildlife species that depend on its diverse habitats. Field trips take place Tuesdays and Thursdays; training and materials are provided. Join this great team to make an impact in the lives of Utah’s youth!
To participate, please contact: Kristen Bonner at kristen.bonner@usu.edu, 801-593-8969. Please visit our websites for more information.
Hawkwatch International: Statewide, UT
Short-eared Owl Surveys
March-April HawkWatch International (HWI) is conducting a Utah statewide citizen science Short-eared Owl survey in March and April. We are seeking intrepid volunteers willing to conduct vehicle-based surveys for Short-eared Owls in sometimes remote grassland, shrubland, agricultural, and wetland habitats across the state. Short-eared Owls are a species in decline, and this is an opportunity to see owls during their courtship period when males perform acrobatic flight displays for females. For more information, visit the HWI Short-eared Owl project page.
To participate, please contact Neil Paprocki at, npaprocki@hawkwatch.org, 801-484-6808 x106.
Utah’s Hogle Zoo: Salt Lake City, UT
Utah Chapter FrogWatch
Spring/summer breeding season FrogWatch is a citizen science program that monitors amphibian populations across the country. There is a short training class, and then you choose which pond or wetland you want to monitor for the breeding season.
To participate, please contact: Jena Andrus, jandrus@hoglezoo.org, 801-584-1763
Utah’s Hogle Zoo: Salt Lake City, UT
The American Kestrel Partnership
Spring/summer breeding season
The Peregrine Fund’s citizen science program relies on individuals who are willing to hang kestrel nest boxes on their property and monitor them for use. Only a few minutes per week is required, some nest boxes are available through the Zoo.
To participate, please contact: Suzanne Zgraggen at
szgraggen@hoglezoo.org, 801-584-4551.
Wasatch Mountain State Park: Midway, UT
Fishing Club Volunteers
Wasatch Mountain State Park offers a 6 week Community Fishing Club for kids 5–13 years of age. We need volunteers to teach kids how to bait hooks, cast, catch and clean fish. Fishing experience necessary. Volunteers need to fill out volunteer paperwork which includes a back ground check. Fishing Club 2013 runs from 9–11 am. on Wednesdays beginning June 12 and ending on July 17.
To participate, please contact: Kathy Donnell at kathydonnell@utah.gov, 435-654-1791.
Wasatch Mountain State Park: Midway, UT
Nature Club Volunteers
Wasatch Mountain State Park offers a 3 day Nature Club for kids 9–12 years of age on July 31- Aug 2 from 9am.–noon, and for kids 5–8 years of age on Aug 7–9th from 9am.–noon. We need volunteers to lead hands-on nature related activities. Volunteers need to fill out volunteer paperwork which includes a back ground check. To participate, please contact: Kathy Donnell at kathydonnell@utah.gov, 435-654-1791.
Utah Water Watch: Lakes & Streams Across Utah
Volunteer to help protect Utah’s most important natural resource—clean water!
Utah Water Watch is a partnership between USU Extension and Utah’s Division of Water Quality to promote water quality education and collect valuable data. Volunteers commit to monitoring a lake or stream at least once a month for seven months out of the year. This is a free fun program for citizens of all ages to get outside, learn more about water, and help out!
For more information, visit Utah Water Watch or contact Ellen Bailey ellen.bailey@usu.edu, (435)797-2580
Utah’s Hogle Zoo: Salt Lake City, UT
Volunteer Docents and Zoo Aides
Applications due March 1 for spring training.
Hogle Zoo volunteers usually work one shift per week, either in animal care or education. You can help teach summer camps, clean exhibits, walk-and-talk with guests, prepare animal diets, or use live animals in presentations. Great volunteer perks and incentives!
To participate, please apply online.

Biological Soil Crust- 20 hours
Have you worn out your Utah Master Naturalist cap and filled your field notebook through so much exploring and volunteering? Well, here's your chance to get a whole new set!
- Utah Master Naturalist ball cap
- Field Notes notebook

Sagebrush- 60 hours
Choose one book from the Essential Utah Master Naturalist Reader
- A Natural History of the Intermountain West by Gwendolyn L. Waring
- Wasatch Wildflowers by Steve Hedji or Canyon Country Wildflowers by Damian Fagan
- Desert Solitaire by Edward Abbey or Refuge: An Unnatural History of Family and Place by Terry T. Williams
Prairie Dog- 120 hours
Have you always thought about enrolling in another Utah Master Naturalist course? Receive $75 off registration to a Utah Master Naturalist course of your choice! You can use this for yourself, or gift it to a friend or colleague.
To record your hours, simply download the Volunteer Activity Form, fill it out, and return it via email or mail. Total volunteer hours reset to zero at the start of a new calendar year or when an incentive level has been awarded. Organizations that offer volunteer opportunities often have their own incentives as well!