Outdoors & Recreation

Once the sap starts flowing in early spring, volunteers visit the sugar bush daily to collect from tapped maple trees. Sap is hauled and stored in the Sugar Shack, where evaporators cook it slowly over a fire to begin the process of making syrup. Finishers work in the kitchen to complete the final cooking process and to preserve the finished syrup.

Age requirement: Ages 16+; 8+ with a participating adult. Evaporators and finishers must be 18 or older.

Training: Saturday, February 4, 2023; 10 - 11 a.m. Evaporator Training: 11:10 a.m. - noon.

Time commitment: The season varies depending on weather, but is usually early March through late April. Time commitment and shifts depend on the position. Volunteers work three or more shifts per season; sap collectors generally work 1-2 hours each shift, and evaporators and finishers work half-day or day-long shifts. Weekday and weekend shifts are available. 

Requirements: Sap collectors need to be able to walk about one mile on snow or uneven trails while pulling a wagon of supplies; some hauling and lifting required. Sap evaporators must be able to stand or sit for long periods and consistently tend a fire. Sap finishers should have some knowledge of the canning process.

Registration: Registration is required. Email [email protected]tamaracknaturecenter.org.

Weekdays at Tamarack are filled with young students visiting for fun, educational programs, and volunteers are important members of the teaching team that work with groups. Naturalist Volunteers are trained to facilitate specific aspects of our school programs for groups, like making apple cider, netting insects in the prairie, or dipping for critters in the lake. Volunteers have the chance to gain valuable confidence and skills that will transfer to new programs in the future by doing the same activities repeatedly. Volunteers commit to one season at a time for three or more weekday shifts (2-6 hours) per season. Background check required.

Ages: Adult 18+

Time commitment: Volunteers commit to one full season at a time (spring, summer, fall, winter) and work three or more shifts per season. Each shift is 2-6 hours. Only weekday shifts are available.

Training: Volunteers will be trained at the beginning of each season on select programs like school programs or maple syrup school programs. 

Requirements: Volunteers must be available during the weekdays and enjoy working with young students in a group setting, especially preschoolers and early elementary grades. Volunteers should have the ability to communicate with young children and adapt appropriately in a dynamic setting and a willingness to lead or co-lead a small group of students through a lesson or activity (or willingness to learn how to lead).

Call (651) 266-0365 or email [email protected] to apply!  

The garden season begins in early spring with indoor seed planting and continues through early November, when the garden is put to bed for winter. Garden volunteers work on a variety of tasks including planting, weeding, watering, harvesting, mulching, composting, speaking with the public and packaging surplus produce for the White Bear Lake Area Food Shelf. Volunteers may also be asked to assist with garden-related public programs, school programs and day camps as needed.

Age requirement: Adults (18 and older); youth ages 14-17; age 12-13 with an adult

Time commitment: March through October; attend scheduled work days or be trained to be an independent garden volunteer and make your own schedule; 1-3 hours shifts; weekday and weekend work is available.

Training: Provided on-the-job by Tamarack staff gardener. Garden Tenders should plan to attend a Garden Kickoff Party and training.

Requirements: All experience levels including beginners are welcome. Applicant must be able to bend, dig, lift and carry light loads; be willing to get their hands dirty; and be eager to share their knowledge and work with visitors of all ages.

Animal care volunteers provide daily care for the exhibit and education animals of Tamarack Nature Center. Main duties include feeding, care and basic maintenance of the animals and their habitats. Animal care volunteers sometimes interact with the public when working with the animals, and they will also be asked to assist with occasional public programs and larger cleaning projects related to the animals.

Age requirement: Adults, youth ages 14-17, and age 12-13 with an adult

Time commitment: Volunteers complete 2-4 shifts per month. Each shift is 30-60 minutes. Weekday and weekend shifts are available. There is a six-month minimum commitment required for this position.