Youth Volunteers for Conservation (YV4C) Bumble Bee Monitoring

Are you a young adult ages 15-21 who enjoys the outdoors? Join the Youth Volunteers for Conservation (YV4C) program to explore Dane County Parks while building real-world conservation skills. Participants will contribute to habitat restoration efforts and gain exposure to career pathways in natural resources across southern Wisconsin.

Volunteers will learn how to observe and document bumble bees while exploring Dane County Parks. Youth volunteers will join a guided outing at the Nine Springs E-Way to look for blooming plants and active pollinators, practice taking photos for species identification, and build skills related to wildlife observation, habitat monitoring, and conservation fieldwork. 

---

How to Sign up:

1. Step One: Create an Account in MyImpact if you don't have one (one time process)
   • Account application and waiver for 18+ click here. 
   • Account application and waiver for those under 18 click here (requires parent signature)
      
2. Step 2: Complete all waivers before signing up! These are all locate at the bottom of the page under “my profile” – find each section below and complete.
   • DCP/LFHC Transportation Permission - must click “I agree to the above statement”
   • DCP/LFHC Background Check (must be renewed yearly) - must click “I agree to the above statement”
   • YV4C Behavior Agreement – sign and submit the agreement
      
3. Step 3: Sign up for events! After you've created an account and filled out all necessary waivers, you can sign up for a shift here

---

What to Know:

• In case of cancellation, a notification will be made via email and/or phone to participants who have signed up.
• No experience is needed. All tools and training provided.
• This program is weather-dependent and is not rain-or-shine.
• If conditions are too windy, too hot, or rainy, the program may need to be rescheduled.
• After the field portion ends at 3:00 p.m. participants have the option to stay briefly in the Heritage Room at the Heritage Center to begin reviewing and processing photos. 

What to Wear & Bring:

• Close-toed shoes
• Clothing appropriate for the weather
• Hat
• Sunscreen
• Water bottle 
• Cell phone or camera for taking photos
• Snacks will be provided

Ages: 15 - 21
Cost: Free

Accessibility and Language Access:
Our department is committed to providing meaningful access to our programs and resources to all individuals, regardless of primary language or ability. If you need language assistance services or an accessibility modification for this program, please submit this request form a minimum of 10 business days before the program to make the request. Please note, it is not possible for all programs to be modified.