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Lussier Family Heritage Center

Youth Volunteers for Conservation

high school teens posing with brush clearing tools

Youth Volunteers for Conservation (YV4C) is the Heritage Center's hand's-on program that challenges high school students to make a real impact in caring for Dane County's natural areas. 

Led by Dane County Parks' staff, student volunteers have to opportunity during these workdays to gain on-the-ground experience in land conservation, build leadership skills, and make new friends. All while enjoying the health benefits of outdoor, physical activity. 

YV4C engages high school students throughout the school year (August - May) in monthly volunteer habitat conservation projects and outdoor activities. 

Register on MyImpact to receive updates and notifications about our open volunteer events for high school students and other all-ages volunteer activities. 

YV4C Details

Volunteer Requirements

Youth Volunteers for Conservation Volunteer Requirements

  • Aged 14–19 and enrolled in grades 9th–12th in a school or homeschool program within Dane County;
  • A desire to work independently and as part of a group to accomplish land management goals under the guidance of DCP staff;
  • An interest in environmental conservation and stewardship;
  • Willingness to get up close and personal with the outdoors, and dress appropriately for the task at hand;
  • A completed and signed YV4C Waiver on file with the Dane County Parks Volunteer Program. 

Student Benefits

  • Make a real impact in caring for Dane County's natural habitats
  • Build your college resume and earn letters of recommendation
  • Enjoy outdoor adventures with students from all over Dane County
  • Gain leadership skills and fulfill volunteer/service hours

Workdays

Conservation Workdays

  • Volunteer activities are from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. on several Saturdays throughout the month, August–May.  Additional days and opportunities outside of the school year may be scheduled if staff are available. 
    • We ask that YV4C Participants attend a minimum of two workdays a year, but recognize that everyone has busy schedules. Come when you can!
  • Our stewardship activities change throughout the season and depend on the weather. Opportunities include: invasive weeds removal, native seed collection, seed cleaning, and other natural areas focused work.

Current Schedule 

  • To view and sign up for our currently scheduled YV4C Workdays, head here. 

Cancellation - What to Expect 

  • Activities will be cancelled if there is moderate to heavy rain, snow/ice storms, extreme cold, or extreme heat. Participants who are signed up for an event will be notified of any changes. 

Find Events

Before attending a workday, you will need to request a youth account and fill out the wavier, in our Better Impact Volunteer Database.  

Once that is done, you can find YV4C volunteer opportunities in Better Impact's youth section.

 

Current Workdays
Frequently Asked Questions
Join the YV4C Email List

 

Contact

Dane County Parks Volunteer Program
(608) 516-3703
parksvolunteer@danecounty.gov