Each year, the Iowa DNR relies heavily on volunteers through partnerships and other avenues to keep Iowa’s natural resources in pristine condition.
In 2018, 10,621 volunteers spent over 209,500 hours volunteering throughout the state cleaning trash along Iowa’s waterways through Project AWARE, instructing Hunter Education courses, serving as campground hosts or working on numerous miscellaneous projects within our state parks and volunteering with DNR fisheries staff throughout the year, to name a few.
“We are extremely grateful for the partnerships and dedication of each of these volunteers,” said Acting Director Bruce Trautman. “Their passion for the resources is unmatched and their work continues to make a noticeable difference in our state.”
With the upcoming centennial celebration of state parks, Parks 2020, this year, DNR parks staff and friends groups are encouraging visitors and community members to get active in your local state park. Throughout the year, there will be several volunteer opportunities at each of the state parks. Visit this link throughout the year for the latest parks volunteer opportunities, as well as other DNR volunteer opportunities: https://www.iowadnr.gov/volunteer