There are a number of volunteer opportunities available at Sibley Nature Center. If you are interested in any of the following areas, please contact Phil at phil@sibleynaturecenter.org at (432) 684-6827. 

Binocular Maintenance

Did you know you could rent a pair of binoculars to use at Sibley at no charge?  A collection of binoculars is available through a grant from ECOLAB Foundation and we need help to care for them! This volunteer will inspect the binoculars for damage and clean lenses.

Program Supply Support

Support the Education Programs at Sibley Nature Center by first creating an inventory of supplies and then helping to maintain it monthly! In addition to maintaining supplies, you will have the opportunity to help the Sibley staff prepare for our monthly programs. This task includes cutting, gluing, some computer work, and other miscellaneous prep work. The schedule can be flexible.

Sibley Field Experience Docents (Training Required)

Volunteers(s) will be trained to provide guided Trail and Nature Center Tours for school groups visiting Sibley. These volunteers must be able to support weekday morning programs March-May to qualify for training. (Background checks are required for all volunteers working directly with minors.)

Library Support (Training Required)

Support Sibley’s non-lending library and enjoy a few good titles while you are at it! This volunteer will be trained in accessioning and cataloging new books using Library of Congress Dewey numbers, Book Cat, and Cutter software programs. The volunteer will also assist with re-shelving books, cleaning, and inventory.

Collections Support (Training Required)

Discover the hidden treasures of Sibley Nature Center while you assist the Museum Scientist in caring for the collections. With training and initial supervision, these volunteers will assist in specimen preparation, accessioning, and cataloging using Access software. Volunteers will also make documentation of hard copies in Registration Catalogs, generate photo documentation and condition reports, as well as monitor the collections.  In addition, each collection has specific needs.  We are seeking volunteers with great attention to detail and the ability and interest to conduct research!

  • Osteology: Cleaning and preparation of skeletal material; identifying and labeling specimens.
  • Vertebrates (Birds and Mammals): Previous experience in preparing museum skins extremely desirable; monitoring collection for insect damage, replacing fumigant; cataloging and tagging.
  • Invertebrates (Insects): Using dichotomous keys to identify specimens; use microscope; good eye-hand coordination in handling small, fragile specimens; pinning, labeling; phylogenetic organization.
  • Herbarium: Using dichotomous keys to identify specimens; use microscope; use plant press and specimen mounting paper; labeling.
  • Geology and Fossils: Cataloging, labeling.
  • Art and Photography: Cataloging, labeling.
  • Maps, Posters, Graphics: Cataloging, labeling.

Exhibits

Our exhibits are an important part of the visitor experience at Sibley! Join Sibley’s Museum Scientist in designing, installing, and de-installing exhibits as needed. You can also help by cleaning exhibit cases and taxidermy displays.

Wildlife Garden (Training Required)

The Wildlife Viewing Garden at Sibley is a great place to escape for a little inspiration and birdwatching. This volunteer will support the garden by feeding birds, cleaning feeders, cleaning windows, and assisting in garden/yard work. (Volunteers with allergies to bees are discouraged from participating in this area.)

Center Maintenance Support

Interested in helping Sibley put its best foot forward? You can assist us in window cleaning, dusting, sweeping, picking up litter, and other miscellaneous “housekeeping” work.

Campus Maintenance Support

Love working outside? Join our campus maintenance technician in maintaining a safe walking trail for our guests. These volunteers will assist with trail maintenance, cutback, trash pick-up, and invasive species control.

Administrative Support

Are you organized and office task-oriented? Give us a hand on the admin side! This is where volunteers will assist in filing, membership fulfillment, and mailings. Volunteers are needed during regular business hours Mon. – Fri.

Education Garden

There is an art to cultivating science! The garden is a unique place to learn and we are growing an eco-friendly environment to share with our native friends. Our focus is horticulture education but we enjoy birds, butterflies, turtles, and fish. Time in the garden is an opportunity to free your mind, gain perspective or spend time with others laughing out loud.  You are welcome to join us by contacting Lynn Mize at lynn@sibleynaturecenter.org or 432-247-5442.