Spring 2020 Message to Volunteers from Aretha Alexander, Interim Volunteer Unit Supervisor:



"I don't need to elaborate on the events of our region. We are all experiencing hour-by-hour changes to the way we work, operate, manage and support. As managers of volunteers at Seattle Parks and Recreation, we are not only thinking about ourselves, but about the safety and well-being of you, our volunteers. Obviously our normal way of working will have to change, as will our plans for the coming months. As we all adjust to new work protocols, and mandates, safety is the focus. We are cancelling all volunteer events but realize that Parks and Open spaces provide comfort in times of stress. We ask they you use proper precautions when visiting the Parks and Open Spaces."

Help us build and maintain our forest lands, improve our shorelines, keep our parks healthy and join rewarding projects that give back to your community!

To register, please watch this video:

Become a SUNGuide!

Seattle Urban Nature Guides enhance, promote and foster appreciation of nature by connecting families and students with their Seattle parklands, and providing educational opportunities for all.



As a SUNGuide, you will:



Develop Job Skills such as public speaking, education techniques and group engagement.

such as public speaking, education techniques and group engagement. Enjoy a community of fellow volunteers and city staff.

a community of fellow volunteers and city staff. Receive FREE Training on Pacific Northwest flora and fauna, habitats and environmental education techniques to connect with a wide variety of audiences and cultural awareness.

on Pacific Northwest flora and fauna, habitats and environmental education techniques to connect with a wide variety of audiences and cultural awareness. Lead hands on learning experiences in a variety of settings from playgrounds to beaches.

Review the position description and training schedule on this page and apply online!

Volunteer Park Inspection - New Opportunity

The Department of Parks and Recreation is announcing its new Park Volunteer Inspection program. The Parks Inspection Volunteer program invites community members to assist Seattle Parks and Recreation in regularly surveying our parks in a systematic and transparent way. Park Inspection Volunteers will be working with our parks resources staff to be trained in park inspection, and carryout out inspections of our city's parks.

Build a Forest

As open land shrinks and population grows, pressures on our urban forests has increased. With positive intervention we can overturn this trend. Removing invasive vegetation that smother native trees and shrubs and planting native plants will sustain forests for future generations.

Jackson Park Trail - Eagle Scout or group: Come make your mark: transform a wedge of woodland! Lead a restoration work party &bring your group; rescue ivy choked trees, clear blackberries for starters. We will supply direction, tools & best management practices (BMP's) for your project. Contact: Elly Hale 206 679 0935 info@jacksonparktrail.org

Kingfisher Natural on Thornton Creek (Park #2) - Build a forest volunteer work party! We will supply direction, material's list and help you to be successful. You will pick the project and lead the event day! Contact Rick Swing, Forest Steward at 206-250-8910 or therickrc@hotmail.com

Trails Project Manager - Camp Long Environmental Learning Center is looking for a volunteer to lead the volunteer effort to complete an improvement and maintenance plan for the 2 miles of trails in the forest of Camp Long, bringing together the needed volunteers, materials, technical knowledge, and other resources to make on-the-ground improvements a reality. Part of the work of the Project Manger would be to recruit groups and individuals to volunteer to build and maintain the trails. Click here for more details on the position. Contact Camp.long@seattle.gov or complete the online application if you are interested in volunteering.

Your Neighborhood parks

We have 400 neighborhood parks! Bring your neighbors together and have fun supporting one of our featured park projects. Park enhancements include weeding shrub beds, mulching trees, ball field support, play area maintenance and invasive removal of "bully weeds." Watch this space for announcements about future projects you can help with!

Recreation Opportunities

We have 26 Community Centers, Citywide Athletics, LGBTQ programs, Middle School and Elementary Community Learning Centers, Teen Program, Special Events and More - Look to see what's open

Environmental Education

Share your passion for nature, our urban environment, provide hands on learning experiences and share your knowledge with others. See what opportunities are open now.

Small Group and Scout Projects

Small Group and Eagle Scout Projects support park initiatives and infrastructure. You will make a big difference to Seattle's Parks and Green Spaces. The project list shows the parks projects our staff have requested, many of which require planning and fundraising. If you are a Scout, please review the projects below and the Volunteer Behavior Expectations document.

Court Ordered Community Service

You can fulfill your court ordered community service by attending events on the volunteer calendar. Bring the letter from the court to use as a sign-in sheet for each event and obtain a site lead signature. If you don't have the letter you can download an individual sign-in sheet for the site lead to sign as proof of volunteer hours. Please note that Seattle Parks and Recreation does not write completion letters to local courts.