Volunteer

Wild Ones Runs on People Like You. Wild Ones is a grassroots movement powered by volunteers. Join thousands of Wild Ones volunteers reaching hundreds of thousands of people each year through hands-on projects, community outreach, and educational events.From planting seeds to shaping national strategy, our work depends on members stepping up to take action.

Start Where You Live—Volunteer with Your Local Chapter

The native plant movement grows from the ground up—literally. Your local Wild Ones chapter is where the mission becomes action, and where your time and energy can have the greatest impact.

The most powerful way to support Wild Ones is by getting involved with your local chapter. Whether you’re helping at an event, managing social media, maintaining a demonstration garden, or serving on the board, your chapter is the place to plug in, get inspired, and make a difference.

Find a Chapter near you

Help Nationally – Volunteer from Anywhere

Wild Ones unites professionals, educators, and community members who value evidence‑based conservation. By contributing your expertise—whether in project management, communications, data analysis, or fieldwork—you strengthen our collective capacity to promote native landscapes through education, advocacy and collaborative action. 

National volunteer roles let you grow your impact from anywhere. Whether you’re supporting program development, reviewing grant applications, offering legal guidance, or helping moderate member communities, your voice helps shape a more sustainable future. 

become a member

(Required to access national opportunities)

National Volunteer Opportunities

*Please note that there may not be immediate openings in the areas listed at this particular time, but completing the volunteer form outlining your areas of interest ensures that when a position that fits your interests and skills does become available, we will know to reach out to you.

Volunteer Interest Form

Volunteer Interest Form

I am interested in the following volunteer opportunities
The Chapter Advisory Committee provides a forum for chapters to offer feedback on proposed Wild Ones policies, procedures and guidelines so that Wild Ones can learn from chapter experiences and better understand and respond to the impact that policy and procedural changes will have on chapters. The Committee is composed of current/former officers/board members (or selected member representatives) from chapters ranging in age, size and geographic reach.

The Finance Committee provides expertise in evaluating the budget, monitoring the organization’s financial activities, evaluating, and developing financial strategies that promote the organization’s maintenance and growth.

The Governance Committee supports the smooth functioning of the board of directors in accordance with the bylaws and requirements of Wild Ones 501(c)(3) status. This committee also ensures the board operates ethically and always in the best interest of the organization.

The Mission Committee looks at the organization as a whole and considers long-term development. The committee considers what Wild Ones was set up to do, where Wild Ones is now, determines where we want to get to, and maps out how to get there.

The Wild Lawyers Team is a group of volunteer legal advocates providing support to Wild Ones chapters and members across the country. These dedicated professionals help review contracts, interpret organizational policies, and provide guidance on advocacy and compliance issues that impact native landscaping efforts.

The Wild Lawyers are also an important resource for navigating local landscaping ordinances. From reviewing proposed city codes to advising members who’ve received a visit from the so-called “weed police,” their insights help protect and advance our mission.

Please note: While the Wild Lawyers provide guidance and support, they are not able to represent individuals or chapters in legal proceedings.

Seeds for Education Grant Application Reviewers independently read and score 25-30 digital Lorrie Otto Seeds for Education Grant Program applications from across the country.  The estimated time commitment to review applications is approximately. 15 hours (30 minutes per application) from late November to December. Judges are required to attend a training on the judging process in early November and be available via email to review the aggregated final results.

Be the voice of the native plant movement. Wild Ones is always looking for quality educational material for our Journal and Blog. You don’t have to be a professional writer and you don’t have to be a professional in the field of native plants and/or natural landscaping to have your work published in the Journal. We’re open to submissions from anyone who has something interesting to say on topics that relate to the Wild Ones mission and are of interest to our readers. All we ask is that you submit original material with no copyright restrictions, and that you present your material in a format we can use.

The Annual Photo Contest Committee  reviews the purpose and categories of the annual photo contest as well as assist in tasks including but not limited to native plant review of 600+ contest images as well as finding and managing judges. Work takes place virtually throughout the months July and August.

Native Plant Facebook Group Moderators engage in the private members-only Facebook group on a daily basis initiating and steering conversation, offering up advice and ensuring that members are following the community standards and rules.

Chapter Officer Facebook Group Moderators engage in the private Chapter Officer Facebook group on a daily basis initiating and steering conversation, offering up advice and ensuring that members are following the community standards and rules.

Do you have weekday daytime availability?
I serve(d) as a Wild Ones chapter leader/board member
This volunteer role is limited to individuals who currently serve or have served in the past in a Wild Ones chapter leadership role.
Are you available to attend virtual Chapter Advisory Committee meetings on the first Thursday of every month from 5:00-6:30 p.m. Central Time?
Are you available to attend virtual Finance Committee meetings on the third Thursday of every month from 5:00-6:30 p.m. Central Time?
Are you available to attend virtual Governance Committee meetings on the second Monday of every month from 5:00-6:00 p.m. Central Time?
Are you available to attend virtual Mission Committee meetings on the first Monday of every month from 5:00-6:00 p.m. Central Time?
Are you available to attend virtual Wild Lawyer Team meetings on the first Thursday each month from 4:00-5:00 p.m. Central Time?
Are you available to attend virtual monthly Seeds for Education Grant Program meetings?
Are you available to attend virtual monthly Photo Contest Committee meetings?
Do you have a personal Facebook account that you are able to access on a daily to weekly basis?

National Board of Directors

Are you ready to help shape the future of the native plant movement? Serving on the Wild Ones National Board of Directors is a unique opportunity to guide the direction of a growing, grassroots nonprofit that’s restoring landscapes and transforming communities across the country.

Board members bring their talents, time, and perspective to advance our mission—promoting native plants through education, advocacy, and collaborative action.

We’re especially seeking individuals with skills in nonprofit governance, organizational finance, fundraising, advocacy, program evaluation, and strategic planning. If you care deeply about our mission and want to use your leadership skills to make a meaningful environmental impact, we encourage you to consider applying.

Board service is open to Wild Ones members who are in good standing.

Learn More