Volunteer Drop-In Program

Be the Change — Volunteer! Get more involved with the Indiana Dunes!

There are many no-hassle, drop-in volunteer opportunities available for everyone. Just show up! The organization provides the gear and training.

Choose From One of These Great Programs:

In the Field

National Park Volunteer Office
618 N. Mineral Springs Rd., Porter, IN
Every 3rd Saturday of the month, 9am-noon

Meadowbrook Nature Preserve
109 W 700 N, Valparaiso, IN
The 3rd Monday of the month

Join us as we tackle a variety of projects including restoring habitats, identifying and removing invasive plants, and enhancing the shared spaces in and around the Indiana Dunes. Be prepared to work outside.

With Your Pet

Where:
Paul H. Douglas Center
100 N. Lake St., Gary, IN

Where:
Indiana Dunes Visitor Center
1215 N. State Road 49, Porter, IN 46304

When:
Every day from 9am–4pm

Volunteers and their canine companions can become BARK Ambassadors, informing the public on how to properly enjoy the park with their pets. Drop by the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center or the Paul H. Douglas Center to get your pet enrolled as a BARK Ranger and start the today.

Paul H. Douglas Center

Trash Trekkers

Where:
Indiana Dunes Visitor Center
1215 N. State Rd. 49, Porter, IN

Indiana Dunes State Park Nature Center
1600 N. 25 East, Chesterton, IN

When:
Every day from 9am–4pm

Help restore the park to its natural state through our “Trash Trekkers” program! Grab a friend, check-in at the Visitor Center, and pick a place in the park to clean up.

More Volunteer Opportunities

Looking for other volunteer opportunities? Click one of the options below to learn more about other organizations making a difference in the Indiana Dunes area.

Indiana Dunes Tourism

Indiana Dunes Tourism is the official destination marketing organization for the Indiana Dunes area. They promote the Indiana Dunes and the great communities throughout Porter County to potential visitors, as well as encouraging local residents to take advantage of all this area has to offer.

Learn more

National Park Service

Indiana Dunes’ volunteer program offers a variety of volunteering opportunities for individuals and groups of all ages and abilities to serve alongside park employees. Most of their positions do not require a formal application. Simply contact them, and they will find your place in the park.

Learn More

Department of Natural Resources

Encompassing the Indiana Dunes State Park, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources protects, enhances, preserves, and wisely uses natural, cultural, and recreational resources for the benefit of Indiana’s citizens through professional leadership, management, and education.

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The Nature Conservancy

The main organization behind the Efroymson Restoration at Kankakee Sands, The Nature Conservancy has grown to become one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. They impact conservation in 72 countries and territories: 38 by direct conservation impact and 34 through partners.

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Shirley Heinze Land Trust

Shirley Heinze Land Trust has protected more than 2,600 acres across six counties in northwestern Indiana, from endangered dune and swale in Lake County to the kettle lakes of St. Joseph County. Whether you’re interested in helping them remove invasive species, leading hikes, or assisting in fundraising activities, they would love your help!

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Porter County Parks & Recreation

Porter County Park preserves, protects, and manages the natural, cultural, and recreational resources within its diverse park system. They deliver youth, adult, and school programs to all residents of Porter County, while also providing a gateway into the natural beauty of the area.

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Friends of Indiana Dunes

The Indiana Dunes are priceless natural resources in the midst of the heartland’s largest metropolitan area. The Friends of Indiana Dunes sponsor invaluable educational and recreational opportunities at the Indiana Dunes National Park, the Indiana Dunes State Park, and the Dunes Learning Center.

Learn More

For More Outdoor Adventures

Shaped by nature, made for adventure. In the Indiana Dunes, it’s all about fun times and tan lines—from nine Lake Michigan beaches. It’s 15 beautiful miles of award-winning shoreline on top of a biodiverse collection of woodland wilderness, county, state, and national parks, bike trails, and three of the world’s biggest sand dunes. So get out there and get to know outdoor adventure the Indiana Dunes way: by foot, paddle, and pedal.

Outdoor Adventures

Bicycling

Some things stick with us forever, just like riding a bike. Unforgettable vacation memories spent cruising miles of paved trail, off-road adventures, and rails to trails journeys are just to name a few.

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Birding

We’ve been described as “for the birds,” and no, that isn’t an insult. The Indiana Dunes is a birders paradise. After all, where else can you see more than 350 native and migratory bird species in one place?

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Fishing

Fishing season? Try fishing seasons. With this many inland lakes, creeks, miles of shoreline, and deep waters, we’re hooked on the sport all year round.

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Hiking

Need a reason to get outside? We’ve got 15,000 of ‘em. That’s 15,000 acres of unspoiled wilderness to walk, climb, and hike through along old-growth forest floors, centuries-old paths, and starkly beautiful wetlands.

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Paddling

Our recipe for the perfect day? Just add water. Luckily, around here there’s no shortage of lakes, creeks, and waterways to satisfy your inner aquaphile. Take it from us, it’s the best way to get to know the area.

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Wandering

Take the time to wander and let your senses take in the sights, sounds, and smells of the Indiana Dunes. Explore gardens, parks, and other natural areas with serene settings.

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