Volunteer Drop-In Program in the Indiana Dunes Area

Be the Change — Just Show Up and Lend a Hand!

Want to give back to the Indiana Dunes National Park, State Park, and other local parks and preserves, but aren't sure you have time to commit to a long-term volunteer role? Our Drop-In Volunteer Program is the perfect way to make a difference—on your own schedule.

There's no need to sign up weeks in advance, fill out applications, or commit to a series of dates. Just stop by one of the locations listed below, and the gear, instructions, and support you need to get started will be provided! Whether you're visiting here for a day or a local with a few free hours, your help is welcome!

How It Works

No registration required
All ages welcome (some programs may have age guidelines)
All supplies provided
Come once or come often. Every bit helps!

Drop-In Volunteer Opportunities:

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 clean up the park and protect natural habitats through our “Trash Trekkers” program! Grab a friend, check in at the Visitor Center, and pick a place in the park to clean up.

Visitor Center

Nature Center

Bark Ranger Program

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

Volunteer with your pup! Volunteers and their canine companions can become BARK Ambassadors and help educate visitors about responsible pet behavior in the Indiana Dunes. Drop by to get your pet enrolled and start today.

Paul H. Douglas Center

A dog with a park ranger hat sits in front of a park ranger

In the Field Volunteering

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

Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest
450 W. 100 N., Valparaiso, IN
Second Saturday of every month

Meadowbrook Nature Preserve
109 W 700 N, Valparaiso, IN

Join habitat restoration projects and community workdays—no experience needed.

Park Connection Office

Gabis Arboretum

Meadowbrook Nature Preserve

More Volunteer Opportunities

Looking for group volunteer days or long-term 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…

Shirley Heinze Land Trust

Shirley Heinze Land Trust has protected more than 2,600 acres across six counties in northwestern Indiana, from…

National Park Service

Indiana Dunes’ volunteer program offers a variety of volunteering opportunities for individuals and groups of all…

Department of Natural Resources

Encompassing the Indiana Dunes State Park, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources protects, enhances…

The Nature Conservancy

The main organization behind the Efroymson Restoration at Kankakee Sands, The Nature Conservancy has grown to become…

Porter County Parks & Recreation

Porter County Park preserves, protects, and manages the natural, cultural, and recreational resources within its…

Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest

Gabis Arboretum at Purdue Northwest serves as a living laboratory for education, research, conservation, and…

Friends of Indiana Dunes

The Indiana Dunes are priceless natural resources in the midst of the heartland’s largest metropolitan area. The…

Love & Protect the Indiana Dunes

Meet Ranger Jim, and get a “comical glimpse” into the life of an Indiana Dunes Volunteer.

How to Love & Protect the Dunes During Your Visit

We love our outdoor spaces and many are fragile habitats that need to be protected! Learn how to visit the Indiana Dunes sustainably with these eco-friendly travel tips.

Three people stand in front of a green and brown building. The woman has her hands raised in excitement. She is holding a black trash bag.

How to Become a Trash Trekker

There are no applications to fill out and you don’t even need to RSVP… all you have to do is show up! How’s that for easy volunteering?!

One Man's Outdoor Adventures

Hike, bike, paddle, bird, and fish at the Indiana Dunes! Local adventurer Paul Osborn can show you some of the many adventures just waiting to be discovered.

A white dog sits next to its owner on a log in the sand.

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Why Volunteer?

Volunteering is a great way to:

Connect with nature and the community
Help protect delicate ecosystems
Get some fresh air and exercise
Support your favorite parks