Volunteer in the Indiana Dunes Area

Volunteer opportunities across the Indiana Dunes area range from flexible drop-in options to ongoing roles with local parks, preserves, and organizations. Whether you're visiting for a day or looking to get involved more regularly, there are meaningful ways to help care for this special place.

Drop-in opportunities make it easy to get started — no advance sign-up required. Just stop by one of the locations below. Gear, instructions, and support are provided, so you can jump in and start helping right away. Whether you're a visitor or a local with a few free hours, your help is always welcome.

Volunteering at Coffee Creek

Drop-In Volunteer Opportunities

Looking for a flexible way to give back? Drop-in volunteer opportunities across the Indiana Dunes area make it easy to help care for parks, preserves, and natural spaces with no long-term commitment required.

Just stop by one of the locations listed below. Gear, instructions, and support are provided, so you can jump in and start helping right away. Whether you're visiting for the 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

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

Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities

Looking for a more regular way to get involved? These organizations offer ongoing volunteer opportunities throughout the Indiana Dunes area, from habitat restoration and trail work to education and visitor services.