Volunteer In Mercer Island Parks

Group of people planting trees in the forest

Nature lovers of all ages are invited to connect with the outdoors and have fun in the forest! At the Mercer Island Parks’ volunteer program participants join in restoration of the City's parks and natural areas. Volunteers can expect to remove weeds, spread mulch, repair trails, and plant native trees and shrubs. By volunteering you’re contributing to the City’s efforts to create resilient and healthy urban natural areas.

Check out the many ways to volunteer!

Volunteer Opportunities

Weekly Restoration Work Parties

Mercer Island Parks hosts weekly events in parks across the city. Events are held every other Saturday and alternating weekdays. Our Forest Stewards also host occasional weekend events. All events can be found on the City calendar.

Service Learning and Team Building

The Mercer Island Parks volunteer program works with private groups such as Boy and Girl Scout troops, school clubs, companies, and religious communities to create an event of up to 100 volunteers. Projects include all tools, logistical help, and on-site guidance needed to foster a great sense of team work, community, and care for our precious natural resources

Mercer Island Forest Stewards

Do you love the outdoors and want to learn about forest restoration? Consider becoming a Forest Steward at your local park or natural area. The Natural Resources staff provide volunteers with training, tools, and ongoing support. Training includes information about native plant identification, weedy plant identification and removal, native plant installation, and volunteer event coordination. Forest Stewards may work independently, making their own schedule, or lead volunteer events for friends and neighbors. Meet our current Forest Stewards here.

Photography Volunteers

Mercer Island Parks is looking for volunteer photographers. In this role you will take photos for promotional materials and marketing purposes. The volunteer program is specifically looking for photographers to capture various events, along with photos of plants and wildlife across the island. Photographers of all levels, from students to professionals, are accepted!

Volunteer Event Assistant

Event assistants help either the staff Volunteer Coordinator or Forest Stewards with day-of event tasks, including event set-up and break down, volunteer registration forms, taking photos during event, and leading volunteers in restoration tasks. Restoration tasks will include removing weeds, planting, spreading mulch and gravel, watering, and some trail work, among others.

Learn how you can connect with nature and create healthy forests!
Contact restoration@mercerisland.gov or (206) 275-7757