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Volunteer

Siberian Crane calling
Calling all Craniacs – You can help support our mission by volunteering!

You can help conserve cranes and the ecosystems, watersheds and flyways on which they depend by volunteering!

As a volunteer, you’ll develop new skills, meet new friends, have unparalleled opportunities to work with endangered species and earn the satisfaction of helping one of the world’s most threatened families of birds.

Volunteer Application

Click here to fill out our Volunteer Application. Our staff will review your application and contact you to discuss which opportunities at the International Crane Foundation best fit your experience and interests.

Currently, we can only accept volunteers in the United States, specifically in Wisconsin, Indiana, Alabama, Texas and Louisiana. Thank you for your understanding!

Questions? Please contact Quinn Brownell, Interpretive Programs Coordinator, at 608-356-9462 ext. 108.

Volunteer Benefits

To show our appreciation for our amazing volunteers, we offer the following benefits:

  • Invitations to special learning opportunities, behind-the-scenes events and social gatherings.
  • A free, one-year International Crane Foundation membership, which includes our newsletter, The Bugle, and a staff discount on all gift shop purchases.
  • The opportunity to work side-by-side with leading conservation professionals and international scientists.

Volunteer Naturalists

For over 50 years, our volunteer naturalists have helped to share the story of the world’s 15 crane species and the International Crane Foundation’s unique conservation strategies with over 20,000 annual visitors to our headquarters in Baraboo, Wisconsin. We achieve this goal by interpreting our crane displays, exhibits and restored ecosystems. Although diverse in their backgrounds, our volunteers all have a common appreciation for conservation and a desire to share their knowledge with others. The Volunteer Naturalist program helps increase support for our global conservation efforts and creates a more environmentally conscious and responsible public community.

Who Should Apply: Volunteer naturalists should enjoy working with diverse audiences, have a passion for teaching and learning from others, and be comfortable with public speaking.

Training Requirements: Volunteer naturalists must complete formal training offered by the International Crane Foundation each spring or an equivalent session. During this training, you will meet other Volunteer Naturalists, share your knowledge and expertise, and learn program specifics. Scheduled training sessions will cover:

  • Interpretative program development,
  • Crane ecology, behavior and identification,
  • International Crane Foundation mission, policies and conservation work.

Volunteer Naturalists must also attend additional mentoring sessions, through which volunteers are evaluated and observed leading interpretive tours and programs. Individual study is also required.

Time Commitment: Volunteer Naturalists lead interpretive tours from May until October 31. Volunteer Naturalists must lead at least a couple of tours and/or volunteer the equivalent time (four to eight hours) assisting as an exhibit docent or helping with special events and other activities.

Additional Requirements: Individuals must be able to lead groups through the International Crane Foundation’s exhibits in various weather conditions. Our interpretive tours typically cover three-quarters of a mile. Excellent oral English communication skills are necessary, although additional languages are a plus. The ability to use a two-way radio is essential. Volunteer Naturalists are also required to pass a criminal background check.

North America Program – Field Ecology Volunteers

Field Ecology Volunteers help to sow and collect the seeds of our restored prairie, keep invasive plant species under control, count and track cranes, and assist with seasonal prescribed prairie burns at our headquarters in Baraboo, Wisconsin.

Who Should Apply: Field Ecology Volunteers should enjoy working outdoors and be passionate about teaching and learning from others.

Training Requirements: Volunteers must complete formal training offered by the International Crane Foundation each spring or equivalent sessions. During this training, you will meet staff members, share your knowledge and expertise, and learn program specifics. Scheduled training sessions include:

  • Prairie plant species identification,
  • Fire ecology and safety management,
  • Crane ecology, behavior and identification,
  • International Crane Foundation’s mission, policies and conservation work.

Time Commitment: Field Ecology Volunteers typically assist with specific projects in the spring and fall, though some summer opportunities may be available based on current project needs. The average commitment is a few days a month, though it can vary.

Additional Requirements: Individuals must be able to work outdoors over uneven terrain in various weather conditions. Excellent oral English communication skills are necessary.

North America Program – Outreach Volunteers

Our Outreach Volunteers assist with bringing the International Crane Foundation and our work to those who have not or cannot visit our site! Audiences may range from those at environmental conferences to school groups, community events and anything in between. States where we currently do outreach are:

  • Wisconsin
  • Alabama
  • Indiana
  • Louisiana
  • Texas

Who Should Apply: Outreach Volunteers should enjoy working with diverse audiences, have a passion for environmental education and be comfortable with public speaking. They also must be able to travel to and from events and be around large crowds.

Training Requirements: Volunteers will be paired with a staff member for their first few outreach events to learn how to answer common questions and represent the Foundation. Individual study and education about the International Crane Foundation and cranes are also required.

Time Commitment: Varies seasonally by state. The average time commitment is a few days a month.

Additional Requirements: Excellent oral English communication skills are necessary, though other languages are a plus. Must be able to stand or sit at a booth for several hours at a time.

Crane Conservation Department – Husbandry Volunteers

Our Crane Conservation Department is responsible for the health and wellness of our 100+ resident crane flock.

Who Should Apply: Crane Conservation Volunteers should have a passion for birds and be able to do a physically demanding job. Must be able to walk and stand for long periods on uneven terrain and lift up to 25 lbs. Should enjoy working outdoors in all types of weather conditions.

Training Requirements: Volunteers will be paired with a staff member the first month they volunteer to learn the requirements and become familiar with the birds, tasks, equipment, etc. Only when the volunteer and staff are comfortable will the volunteer work independently.

Time Commitment: Crane Conservation Volunteers assist with crane upkeep all year long. Volunteers must volunteer one morning weekly, typically for three to four hours. Strong preference for weekdays as opposed to weekends.

Additional Requirements: Excellent oral English communication skills are necessary, as is the ability to use a two-way radio.

Other Opportunities

Do you have a particular skill or talent you would like to share with us? Let us know, and we will work to match it to our varied needs.

What Volunteers Are Saying

“Volunteering at the International Crane Foundation has supplemented my existing interest in, and love of, nature and its preservation. It has also provided me with wonderful opportunities to share this understanding and love with a multitude of people of various ages and from far-flung parts of the world. It is a joy to be part of the International Crane Foundation family.” – Volunteer Naturalist

“The birds and staff at the International Crane Foundation really get into your blood – once you start you are “hooked.” After volunteering for many years, I am still constantly learning new things.” – Crane Conservation Volunteer

“Volunteering for the International Crane Foundation turned our retirement from ordinary to extraordinary…our prairie landscaping is a result of our volunteering – to enjoy every day of our lives.” – North America Program Volunteers